2023 ‘Profile of the Legal Profession’ report spotlights the scarcity of legal aid lawyers

The ABA released its annual Profile of the Legal Profession report Thursday, and it offers a sobering look at the dearth of civil legal aid lawyers in the U.S.

Nov 30, 2023 3:22 PM CST

ABA’s Equity Summit shines light on DEI issues in legal profession

The ABA is once again hosting a fully virtual conference to educate lawyers, judges, law students and other legal professionals on crucial diversity, equity and inclusion issues and facilitate robust dialogue about how to address these issues.

Oct 17, 2023 8:34 AM CDT

For some parties in LGBTQ landmark cases, June 26 is a special day

Before Roberta Kaplan read the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court opinion that struck down a law banning federal benefits to same-sex married couples, she knew that her client Edie Windsor had won because the majority was written by then-Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had authored earlier opinions supporting same-sex rights. And there was a dissent from then-Justice Antonin Scalia, who had a history of voting against same-sex rights.

Jun 26, 2023 8:44 AM CDT

Attorney for Lawrence v. Texas reflects on LGBTQ rights on 20th anniversary

Winning a 2003 landmark U.S. Supreme Court case expanded a gay lawyer’s Supreme Court practice, he says, and looking back, it’s his favorite case.

Jun 26, 2023 8:42 AM CDT

LGBTQ rights should be protected with ‘proactive policymaking,’ ABA entity leaders urge

Nearly a decade ago, one of Bobbi Bittker’s three kids came out as transgender. While she and her family were supportive, she quickly understood other LGBTQ kids were rejected by their families or denied access to vital medical and legal resources. That deeply bothered Bittker, an attorney who has long been passionate about civil rights.

Jun 20, 2023 8:48 AM CDT

Weekly Briefs: Bar group that ditched drag trivia event criticized; Black law schools guide drops overall rankings

Social justice group criticizes bar drag event cancellation

The nonprofit Southern Coalition for Social Justice is forwarding a letter with more than 100 signatures to a bar group that canceled…

Jun 9, 2023 3:04 PM CDT

Leaders of Lewis Brisbois rebellion sent emails with ‘unacceptable, prejudiced language,’ law firm says

Updated: Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith appears to be fighting back after two lawyers left last month to form a law firm. Lewis Brisbois has released emails with “wildly offensive and demeaning language” exchanged by the former partners.

Jun 5, 2023 11:43 AM CDT

Grit and growth mindset boosts work of teams, new ABA report finds

Can teams operate in a gritty and growth mindset-oriented way, and if so, does that make them more successful?

Apr 24, 2023 4:07 PM CDT

Florida plastic surgeon accused of killing lawyer who disappeared after going to restroom

A Florida plastic surgeon who filed a lawsuit over alleged medical billing errors by his former employer has been charged with murdering a lawyer representing the defendants.

Mar 27, 2023 10:32 AM CDT

High rates of burnout have lawyers in this state considering leaving their jobs or the legal profession

More than three-fourths of Massachusetts lawyers are experiencing burnout, and almost half have thought about leaving their legal employer or the legal profession for that reason or because of stress in the last three years.

Feb 2, 2023 12:07 PM CST

How to track and empower diversity and inclusion initiatives in the legal profession

Ari Kaplan recently spoke with Caren Ulrich Stacy, the founder and CEO of the Diversity Lab, a think tank that uses metrics, behavioral science and design thinking to produce initiatives that cultivate diversity and inclusion in legal organizations.

Jan 18, 2023 10:56 AM CST

Diversity increases among associates, but ‘we are nowhere near’ expected progress at partner level, NALP president says

Lawyers of color continue to make gains in the associate ranks at major U.S. law firms, but their progress at the partnership level “has moved at a more sluggish pace,” according to a report released Thursday by the National Association for Law Placement.

Jan 12, 2023 11:29 AM CST

Slow Going: Despite diversity gains, some law firm leaders bemoan lack of progress

A series of recent studies have revealed the lack of diversity in law firm partnerships—even after the May 2020 murder of George Floyd spurred the profession to respond to calls for racial justice by launching in-house diversity programs and hiring more chief diversity officers.

Dec 1, 2022 3:00 AM CST

During ABA Giving Day, members can support efforts advocating for democracy, equity and justice

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ABA’s members, volunteers and donors have answered the call to help increase legal services and transform the justice system. The FJE hopes to build on that momentum with the 2022 ABA Giving Day.

Oct 18, 2022 11:10 AM CDT

Responses wanted: Motherhood penalty and caregiver bias will be evaluated in new ABA survey

The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession is launching a new survey to assess how the motherhood penalty and other caregiver bias impacts the careers of female lawyers.

Sep 8, 2022 2:00 PM CDT