Forum on Diversity and Inclusion

This Diversity Conference program began in 2018 and annually brings together lawyers and legal professionals in a day-long discussion about diversity and its impact on the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program is free for all VSB members and offers CLE credit. Topics have included: what is implicit bias and how it affects the decision-making process, best business practices, how diversity and inclusion can be a business asset, and more.

The forum usually takes place in the fall. Keep an eye on the conference's calendar for future ones.

Diversity Conference Statement on Disability Pride Month

Posted on 9/10/2021
Those with disabilities have recently observed Disability Pride month in July. On July 26, 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act became law.

Time to Talk Town Hall: Qualified Immunity of No Notice to Suspect

Posted on 9/10/2021
Attorney Christopher Brown discusses how qualified immunity works if an officer does not announce his/her presence before the suspect.

The Second Annual Forum on Diversity Builds on Success to Engage the Bar

Posted on 11/22/2019
The Annual Forum sold out three weeks before the event. Over 120 people attended the event at William and Mary Law School.

The First Panel: Implicit Bias and its Effect on Lawyers

Posted on 11/22/2019
While often completely unintentional, this implicit bias can seriously affect the quality of justice. A panel at the Forum explored the concept of implicit bias and its impact on the legal profession.

The Third Panel: Keeping the Pipeline Flowing and Employment Best Practices

Posted on 11/22/2019
Both attorneys and employers need to actively participate in improving diversity in the legal profession. A panel discussed how minority attorneys can advance personal success, positively impact law, and improve the administration of justice.

The Fourth Panel: How Many Sexes can Stand Under Title VII’s Umbrella

Posted on 11/22/2019
The United States Supreme Court just heard arguments in three employment cases next session: Bostock v. Clayton County, Zarda v. Altitude Express Inc., and EEOC v. R.G. & G.R.

The Second Panel

Posted on 11/22/2019
The differing abilities and needs of our citizenry now significantly affect a lawyer’s professional and ethical obligations in communicating with and representing clients, interactions with the court and juries, litigation, and public service.

Employment Best Practices: Improving Diversity in the Legal Profession Through Hiring and Retention

Posted on 5/6/2019
Session Four of the Forum had a top quality panel focusing on employment issues in the legal profession. From hiring to retention and firm life, the panel outlined issues attorneys face and busted some myths.

Understanding Diversity

Posted on 5/6/2019
The first panel at the forum examined the changing demographics of Virginia and how attorneys need to adapt their practices to meet clients’ needs.

Diversity Equals Patriotism: A Passionate, Engaging Panel Ends the Forum

Posted on 5/6/2019
The panelists expressed their concerns with how the flag and patriotic symbols can be used to promote individuals, products, or causes — as opposed to the country.

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