ODEIB is excited to announce our transition from the Annual Gala to an empowering Annual Conference! As we adapted to recent developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision on race-based affirmative action, we were committed to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal profession. Additionally, the Annual DEI Champion Award and Fire Starter Award, typically handed out at the Gala, were announced and honored at the Conference. Following the conference, a networking reception provided an opportunity for further collaboration and connection.

Teaming up with The Pipeline Crisis/Winning Strategies Initiative and the City Bar’s DEI Committee, alongside the City Bar’s Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, we hosted a comprehensive series leading to an all-day conference. Attendees endorsed an industry-wide pledge supporting pipeline programming.

Starting with “Overruling Grutter: What Does Ending Affirmative Action Mean for Voluntary DEI Workplace,” our series explored future DEI efforts across sectors. Subsequent sessions delved into the Supreme Court’s decision’s impacts on diversity initiatives and the legal pipeline.

In October 2023, stakeholders joined us for a day-long conference to establish pipeline programs, connect with partners, and deepen their commitment to an inclusive legal ecosystem.