National Legal Diversity Week – NLDW

About

The National Legal Diversity Week – NLDW is a premier national initiative dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. By bringing together legal professionals, law firm leaders, corporate counsel, policymakers, and advocates, NLDW fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic action to create a more inclusive and representative legal industry. Through national programs, NLDW provides the tools, insights, and networks necessary to promote equitable opportunities, enhance cultural competency, and build leadership pipelines for underrepresented legal professionals.

Mission

To champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession by equipping law firms, legal professionals, and organizations with the strategies, resources, and best practices necessary to foster inclusive workplaces and equitable career advancement.

Vision

To create a future where the legal profession reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, ensuring equitable access, representation, and leadership opportunities for all legal professionals.

Training & Workshops

NLDW offers specialized training programs designed to equip legal professionals, corporate counsel, and law firms with the knowledge and strategies needed to promote inclusivity and equitable career advancement in the legal profession:

• Diversity & Inclusion in Legal Leadership – Strategies for building inclusive law firm cultures and leadership teams.
• Unconscious Bias & Its Impact on Legal Decision-Making – Identifying and mitigating bias in hiring, case evaluation, and courtroom advocacy.
• Equity in Legal Hiring & Advancement – Implementing fair hiring practices and developing diverse leadership pipelines.
• Creating Inclusive Law Firm Cultures – Best practices for fostering a workplace environment that values diversity and belonging.
• Implicit Bias in the Courtroom & Judicial System – Addressing disparities in legal advocacy, jury selection, and judicial decision-making.
• Women in Law & Breaking Barriers – Empowering women in legal leadership, policy, and corporate counsel roles.
• LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Legal Profession – Strengthening legal protections and fostering inclusion for LGBTQ+ legal professionals.
• Mentorship & Sponsorship for Diverse Legal Professionals – Building support systems for underrepresented attorneys and law students.
• Diversity in Corporate Legal Departments – Ensuring in-house legal teams reflect diverse perspectives and client needs.
• Civic Engagement & Social Justice Advocacy in Law – Encouraging legal professionals to engage in public service, policy reform, and community advocacy.
• Supplier Diversity in Legal Services – Encouraging corporate legal departments and law firms to partner with diverse-owned legal service providers.
• Measuring & Reporting Diversity Initiatives in Law Firms – Developing key metrics and accountability measures to track progress.
• AI, Ethics & Diversity in Legal Tech – Exploring the role of artificial intelligence and ethics in legal technology and access to justice.

These programs empower legal professionals, law firms, and corporate legal teams to develop sustainable and equitable legal workplaces while advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.

Recognition

NLDW honors individuals and organizations making a significant impact in legal diversity, equity, and inclusion through prestigious awards recognizing excellence in advocacy, leadership, and inclusive legal practices:

• Legal Diversity Leadership Award – Recognizing legal professionals who have championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field.
• Law Firm Diversity Champion Award – Honoring law firms that have implemented successful DEI initiatives in hiring, retention, and leadership development.
• Corporate Counsel Diversity Impact Award – Celebrating corporate legal departments that prioritize diverse representation and inclusive policies.
• Social Justice & Advocacy in Law Award – Recognizing individuals and organizations leading efforts in pro bono legal work, policy reform, and civil rights advocacy.
• Emerging Leader in Legal Diversity Award – Highlighting young attorneys and law students making an impact in advancing diversity and inclusion.

These awards celebrate the legal professionals and organizations committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative legal industry.

Schedule

The National Legal Diversity Week Annual Summit features impactful keynotes, interactive workshops, expert-led panels, and networking opportunities, culminating in an awards gala celebrating excellence in legal diversity and inclusion.

2025: April 21-25, 2025

Day 1 (April 21):
10:00 AM – Diversity & Inclusion in Legal Leadership
3:00 PM – Unconscious Bias & Its Impact on Legal Decision-Making
Keynote: “Creating a More Equitable Legal System Through Inclusive Leadership”

Day 2 (April 22):
10:00 AM – Equity in Legal Hiring & Advancement
3:00 PM – Creating Inclusive Law Firm Cultures
Workshop: “Advancing Diverse Talent in the Legal Profession”

Day 3 (April 23):
10:00 AM – Implicit Bias in the Courtroom & Judicial System
3:00 PM – Women in Law & Breaking Barriers
Panel: “The Role of Corporate Counsel in Driving Diversity & Inclusion”

Day 4 (April 24):
10:00 AM – LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Legal Profession
3:00 PM – Mentorship & Sponsorship for Diverse Legal Professionals
Networking Event: “Bridging the Gap: Connecting Diverse Legal Talent with Opportunity”

Day 5 (April 25):
Awards Gala – Recognizing Excellence in Legal Diversity & Inclusion

2026: April 20-24, 2026

Day 1: Keynote – “The Future of Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Industry”
Day 2: Workshop – “Supplier Diversity in Legal Services: Expanding Access & Representation”
Day 3: Panel – “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Judicial & Government Legal Roles”
Day 4: Networking Event – “Building Strategic DEI Partnerships in the Legal Profession”
Day 5: Awards Ceremony – Honoring Leaders in Legal Diversity & Inclusion

2027: April 19-23, 2027

Day 1: Keynote – “Advancing Equal Access to Justice: The Next Frontier in Legal DEI”
Day 2: Workshop – “AI, Ethics & Diversity in Legal Tech”
Day 3: Panel – “Ensuring Equity in Law Firm Leadership & Partnership Tracks”
Day 4: Networking Event – “Strengthening Diversity in Corporate & In-House Legal Teams”
Day 5: Awards Gala – Celebrating Excellence in Legal Leadership & Inclusion