Diversity in a Downturn: Staying the Course

We are facing some of the toughest economic times that many of us have witnessed in our lifetime. The legal market has not been immune to the fallout in the wake of the financial storm pounding the housing and credit markets specifically, and our entire capital market system, generally. The response has sometimes been drastic and other times simply belt-tightening, cost-cutting measures across the board. In such a tight economic climate, when budgets and headcounts are being slashed, how do we ensure that we do not lose precious ground in our hard-won diversity gains? The key is in understanding the simple adage often used in reference to diversity efforts even in the best of times — "diversity is a marathon, not a sprint."

As any marathon runner can attest, the race will be difficult and seem impossible at some point, but you have to push through to reach the finish. The same is true for diversity. In these challenging times, the legal profession must maintain a slow and steady pace and stay focused on the finish line. The diversity finish line is a profession that is fully reflective of the rich diversity of our society, thereby ensuring effective representation of our citizenry (including corporate America) and instilling a sense of justice and fairness in the legal process. Here are three simple things every organization can do to maintain diversity in the midst of these trying times.