Pledging Diversity

The San Diego County Bar Association has launched its 2021 Diversity Pledge to increase the number of diverse attorneys in management and leadership positions in legal organizations in the region.
Those who sign the pledge are asked by the SDCBA to complete an annual survey describing progress in several areas, including:
Hiring and retention of entry-level and lateral attorneys who substantially represent the diverse population of the region.
Promotion and leadership of underrepresented attorneys into management, supervisory, executive, leadership, and similar senior positions.
Engagement of diverse outside counsel.
Participation in legal community diversity and inclusion events, volunteer initiatives, and diversity pathway programs organized by SDCBA, affinity bar groups, and other law organizations.
Since its launch in March, 40 firms, government agencies, and legal organizations have signed the pledge, including the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office.
“For San Diego’s diverse community to trust our legal system, they must see that diversity represented at the management and leadership levels of local organizations,” said SDCBA President Renee N.G. Stackhouse.
Established in 1899, the San Diego County Bar Association is the region’s largest law-related organization.
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In response to COVID-19, area organization leaders and small business owners have been invited to participate in an eight-week learning and discussion series to learn how to promote compassion, empathy and support in the workplace. In partnership with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and Live Well San Diego, the series is part of RISE San Diego’s Nonprofit and Small Business Trainings.
Small businesses and organizations were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, which according to RISE, shed light on how these entities can not only provide better support to their employees, but also how they can receive better support from community leaders.
RISE San Diego states that its mission is to “build neighborhoods-first agendas with urban residents and community-based organizations.” More information is available at: www.risesandiego.org.
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The San Diego Business Journal is presenting its Healthcare Heroes Awards 2021 along with a panel discussion providing insights into best practices and available mental health resources in San Diego on Thursday, May 27 at 2 p.m. Registrations are still open for the virtual event at www.sdbj.com/bizevents/.