Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Projects

Special Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The purpose of the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources' (SEER) Special Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is to enhance and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the Section and within the environmental, energy, and resources bar overall. Aligned with ABA's Goal III, SEER understands that a diverse Section and EER bar – both made up of people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and younger attorneys, as well as attorneys from the government, non-profit, academia, and solo-practice sectors – add great value to the legal profession. 20 SEER members serve on this committee, helping develop and implement projects related to DEIB.

Beginnings and Belonging Reception

Each annual SEER spring and fall conference begins with a reception that highlights SEER's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work. Information about upcoming SEER conferences is available here. 

Dedication to Diversity and Justice Award

The Environment, Energy, and Resources Dedication to Diversity and Justice Award recognizes and honors the accomplishments of a person, entities, or organizations that have made significant accomplishments or demonstrated recognized leadership in the areas of environmental justice and/or a commitment to gender, racial, and ethnic diversity in the environment, energy, and natural resources legal area. Nominations are accepted through May 31 each year and recipients are honored during a ceremony later in the year. Learn more and submit a nomination here.

DEIB Action Plan

One of SEER’s goals is to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in Section membership, committees, leadership, programs, publications, furthering ABA Goal III. Read SEER's action plan for achieving this goal here.

DEIB-in-Action Networking Lunches

On the first day of the annual SEER spring and fall conferences, the Special Committee for DEIB collaborates with a law firm sponsor and the conference planning committee to hold a special networking event for law students, recent graduates, and entry-level attorneys interested in environmental, energy, or natural resources law. The lunches are opportunities for diverse attorneys and law students to come together, build relationships, and support increased representation in these practice areas. Attendees receive networking tips and candid insights from practitioner mentors on their experience as diverse attorneys. Information about upcoming SEER conferences is available here.

DEIB Resources

SEER developed a webpage that hosts a collection of DEIB-related resources, designed to enhance and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within SEER and the environmental, energy, and resources bar overall. You can access the resources here.

Membership Diversity Enhancement Program

The Membership Diversity Enhancement Program (MDEP) enhances and promotes diversity within SEER membership, committees, leadership, programs, and publications. Prospective SEER members who self-identify as diverse are encouraged to apply. Program benefits include 50% payment of ABA dues and waived SEER dues, complimentary registration to one SEER conference of choice and a $400 stipend that can be used towards certain travel/lodging expenses related to attendance at the conference, and invitation to monthly virtual meetings that provide exclusive networking opportunities and tips on how to maximize an ABA SEER membership. Learn more about the program here.

SEER Mission Statement and Strategic Plan

SEER’s mission is to foster the success of a diverse community of environmental, energy, and resources lawyers, advisors, law students, and decision-makers and provide a premier forum for the exchange of ideas and information. SEER's strategic plan, which includes driving and sustaining diversity across its membership and the practice, is available here.