After reviewing the recommendation from the Bar’s Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion, the Bar’s Executive Committee is interesting in learning of any Bar members interested in joining, and regularly attending meetings for, a proposed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. This Committee would seek the participation of all interested members of the Bar to discuss DEI-related matters of interest to the membership and to make recommendations that will foster a sense of equity and inclusion among members. The Committee will also propose DEI-related CLE and Annual Meeting programming, networking events with affinity legal organizations, and resources for the membership. At least thirty members must volunteer to serve on the committee which would be formed on an ad hoc basis for at least two years to determine if interest is sustainable. A chairperson will then be appointed by the President. If the Committee is active for two years, the House of Delegates will consider establishing a standing committee consistent with the Bar’s bylaws. Bar members interested in joining the proposed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee are asked to contact Rhode Island Bar Association Member Services Coordinator Sherilyn Gutierrez by email: sgutierrez@ribar.com no later than April 1, 2022. 

The RI Bar Association's Executive Committee has approved a DEI Agenda that is based on the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force’s Report of Recommendations which was submitted to the Committee for consideration this past August. RIBA staff are busy developing a new area of the RIBA website dedicated to DEI-related initiatives and resources. Additional highlights of the Agenda include, but are not limited to:

All of these items and more are currently in the process of being implemented. We are excited to keep our members posted on our progress!

The Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can be a significant business generator for your practice for just a few dollars a month, whether you are a longstanding member of the Bar or recently admitted. Don’t hesitate any longer to find out how you can profit from an LRS membership while expanding the public’s access to legal representation. With thousands of referrals made in 2021, don’t miss out on increasing your client base (would add) and visibility in the community in 2022. Please contact Caitlin Poland, cpoland@ribar.com for further details or call 401-421-7799.

Taking a pro bono case through the Bar's Volunteer Lawyer Program not only supports those within our community who are most in need, but it also supports DEI efforts. Taking pro bono cases, and encouraging your employees to take pro bono cases, supports your practice's commitment to inclusion and strengthens the bridge toward equality through access to justice for all. Please contact Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator John Ellis today at 421-7758 or jellis@ribar.com to find out how you can help.

We are also in need of Spanish-speaking and other diverse language-speaking volunteers for our pro bono programs as well as our Lawyer Referral Service. For over 15 years, dedicated bilingual RIBA staff have fielded calls and completed intakes for Spanish-speaking clients. This year we are extremely grateful that all VLP written client communication was translated into Spanish. Due to the commitment of Attorney Zachary Lyons and the Gonzalez & Lyons Law Office, all Volunteer Lawyer Program paperwork and required correspondence are now available in Spanish. This exceptional gift to the program has made a positive difference in our ability to communicate a greater understanding of the program requirements.

Greater diversity within the membership of all of our public service programs benefits members of the public whom we serve. If you have questions about any of our public service programs, please contact Public Services Director Susan A. Fontaine at 421-7799 or sfontaine@ribar.com.

Dana Horton is an insurance litigation partner with over 20 years of experience representing and advising insurance companies in large loss property subrogation matters, complex property and liability insurance coverage disputes, and bad faith claims. Dana's experience includes handling proceedings from inception through resolution in state, federal, and appellate courts. She is a member of Robinson+Cole’s Insurance + Reinsurance Group. Throughout the duration of her practice, Dana has served as a leader in the courtroom and in her community. She is an active member of the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association and has served as a mentor to law students at Roger Williams University. Through her bar involvement, she has promoted and advocated for rule changes where appropriate and has worked with the bar and the Court to improve the practice of law in the State of Rhode Island. She has served on a number of court-appointed committees in this regard. She currently serves as the RI Bar Association’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee Chair and as a member of the Bar’s Executive Committee and House of Delegates. Dana served for many years as a co-chair of the Robinson+Cole Women’s Committee and is an active member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity + Inclusion and Wellness Committees. She continues to be a strong mentor for lawyers within Robinson+Cole and new lawyers within the State.

To learn more about Dana and what diversity and inclusion mean to her, click here to read a brief Q&A.