We sincerely apologize for the error in the DEI newsletter that was sent out yesterday. It was a regrettable oversight on our part, and we take full responsibility for any confusion it may have caused. Please see a revised version below with the correct caption for the picture of the Constitution Day presentation that took place at PVD Prep. The full write up of Constitution Day will appear in the November/December Bar Journal, but all photos have also been added to the newsletter. | |
Hello and welcome! As part of our unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, we are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of the Rhode Island Bar Association's Diversity Digest. Our DEI Committee has been diligently working to create a nurturing space for open dialogue, awareness, and empowerment. In this quarterly newsletter, we continue to share relevant information and foster understanding to ensure that we collectively shape a legal community that truly reflects the diverse community we serve. Your journey towards a more inclusive legal landscape begins right here. | |
In honor of Constitution Day, the RI Judiciary's Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts and the RIBA's DEI Committee joined forces to launch a pilot program aimed at enlightening RI students about the law and civics. | |
L to R: RI District Court Associate Judge Melissa R. DuBose, James Bagley, Esq., and Philip Gasbarro, Esq. | L to R: RI Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa A. Long, Etie-Lee Schaub, Esq., and Stella Guerra, Esq. | |
L to R: Hamza Chaudary, Esq.; Jennifer Sylvia, Esq.; RI Family Court Magistrate Alberto Aponte Cardona | L to R: RI Family Court Magistrate Edward Newman, RI Workers’ Compensation Court Associate Judge Keith A. Cardoza, Rebecca Dupras, Esq., and Sarah Oster Kelly, Esq. | |
L to R: Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, RI Supreme Court Associate Justice Erin Lynch Prata, Lynette Labinger, Esq., and Crystal Peralta, Esq. | |
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The inaugural Constitution Day program, held on Friday, September 15th, was a huge success. This program was designed to bridge the gap between students from diverse backgrounds and the legal community, offering them an exceptional opportunity to interact with lawyers and judicial officers.
We want to thank all of the attorneys and judges listed below who volunteered their time for the inaugural Constitution Day program. The program represents a significant step towards empowering Rhode Island students to become informed and engaged citizens. The Rhode Island Judiciary and the Rhode Island Bar Association look forward to expanding this educational endeavor in the years to come.
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Rhode Island Bar Association
James Bagley, Esq.
Hamza Chaudary, Esq.
Rebecca Dupras, Esq.
Philip Gasbarro, Esq.
Stella Guerra, Esq.
Sarah Oster Kelly, Esq.
Lynette Labinger, Esq.
Crystal Peralta, Esq.
Etie-Lee Schaub, Esq.
Jennifer Sylvia, Esq.
Rhode Island Judiciary
Hon. Alberto Aponte Cardona
Hon. Keith A. Cardoza
Hon. Melissa R. DuBose
Hon. Melissa A. Long
Hon. Edward H. Newman
Hon. Erin Lynch Prata
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Sign up for a 2023-2024 RIBA Committee!
It's not too late to join the DEI Committee, or any of the other 27 RIBA committees, to help enhance our organization’s vision and ensure a more inclusive experience for our members. The DEI Committee meets regularly to discuss DEI-related matters of interest to the membership and to make recommendations which will foster a sense of equity and inclusion among members. In September, the DEI Committee met with RI Judiciary's Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts.
Committee membership supports and strengthens our professional lives and builds relationships that unite our community. The more members we have involved, equals more diversity of thought and collaboration. We hope you will consider joining at least one committee this year!
To sign up for a Bar Committee, please email Membership Services Coordinator NaKeisha Little at nlittle@ribar.com.
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Continuing Legal Education | |
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Neurodiversity in the Practice of Law
Wednesday, November 1st
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
1.0 ethics
Neurodiversity is an increasingly familiar concept in society, but how does it affect the practice of law? What should attorneys know about being welcoming to clients and fellow practitioners who are neurodivergent?
Attendees will:
- Better understand some common disabilities they may encounter in the scope of their work.
- Be more culturally competent about this population.
- Understand some of the myths and misconceptions that could otherwise adversely affect their work with this population.
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Neurodiversity, defined by the Autism Self Advocacy Network, means that no two brains are exactly the same. Every person has things they are good at and things they need help with, and there is no such thing as a “normal” brain. To learn more, click here. | |
Shape the 2024 Annual Meeting: Your Ideas, Your Impact | |
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Do you have a workshop suggestion for the 2024 Annual Meeting? How about ideas for speakers? The Annual Meeting Planning Committee is looking for your input! The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in person at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Thursday, June 13th and Friday, June 14th.
