The inaugural issue of the ISBA newsletter, Diversity Matters, was published last month by the Committee on Minority and Women Participation and the Committee on Women and the Law.

Volume 1, Number 1 begins with a joint message, “Diversity in the Legal Profession: What can we do to open doors?” from ISBA President Joseph G. Bisceglia and past president Irene F. Bahr.

During her tenure, Bahr created a Diversity Pipeline initiative, and Bisceglia has pledged to develop programs that encourage more minorities to enter law schools and become lawyers.

“For those afraid to dream, we recognize that we have a duty to instill in every student the knowledge that they can consider a career in the law,” Bahr said, noting that “lawyers of color make up just 10 percent of the legal profession.”

Among her goals has been that more children should say “a lawyer” or “a judge” when asked what they want to be when they grow up. “We must begin with children of color in every grade level,” she urged.

Bisceglia agreed. “We need to inspire our children to stay in school, graduate and know that college is a real option,” he said. “And, once those students, with their dreams intact, are admitted to law school, we need to help keep them there.”

The June issue of Diversity Matters includes these related articles.

“Diversity Roundtable: Pipeline to the future,” by Alice M. Noble-Allgire, past chair of the Committee on Minority and Women Participation.

“Diversity is a yarn, until women of color are woven into the law firm fabric,” by Pamela J. Roberts, chair of the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession.

“The Chicago Call to Action for Women Attorneys: The right thing to do for law firms,” by E. Lynn Grayson, vice chair of the Committee on Women and the Law.

“Mission Possible: Black Law Students Association at SIU Initiative,” by Melodi Green.

“Excellence and strength through diversity: The positive impact on the future of our profession,” by Michele M. Jochner of the ISBA Board of Governors.