MBA Commitment to Diversity

The MBA Equality Committee works to promote equality in the profession and justice system and identifies ways in which the MBA can promote diversity in the practice of law.

MBA Statement of Diversity Principles

The MBA invites you to sign on to the Statement of Diversity Principles. The statement was adopted by the MBA Board in April 2009. It presents an opportunity for all legal employers - law firms big and small, governments, businesses, nonprofits and everyone else - to publicly acknowledge their commitment to developing the diversity of the legal community in Oregon. The statement is offered as a vehicle to continue and expand upon our conversation about diversity in the bar - diversity as an encompassing idea, important to all of us.

Sign the Pledge

Click here for a printable form. Please send a copy of your signed statement to the MBA. Click here to sign online.

Who has Signed the Pledge?

Click here to see who has signed the Statement of Diversity Principles

Thank You

Special thanks to Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt and Stoel Rives for their generous donations, which covered the printing and mailing costs of the statement.

MBA's First Thursday Joint Social with Specialty Bar Associations

On June 2, 2011, a First Thursday Joint Social with Specialty Bar Associations was co-hosted by the MBA and Ater Wynne along with state and local bar associations that support and celebrate the contributions of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The co-sponsoring organizations were: the National Lawyers Guild, the OSB Diversity Section, the Oregon New Lawyers Division (ONLD), OGALLA - The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon and Oregon Women Lawyers (OWLS). Attendees of the social were treated to drinks and light finger foods before heading out into the Pearl district to enjoy the art galleries. Here are a few photos from the event.

Message from Oregon Supreme Court Justice Paul J. De Muniz

Oregon is a diverse state--more diverse than some people across the country think. Having grown up in Northeast Portland, I was able to experience first hand the benefits of living in a diverse community. I count myself as lucky to have had that opportunity, and I draw on those experiences regularly.

Today, of course, Oregon is more diverse than ever, and so is Multnomah County. We are fortunate in this state to have a judicial system and an integrated state bar that are committed to maximizing the potential that comes from having so many people with richly divergent backgrounds and experiences. And we are fortunate to have in the Multnomah Bar Association a progressive group of lawyers who come together not only for the betterment of the legal establishment in which its lawyer members serve, but also and more importantly to improve the whole of the communities in which they live. I applaud the work that the MBA has done, is doing, and I know will continue to do to promote diversity in our profession and equality in our society.