chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

    Rhode Island

    Diversity Portal

    RIBA Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

    On June 11, 2020, following an increasing call to action from bar associations across the country to prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts, the RIBA Executive Committee approved the establishment of the RIBA Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The charge of the Task Force was as follows: “The Rhode Island Bar Association affirms its commitment to raise awareness and understanding among our members and others of the vital role diversity plays. In furtherance of this commitment, the Task Force will identify ways to advance inclusion and diverse perspectives in the activities, services and educational programs of the Rhode Island Bar Association so that all members have the opportunity to fully participate and succeed in the profession. In addition, the Task Force will propose steps to advance Association leadership opportunities to attorneys of diverse backgrounds as well as promote interest in the practice of law to diverse populations.”

    DEI Committee

    It shall be the duty of this Committee to meet regularly to discuss DEI-related matters of interest to the membership and to make recommendations which will foster a sense of equity and inclusion among members. The Committee will also propose DEI-related CLE and Annual Meeting programming, networking events with affinity legal organizations, and resources for the membership. All committee proposals and recommendations for administrative, policy, or rule changes, or formal positions must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. Any legislative activities must follow the protocol outlined in the Chairpersons' Guide. All RIBA committees are encouraged to report, at least quarterly for publication in the RI Bar Journal, the significant issues and ideas being discussed in its committee.

    Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender

    It shall be the duty of this Committee to provide a forum to discuss the unique legal challenges that individuals may face within various jurisdictions, by reason of their sexuality, gender identity or gender expression. The Committee shall promote diversity and inclusiveness among membership and within the legal profession All committee proposals and recommendations for administrative, policy, or rule changes, or formal positions must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. Any legislative activities must follow the protocol outlined in the Chairpersons' Guide. All RIBA committees are encouraged to report, at least quarterly for publication in the RI Bar Journal, the significant issues and ideas being discussed in its committee.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pledge

    For those who may be interested, the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force created this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) Pledge and invites lawyers, law firms, legal departments, legal services, and law-related organizations to join RIBA in its commitment to increase diversity in the legal profession. Those who participate in the Pledge will be acknowledged on the RIBA website for their good faith efforts. For more information and to access the pledge please click here.

    Local Bar Associations

    Thurgood Marshall Law Society

    Advancing  the active participation of attorneys, judges, law professors and law students of color in the science of jurisprudence. Our mission is to uphold the honor of the legal profession, to promote collaboration and networking among Rhode Island attorneys, and to protect the civil and political rights of all citizens of the State of Rhode Island.

    Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association

    The Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association (RIWBA) promotes the advancement of the status of women in the State of Rhode Island and in the legal profession.  RIWBA offers a forum to discuss and address local, national, and international issues of significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular.  RIWBA also advocates for the fair and equal administration of justice throughout the state of Rhode Island.  Through philanthropy, education, mentoring and connecting people, RIWBA aims to improve the Rhode Island community as a whole.