Message from the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee

The ALA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee serves as resource for the advancement and expansion of underrepresented groups in legal practice environments. The Committee supports the organization’s members and legal industry stakeholders by providing tools that assist with leading and increasing diversity and inclusion awareness in the Association, in the legal management community and in all legal service organizations.

We recognize the legal industry as one of the least diverse professions in the United States. Through education and advocacy work, the Committee looks forward to providing members of the Association and the legal community with tools and knowledge that will empower them to make tangible changes — changes that will remove barriers for underrepresented members; changes that will help to create an inclusive and safe space for all; changes that will allow all members of our community to have a seat at the table and a voice that is heard and validated. The DEIA Committee is here to serve and to be resource and to support you and your communities in creating positive changes for all. 

In the coming year, we look forward to partnering with you to embrace and advance DEIA in our Association and the legal industry. May we always remember that we are a lot more alike than we are different and allow this to be our guide as we work to build a more diverse and inclusive legal community.

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.