REM: Continuing to ensure that diversity is at the forefront of the ISBA

It has been an honor to serve as ISBA’s The Standing Committee on Racial & Ethnic Minorities & the Law (“REM”) chair during the 2018-2019 bar year. As we reach the halfway mark, I am pleased to state that REM continues to be at the forefront of discussing issues that affect ethnic and minority attorneys, as well as ethnic and minority communities in general. REM continues to ensure that it brings ISBA members forward-thinking diversity programs that will have a positive impact on ALL attorneys’ practices. Every attorney, no matter their background, benefits from diversity programming. This fact is further emphasized by the Illinois Supreme Court’s new CLE rule that requires all attorneys to take one CLE hour of diversity and inclusion programming. Diversity programming is not only recommended, but it is now required. REM will continue to present programs that will help attorneys meet this requirement and give attorneys information that will have a lasting effect on their practice. The ISBA fully supports REM’s efforts to ensure that diversity programs are given a platform to reach a broad audience.

At ISBA’s Midyear Meeting, REM presented a complimentary CLE entitled The Judge: A Documentary Look at Shari’a Law and a Discussion on How It Intersects with U.S. Law. First, attendees watched the documentary The Judge, which examined the story of Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih, who made history when she became the Middle East’s first woman Shari’a law judge. Second, we listened to an insightful interview of Erica Cohn, the Director of the film.  Finally, attendees learned about how Shari’a law impacts the American legal system and diversity and inclusion issues. Attendees received 2.0 hours MCLE credit for this thought-provoking program, including 1.0 credit for diversity and inclusion. Not only did this program examine an insightful subject matter, but it also allowed REM to do outreach with other bar associations and ISBA committees. This program was followed by the ISBA Diversity Legal Council’s annual “Count Me In” complimentary networking reception, which brings attorneys together to celebrate diversity within the profession.

REM thanks Standing Committee Member Yolaine Dauphin for coordinating this amazing CLE.  Furthermore, we would like to thank the following for their financial contribution which made this program possible: ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago Inc., Jewish Judges Association of Illinois, Illinois Association of Administrative Law Judges, Patricia Jackowiak, Sonni Williams, Kenya Jenkins-Wright, and Ava George Stewart. Likewise, we would like to thank the following bar associations and ISBA committees for supporting this program: ISBA Administrative Law Section, ISBA Standing Committee on Disability Law, ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law, ISBA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section, ISBA Diversity Leadership Council, Arab American Bar Association of Illinois, Cook County Bar Association, Haitian American Lawyers Association, Muslim Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago.

However, REM’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the profession will not stop at Midyear.  REM is proudly working on bringing additional phenomenal programs to the ISBA.  In spring 2019, REM will present a live CLE program on bail reform in Illinois.  This CLE will bring together prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys, not-for-profit attorneys, and judges for an in-depth discussion on the impact on bail setting and pre-trial detention on communities in Illinois, and how it disproportionately impacts certain communities. Plans are also in process for a post-program reception.  Next, REM is preparing a Spring 2019 CLE that continues the discussion on implicit bias in the legal profession.  Specifically, REM hopes to have a CLE webcast program which examines the impact of implicit bias on jury selection and jury instructions.  Finally, REM is planning a webcast on “no-poach” and wage-fixing agreements, and how such agreements primarily impacts part-time (low wage) minority workers.  

REM would like to thank our CLE Coordinator Sharon Eiseman for all her great efforts to ensure that REM continues to present forward-thinking and relevant programs to the legal community.   Please continue to check your email and the ISBA website for upcoming REM programs.  Please support REM’s efforts to promote diversity programs during the second half of the bar year.