The function of the TIPS Standing Committee on Diversity in the Profession (DIP) is to promote involvement of attorneys of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women attorneys, attorneys with disabilities and attorneys who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans gender into the membership and leadership of the Section and to promote greater awareness and appreciation of the Section's diversity goals.
DIP will accomplish this goal through publications, CLE programs, networking receptions, assistance to the Section's General Committees and outreach programs on the local and national levels.
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 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR: Dan Acosta
Hola, from the Land of Enchantment--New Mexico! My name is Dan Acosta and I am the 2012-2014 Chair of the Diversity in the Profession Committee. I have been a member of this committee since 2001, when we were known as WAMI (Women and Minorities in the Profession) and have seen it change and grow tremendously since that time. I would like to first thank our Immediate Past Chair, John Stevens, for his leadership, dedication and enthusiasm as Chair for the past two years. John has left really big shoes to fill and an accumulation of TIPS ribbons that is unequalled. I will do my best to continue to lead this committee to greater heights as we attempt to diversify our profession and become more inclusive. As Sandra Yamate recently stated, “diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.” May we all be dancing soon.
Now on to the Fall newsletter. As some of you may know, the ABA has designated October as Diversity Awareness Month. Although our last newsletter was dedicated to disability issues, we had a special opportunity to collaborate with the ABA Commission on Disability Rights by partnering with them to observe Disability Awareness Month through preparation of this newsletter. I am sure you will find the articles informative and inspiring as we move forward to be more inclusive of all.
Our committee continues to work on a number of projects including a diverse speaker’s database to assist our General Committees in finding diverse speakers for their numerous CLE presentations. We will also continue to reach out to the Affinity Bar Associations to find ways to collaborate, discuss common issues and meet common goals. Our next meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2012 at 1:00 in lovely La Quinta California. Please join us to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can better serve our membership and profession. Also, please join us the day before for an intriguing ethics CLE entitled “Through the Looking Glass: What Lawyers can learn from Judges and what Judges can learn from Lawyers about Ethical Practice and Professionalism”. Our Welcome, Diversity in the Profession and Pursuit of Justice Award Reception will follow. Hope to see you soon.
All the best,
Dan
Dan Acosta is a Division Attorney in charge of legal education and training for the Claims Litigation Department of Farmers Insurance Company. Farmers employs over 500 attorneys in 60 locations nationwide. He is a former Chair of the Staff Counsel Committee and resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
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John Francis Stephens
Partner with Sedgwick LLP
TIPS Member since 2000
Why do you believe Diversity important to TIPS?
It is essential as diversity is our future and our destiny. We are a diverse nation and all aspects of the US including the legal profession must embrace diversity. For some change is hard, but we in TIPS should welcome the change and lead by example. TIPS has been doing some great work to further the ABA goals of diversity. The Diversity Committee has been spearheading a lot of that work.
What is your favorite/best memory thing about working on this committee?
Producing the Diversity Video. It was challenging, interesting and a lot of fun. I enjoyed every minute of it. And I met so many professionals dedicated to diversity in the legal profession. I found the experience inspiring.
What does “success” look like for this committee?
Success means no more Diversity Committee as it will be unnecessary. I would like to think we are not that far away from that vision, and it is achievable.
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The Diversity Factor: Capturing the Competitive Advantage DVD
Presented by the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) and the TIPS Diversity in the Profession Committee, this video explores the grow... more
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| | Committee Events |
TIPS Diversity In The Profession Meeting
April 25, 2013 | | Our next committee meeting will be held during the ABA TIPS Spring 2013 Meeting in Washington, DC on Thursday, April 25, 2013. For more information, contact the Diversity in the Profession Staff Liaison, Jennifer LaChance at 312-988-5463. |
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| Section Events |
May 20, 2013 - May 21, 2013 American Bar Association
Chicago,
IL
Format: Live/In-Person
May 21, 2013
Location: N/A
Format: Webinar/Teleconference
May 22, 2013 American Bar Association
Chicago,
IL
Format: Live/In-Person |
In October 2012, the ABA Commission on Disability Rights created resources to help celebrate October’s Disability Awareness Month. This annual event was an opportunity for organizations to highlight their support of their employees and consumers with disabilities.
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