Recently ABA President William R. Bay has made several statements about the role of the ABA moving forward. President Bay announced that the ABA will remain committed to eliminating bias and enhancing diversity in our profession and the justice system. Additionally, the ABA reiterated its commitment to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and a legal process that is "orderly and fair." The ABA's full statement can be reviewed here.
In the statement, the ABA encourages lawyers across the country to take an active role in defending and strengthening the rule of law. I urge you to reinforce the significance of the rule of law in your own legal practice and encourage your colleagues to join this important cause. Working together, we demonstrate the strength and resolve of the legal community.
Over the past two months, I have spoken with SEER members about what this Section will do. I want you to know that SEER will not waiver from its mission to foster the success of a diverse community of environmental, energy, and resources lawyers, advisors, and decision-makers. We will achieve this by creating opportunities for connection and community in a variety of ways, including our existing programs and outreach efforts to law students, including those attending historically Black colleagues and universities (HBCUs). We will continue to focus on increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our membership, committees, leadership, programs, publications, and further the ABA Goal III, which is to eliminate bias and enhance diversity.
SEER played a critical role in the adoption of several ABA Resolutions, including those related to environmental justice, climate change, and sustainable development. SEER will continue to collaborate with organizations and ABA entities, such as the ABA Environmental Justice Task Force, to discuss these important environmental, energy, and natural resources law topics.
In addition to these programs, SEER is also helping U.S. federal employees impacted by the recent workforce reduction initiative by
The success of these endeavors depends on us continuing to work together and for Section leadership to hear from you. I encourage you to actively engage in the important work of ABA and SEER, and to let Section leadership know how you would like SEER to support our members and community. If you know someone who may be interested, please encourage them to join us.
