Vol. 73, No. 11, November 2000

Enhance public understanding of the administration of justice

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2000 Annual Report 1. Increase and diversify participation in Bar activities. 2. Increase public understanding of citizens' legal rights and responsibilities. 3. Enhance public understanding of the administration of justice. 4. Improve access to justice. 5. Improve member education that is responsive to changing member needs. 6. Improve member service that is responsive to changing member needs. 7. Use technology to improve education, communication, member services, cost-effective access to legal resources, and effective management. 8. Evaluate and improve our own governance and administration to best effectuate our mission. 9. Advocate for the integrity and effectiveness of the legal profession. 10. Support and promote attorneys as problem solvers.

The commitment from the State Bar's incoming presidents, Gary Bakke and Gerald Mowris, to increase Bar involvement - especially among minorities - is a good sign of the progress to come. Here is a summary of what was done this past year.

The need for diversity. "Change is inevitable; growth is optional," warned Dr. Samuel Betances, keynote speaker at the Bench & Bar Conference's plenary session at the midwinter convention, sponsored by the State Bar Diversity Outreach Committee. Betances addressed the need for diversity initiatives to respond to the ever-changing face of today's workplace. During the panel discussion, bench and bar leaders discussed how the State Bar can best achieve its diversity goals. One participant noted that while more women and minorities are entering the legal profession, they have yet to become involved in Bar leadership in any significant way. President-elect Gary Bakke wants to see this change.

Furthering the cause of diversity and rekindling lawyers' passion for justice. Morris Dees, acclaimed civil rights crusader and Southern Poverty Law Center cofounder, was the featured speaker at the annual convention. "There are tyrants today [who] we can use our legal skills to deal with," says Dees. Whether it's ensuring equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, or age, or protecting consumers from dangerous products, "lawyers hold the keys to the gates of justice."

Opening doors for minority and women lawyers. The State Bar Diversity Outreach Committee, active since 1996 in encouraging the retention of women and minorities as corporate counsel, held its annual conference in Milwaukee. Corporate counsel and service providers offered practical suggestions for attorneys seeking corporate counsel positions.

Keynote speaker Hon. Charles Clevert discussed the changing demographics of the U.S., saying, "Business will need to understand other cultures and respect diversity in order to stay competitive. More and more, companies are gearing advertising to minorities, and it will become increasingly difficult not to employ minorities. All of this underscores the purpose of this program - opening doors and breaking down barriers."

Expanding law students' and firms' horizons. The Minority Clerkship Program placed 19 first-year law students in 17 law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies during FY00. Sponsored by the State Bar Committee to Encourage the Placement of Minority Lawyers, the program has given about 100 students practical exposure to legal environments that traditionally have been closed to minorities, while enabling employers to promote diversity in their organizations.

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