Page 11 - Delaware Lawyer - Summer 2022

The Bar
In addition to implicit bias training and diversity certification programs for law firms, the diversity report recom- mended developing a structured, cross- firm mentoring program for attorneys. The program would pair attorneys with mentors who share their demographic characteristics. To maximize recruit- ment and retention, the program would be open to attorneys at all career levels, including summer associates. The pro- gram would be part of a larger effort to encourage judicial officers and law- yers to have regular personal interaction with attorneys at all career stages.
The Bench
Rich with recommendations for the courts, from clerkship program changes to data gathering, one of the diversity project’s most significant proposals was
to hire a DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] Coordinator for the Judicial Branch. The DEI Coordinator would, as the title implies, take branch-wide responsibility along with the Supreme Court for evaluating and implementing the diversity study recommendations. The diversity report also recommended a coordinated judicial clerkship pro- gram, where all Delaware courts would ensure that diverse applicants are given a fair opportunity to compete for, and secure, judicial clerkships with all Dela- ware courts.
Work Has Started
With the Governor’s support, the General Assembly has authorized a DEI officer position for the Judicial Branch. We hope to hire for the position as soon as possible. Efforts are underway to provide more support for DELREC’s
mission and to make civics and legal train- ing available in pre-college educational institutions. The Board of Bar Examin- ers is studying the recommendations and taking a fresh look at the Delaware Bar Exam. Alternative pathways to licensure will be studied as part of the law school experience. And both the bench and the barareconsideringwaystoattractmore diverse applicants for clerkships and law firms. In the competition for top legal talent, we want Delaware to be seen as a welcoming community where all new and experienced lawyers find our state to be an attractive place to pursue a reward- ing career in the law.
NOTES
1. The full report is available on the Delaware Courts website at: https:// courts.delaware.gov/forms/ download. aspx?id=135148.
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