Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We recognize that combined, our individual backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives contribute to our ability to innovate and effectively serve the public. Providing greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system for all Californians, is part of our mission. The State Bar is committed to providing an environment that welcomes diverse experiences and perspectives. Check out our Internal DEI Strategic Plan for more information.

“The State Bar is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion is built-in to the State Bar’s internal work, not bolted on.”

– Leah T. Wilson
Executive Director

Our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where people feel they belong means having ongoing conversations and continually reflecting on our actions so that they can inform our everyday decisions and actions. This commitment reflects our values, which drive our daily decisions in pursuit of our mission and goals.

Training

Unconscious Bias Training Series: All employees are required to complete a series of trainings focusing on unconscious bias. The initial training is completed within 90 days of joining the State Bar, with required retraining every two years.

Preventing Harassment Training for Employees: This one-hour course provides information on how to identify different types of harassment. The initial training is completed within 90 days of joining the State Bar, with required retraining every two years.

Preventing Harassment Training for Supervisors and Managers: This two-hour course provides supervisors and managers with additional information to appropriately support their employees. The initial training is completed within 90 days of joining the State Bar or becoming a supervisor/manager, with required retraining every two years.

Activities and programs

DEI speakers and discussions: Employees are invited to attend sessions to learn from guest speakers and each other’s lived experiences with the goal of expanding perspectives, shifting behaviors, and increasing a sense of belonging.

DEI resource page: Continually updated and maintained, a list of resources around various DEI topics is available to all employees. Topics range from a list of books, podcasts, shows to watch, recorded sessions, and tips on how to identify and navigate microaggressions, how to be an ally, or how to increase belonging.

Internship partnerships: The State Bar partners with organizations whose programs are designed to increase opportunities and equity. Our current internship partners currently include:

• 10,000 Degrees provides services to students who are 100 percent from low-income backgrounds, 89 percent are people of color, and 85 percent are the first generation to attend college.
• Arise High School serves a student population where 90 percent qualify for a free or reduced lunch, 89 percent speak English as a second language, and 86 percent are first-generation college-bound.