MBA Statement on Diversity
Approved by the MCB Special Committee on Diversity on 10/17/11
Approved by the MCB Board of Directors on 11/17/11
Mecklenburg County Bar known as Mecklenburg Bar Association after July 1, 2024
The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA) seeks to eliminate biases, barriers and prejudices within the legal profession by creating and promoting environments that treat all individuals with respect and dignity. Diversity is an inclusive concept and encompasses, without limitation, race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, age, disability, and marital and parental status. We acknowledge that the varied perspectives and backgrounds of our members are central to the MBA's success as an organization and are valuable to the public we serve. The MBA encourages all of its members to volunteer and seek leadership opportunities within the Bar so that our organization reflects the full diversity of our community.
Promoting Diversity throughout our Legal Community
The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA) recognizes that to better address the societal and individual needs of our community it must continue to develop a legal profession that adequately represents the diversity of our local population. In order to achieve this representation the MBA ensures that diversity is an intrinsic element in all it does. Our diversity efforts are applied to three overarching areas of the Bar:
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments through our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee;
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Diversity in legal education, leadership, and professionalism;
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and Diversity as it relates to satisfaction in the legal profession.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment
Started in 2004 by the Law Firm and Legal Department Subcommittee of the Special Committee on Diversity, a Diversity Initiative began to significantly increase the number of diverse attorneys within Mecklenburg County. The Diversity Initiative encouraged general counsels and managing partners of Mecklenburg County to commit to increasing diversity within their respective corporations and firms.
Participating firms and corporations in the program, also known as Stakeholders, have voluntarily signed our Call to Action - an outlined set of objectives and goals to which each Stakeholder devotes time and resources. In signing this Call to Action signatories commit to recruit, hire, train and retain diverse law students and/or attorneys who meet their requisite hiring and/or partnership criteria.
Additionally, Stakeholders will:
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establish effective mentoring and leadership training programs;
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promote, foster, and enhance diversity efforts among managing structures;
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encourage participation in sensitivity and diversity training;
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and solicit applications from diverse candidates through marketing pieces reflecting their commitment to diversity.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Statement of Purpose
Board Approved 4-4-18
The MCB's achievements are possible because of the dedication of our members and community partnerships. We value the opportunity to collaborate with various individuals and entities throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region and hope you will join us as we continue to expand our efforts.
Awards
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County Commissioners Commend MCB's Diversity Efforts - The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners recognized the Mecklenburg County Bar for supporting and encouraging diversity within the legal profession.
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Julius L. Chambers Diversity Champion Award - The Diversity Champion Award was established in 2008 to recognize an individual who embodies high ethical standards, unquestioned integrity, consistent competence and who champions diversity in the legal profession.
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2011 ABA Partnership Awards for Lunch with a Lawyer and Diversity Day - The Partnership Award recognizes the participation and advancement of lawyers from underrepresented populations and attract students from these groups to the legal profession
Events/Opportunities
Reports
- Diversity Benchmarking Report: Law Firm Signatories - 2018 - The MCB Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee's Benchmarking Report: Outlines the progress the Law Firm Signatories have made towards the Call to Action Objectives.
- MCB Diversity Initiative 2010 Report - The MCB Diversity & Inclusion Committee's Report contains updates on the Call to Action of the General Counsel and Managing Partners Diversity Initiative.
History
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee formerly known as the Special Committee on Diversity.