The Federal Bar Association (FBA) recognizes that fundamental to the justice system is our responsibility as judges, practitioners, and law students to ensure that our profession actively includes, provides equal opportunity to, and welcomes participation by all individuals, regardless of sex, race, gender, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, disability, military and veteran status, and any other unique attribute. The FBA is committed to fulfilling this responsibility in all aspects of our organization and the greater legal profession.

Message from the Chair

The Standing Committee on Advancing the Legal Profession is comprised of federal judges, practitioners, and law students who are committed to supporting the growth and development of the legal profession, with particular attention to fostering a sense of belonging. The Committee is organized into five subcommittees in order to efficiently perform our mission and advance our goals. These subcommittees are focused on (1) communications, (2) membership, (3) infrastructure, (4) leadership, and (5) outreach.

This webpage highlights the following resources related to the projects, events, and publications sponsored and organized by the Committee:

  1. Standing Committee – A list of current members of the Committee, the Judicial Advisory Panel, and the Corporate Advisory Panel.
  2. Publications
  3. Profiles in Leadership – A list of articles prepared by members of the Committee who interviewed leaders on the Corporate Advisory Panel.
  4. Multimedia Videos – A list of videos, include a video series for the FBA’s Centennial Celebration of the 19th Amendment and videos filmed by the Federal Magistrate Judges Association’s Diversity Committee.
  5. Programs and Initiatives
    • The Hon. Constance Baker Motley Younger Professional Essay Writing Competition – An essay competition created to promote the legacy of Chief Judge Baker Motley.
    • Affinity Bars – A list of diverse affinity groups that have partnered with the Committee in various capacities.
    • Lift Up Leaders Mentorship Program – A program that offers a space for a vibrant discussion between law students, newer practitioners or lawyers seeking a career transition with seasoned professionals while cultivating a pipeline for leaders to continue to advance the association’s commitment to a more welcoming profession.

We hope that these programs will give you a glimpse of the work the Committee has accomplished. Even more, we trust that you will join us as we embark on a journey to lead the organization in fulfilling its responsibility by advancing equal opportunity, both within the FBA, and in the broader legal community.

If you have any question regarding the Committee, our efforts, or events and programs, please feel free to contact Yvonne Cockram at ycockram@fedbar.org. Thank you for visiting our Committee webpage!

Sincerely,

Katherine Earle Yanes