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4 Colum. J. Race & L. 1 (2013)

handle is hein.journals/cjoral4 and id is 1 raw text is: COLUMBIA JOURNAL OF RACE AND LAW DIVERSITY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION: MOVING FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY HELIA GARRIDO HULL* The legal profession, more than others, is uniquey positioned at the helm of social change. The law is shaped by cultural shifts, and it is the lawyer that plajs the role of architect. Yet, the legal profession is the least diverse and inclusive profession of all, failing to adapt to the ever changing demographics of American society. Dejpite numerous attempts at creating diversity and inclusion within the profession, the /egalprofession remains today much as it was at its inception-white, male dominated. This Article aims to make contributions that will raise awareness to the crucial need for diversity and inclusion within the /egal profession such as logical measures beyond sanctions, which are cost effective, reponsible, and deeply rooted in the profession. The current call by diversity groups for an aff irmative ethics rule that would sanction lawyers who engage in discrimination in employment practices would be costly and duplicative. Thus, this Article discusses a cross-section of available rules that are less costly, more manageable alternatives. The Article proposes that the goal of diversity and inclusion within the profession cannot be forced, but must be realiZed through consistent measures aimed at creating accountability, educational awareness, and building supporting connections at each level of the professional hierarchy. I. INTRODUCTION.............................................. 2 II. A HISTORY OF EXCLUSION WITHIN THE LEGAL PROFESSION ... 4 A. Gender in the Profession: It's Still a Man's World ... ............. 6 B. Race and Ethnicity: A Profession Void of Color .................. 8 C. Disability: Incorporating the Differently Abled .................. 9 D. Sexual Orientation: Out and Still Underrepresented ..... .......... 10 E. Towards Closing the Gap: Current Efforts Towards Racial Inclusion Fall Flat ................................................. 11 Associate Professor of Law and Coordinator of the Student Professionalism Enhancement Program, Barry University Dwayne 0. Andreas School of Law; B.A. Providence College; J.D. Stetson University College of Law. The author would like to thank her research assistant, Angela R. Wright, for her diligence, enthusiasm, and patience. The author would also like to thank her husband, Eric V. Hull, and children, Kayleigh and Tyler, for their never-ending love, support, and encouragement. 2013 1

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