Closing the Loop on Diversity Efforts by Creating an Inclusive Environment / Competency and the Practice of Law

The first part of the program will focus on shifting from recruiting a diverse workforce to creating an inclusive environment. Organizations go through great efforts to recruit diverse attorneys assuming that once the offers are accepted, the mission is complete. Achieving diversity through recruitment is laudable, but meaningless without also creating an inclusive environment, maximizing the potential for retention. This program will explore the terms diversity and inclusion and focus on the steps necessary to create an inclusive environment. The second part of this program will explore the impact of substance abuse and mental health issues on the practice of law. We will examine how the rules of professional conduct addresses these issues, and resources offered by the State Bar, and we will review common signs of substance abuse and mental health issues and how to respond.