Until we are able to more broadly prevent discrimination in the legal industry, our otherwise powerful profession will be limited in its ability to fully represent, protect, and benefit our community. Our profession should also focus on protecting the public from discrimination. Failing to address bias, discrimination, and harassment erodes trust in our profession.
“Changing the Comment to a black letter rule makes an important statement to our profession and the public that the profession does not tolerate prejudice, bias, discrimination and harassment. It also clearly puts lawyers on notice that refraining from such conduct is more than an illustration in a comment to a rule about the administration of justice. It is a specific requirement.” (ABA Report to the House of Delegates, Page 4 of Report.)