Our Commitment To Diversity

New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

The New Jersey State Bar Association is committed to promoting and fostering a diverse and inclusive bar association. The Association recognizes that the broad concept of diversity includes race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age and disability. The NJSBA fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that gives value to the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of the Association. The NJSBA further recognizes that:

• Increased diversity and inclusion efforts benefit not only the NJSBA, but also the entire legal profession and the greater community;
• Bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together creates opportunities for all;
• Inclusive efforts must be supported by all Sections/Divisions/Committees of the NJSBA through continuous and heartfelt actions;
• Diversity and inclusion requires ongoing training and education of the entire profession to break down barriers that have previously prevented progress;
• Creating a diverse and inclusive environment requires commitment and consistent momentum towards the future of the profession, and requires unwavering commitment.

For these reasons, the New Jersey State Bar Association affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion and will support the diversity and inclusion goals adopted by the American Bar Association, including: “Goal III, “Eliminate Bias and Enhance Diversity.” The NJSBA’s Diversity Objectives include promoting full and equal participation in the association, our profession, and the justice system by all persons; and eliminating bias in the legal profession and the justice system. To that end, the NJSBA will:

• Support and maintain a Leadership Academy for all individuals, particularly attorneys newer to the profession, attorneys of color and other diverse attorneys that would benefit from intense yearlong training by legal scholars to help these individuals prepare for growth and leadership roles;
• Increase access and representation of all minorities and diverse individuals in law firms, legal departments, bar associations, law schools and other organizations;
• Measure and encourage hiring, recruitment and retention of diverse attorneys in the legal profession.

For more information, please see the NJSBA Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.