TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Feb 5, 2024

February is Black History Month and to commemorate the recognition, ABA President Mary Smith says the association honors “the work of Black legal trailblazers who have played pivotal roles in the advancement of civil rights” while also recognizing the need to address “significant racial disparities in the legal profession.” She highlights the gap between the percentage of Black Americans in the U.S. population — 14% — and those in the legal profession — 5% — saying that difference means there is an “urgent need for systemic change.” She also calls on legal professionals to reaffirm their commitment to diversity and inclusion objectives to achieve a more inclusive profession. Read the full statement.