SLS 10RS-2862 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2010
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 89
BY SENATOR MURRAY
ATTORNEYS. Requests Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the
Louisiana State Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the2
Louisiana State Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.3
WHEREAS, in seeking to foster diversity in the legal community, the Louisiana4
State Bar Association has pointed out that meaningful diversity advancements occur when5
the leaders of an organization embrace diversity, and demonstrate through their actions that6
diversity is a priority to the organization; and7
WHEREAS, the bar association has developed a voluntary Statement of Diversity8
Principles, which provides:9
"Those signing this Statement of Principles, hereby commit themselves to10
foster diversity in the legal profession. The LSBA recognizes that diversity is an11
inclusive concept that encompasses race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,12
age, religion, national origin, disability and other aspects of diversity. 13
We believe that with greater diversity, we can be more creative, effective and14
just, bringing more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and15
interests to the practice of law and the administration of justice. We further believe16
that a diverse group of talented legal professionals is critically important to the17
success of every law firm, corporate or government legal department, law school,18
and public service organization and every other organization that includes attorneys.19
We recognize that to fully and equitably pursue justice our profession must20
reflect the full spectrum of our communities. To this end we pledge to make our best21
efforts to increase the diversity in our hiring, retention and promotion of attorneys22
and the elevation of attorneys to leadership positions within our respective23
organizations. We believe that all members of the bar should participate equally and24
fully in our profession. Ultimately, we believe that diversity in the legal profession25
is good for the profession, good for business, good for our communities and critical26 SCR NO. 89
SLS 10RS-2862 ORIGINAL
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for enhancing the public's confidence in the judicial system. 1
We recognize that achieving diversity within our organizations and creating2
inclusive environments are evolutionary processes that require a continued effort and3
commitment on our part. We pledge to promote and participate in appropriate4
diversity awareness training programs. We further agree to participate in programs5
to measure our progress in the pursuit of these stated principles. "; and6
7
WHEREAS, the Statement of Diversity Principles can be downloaded from the8
website of the Louisiana State Bar Association at9
www.lsba.org/diversity/DiversityPrinciples.asp; and10
WHEREAS, the signed statement can be sent to the Louisiana State Bar Association11
address shown at the bottom of the form; and12
WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Bar Association is asking all Louisiana law firms,13
law departments, and courts to execute the voluntary Statement of Diversity Principles.14
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby15
urge and request Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the Louisiana16
State Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the18
Louisiana State Bar Association.19
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry G. Jones.
DIGEST
Murray SCR No. 89
Requests Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the Louisiana State
Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.