In the evolving landscape of the legal profession, a critical examination of purpose and commitment is necessary. Marcie Dickson, recognized as the vice president of communications for the Institute for Well-Being in Law Board and the president of Tapestry ADR, argues for a move beyond mere slogans and statements in her recent commentary. She emphasizes the need for action that acknowledges the foundational aims of the legal profession and calls for courage in reshaping it accordingly.
The current climate sees diversity, equity, and inclusion programs being curtailed or entirely dismantled, with affinity groups becoming silent. Words like “belonging” and “inclusion” are being edged out of professional spaces due to legal and cultural pressures. This trend provides a moment of reflection not only for historically excluded lawyers but also for the legal profession as a whole, prompting a critical question: If these initiatives can be easily abandoned, what is the true purpose of law?
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