The Annual Meeting Planning Committee is on a mission to craft two days of legal education tailored to the diverse needs of Rhode Island practitioners, spanning various experience levels and legal domains. That's where you come in—your workshop suggestions are the key to ensuring that this event aligns with your practice of law, particularly when it intersects with the vital realm of diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage proposals for workshops that resonate with your legal focus and touch on the important dimension of diversity. Please consider submitting one or more workshops for consideration to help us plan a program that will meet the needs of the bar membership. Initial proposals consisting of a brief description of the proposed workshop are due by November 8, 2023.
You can access the 2024 Annual Meeting workshop proposal form by clicking here. Please contact CLE Director Madeline Benner at 401-421-5740 or mbenner@ribar.com if you have any questions.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In October, the Rhode Island Bar Association recognized National Pro Bono Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month by emphasizing the crucial role of pro bono representation for domestic violence survivors. As part of this initiative, the Public Service Department hosted a remarkable CLE event: "Effective Representation & Communication with Domestic Violence Survivors".
This exceptional program featured an all-star panel of speakers who provided an in-depth analysis and practical demonstrations through role-playing scenarios, highlighting the best approaches when interviewing and counseling survivors of domestic violence.
Notably, members of the Volunteer Lawyer Program had the exclusive opportunity to attend this program free of charge. If you weren't able to make it, don't worry! There's still a chance to benefit from this valuable resource. By accepting a pro bono family law case, you'll gain access to the recording of this informative session.
If you're interested in joining the Volunteer Lawyer Program or taking on a pro bono case to support those in need of representation, please don't hesitate to reach out to John Ellis at jellis@ribar.com or Elisa King at eking@ribar.com. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors.
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Relevant Read
Why Domestic Violence Must be Included in Your DEI Strategy
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Calling All Spanish-Speaking Attorneys
We're looking to expand resources for non-English speaking clients in our Volunteer Lawyer and Elderly Pro Bono programs. If you or your staff speak Spanish or another language and want to help, you'll strengthen our mission to serve the public. We have pending cases for Spanish-speaking clients. Get more info or join us by reaching out to Elisa King at eking@ribar.com or 401-421-7799. Your dedication ensures marginalized Rhode Islanders get the legal representation they need.
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Did You Know?
From September 15th to October 15th, our nation recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latino Heritage Month, as a time to celebrate the rich cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.
As part of the nationwide celebration, the American Bar Association introduced the 21-day Hispanic Heritage Equity Habit Building Challenge. This program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of Hispanic heritage and promote equity in our society. To learn more and take part in this meaningful initiative, you can access the program by clicking here.
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Share Your Insights in the Bar Journal!
The Bar Journal Editorial Board is eagerly inviting our members to contribute articles for potential publication in the Bar Journal. But this is more than just an opportunity for visibility; it's a platform to establish yourself as an expert and make your voice heard on a variety of topics.
We're on the lookout for articles that present fresh ideas to help lawyers enhance their practice and streamline firm operations. Case law reviews, historical narratives, tech-related insights are all welcome. We're especially interested in hearing diverse perspectives on issues in the legal profession.
To submit your article for consideration or to inquire if your piece aligns with our Journal's vision, please don't hesitate to contact Bar Journal Managing Editor Erin Cute at ecute@ribar.com. Your insights are encouraged to foster a more inclusive and informed legal community. Join us in sharing your unique perspective in the Bar Journal!
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Seeking Law Related Education Program Attorney Volunteers!
Your Bar Association actively supports Law Related Education (LRE) for both children and adults through three well-established programs: Lawyers in the Classroom, Rhode Island Law Day, and the Speakers Bureau. These initiatives provide valuable legal education to students and adult organizations.
We encourages both new and returning volunteers to complete a new application to update their details and ensure the program's continued success. Additionally, we recognize the critical need for bilingual attorneys, especially Spanish speakers, to bridge language gaps and foster a deeper understanding of the legal system. Please click here to sign up as a volunteer for the Bar's classroom-based and adult non-profit organization-based Law Related Education programs.
Questions? Please contact: Director of Communications Erin Cute by phone at 401-421-5740 or email at ecute@ribar.com.
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For those who may be interested, the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force created this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) Pledge and invites lawyers, law firms, legal departments, legal services, and law-related organizations to join RIBA in its commitment to increase diversity in the legal profession. Those who participate in the Pledge will be acknowledged on the RIBA website and in the quarterly DEI Newsletter for their good faith efforts. For more information and to take the pledge, click the button below! | | |
The DEI Committee is looking to create a list of contacts of DEI chairpersons at the various law firms in the state. The list will be used as a resource to communicate and collaborate on RIBA’s DEI initiatives. We are working to compile the list of contacts over the next few months. If your firm has a DEI Committee, Task Force, and/or contact person, please reach out to Membership Services Coordinator NaKeisha Little at nlittle@ribar.com with their contact information. Thank you in advance for your help and support in making the Bar Association a more inclusive organization for all of our members! | | | | |
