During a recent government meeting, members convened to discuss the findings of a comprehensive membership demographic study and the subsequent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan. The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by a presentation led by the DEI Council.

The DEI Council, now co-chaired by Nam Nguyen and Rayna Wagner, aims to address systemic inequities and underrepresentation within the legal profession. The council's charter serves as a guiding framework for the entire bar association, emphasizing the importance of understanding membership demographics and experiences.

Dr. Ben Kim Garvey, a consultant from KGR Plus C, was introduced to present the findings of the demographic study. The study's objective was to assess the membership's demographics and experiences to identify underrepresented groups and evaluate workplace experiences across various identity groups.

Wagner highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop a DEI plan informed by the study's findings, which will be spearheaded by a dedicated subcommittee. This initiative is a response to the need for an updated diversity plan, originally approved by the Supreme Court in 2013, which has become increasingly relevant in light of recent societal changes and events, particularly those stemming from the pandemic and the social movements of 2020.

The council's work reflects a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within the legal community, with the updated DEI plan expected to incorporate valuable insights from the demographic study and other data sources.