"I don't think I've ever met a Black appellate attorney."

It was a bold but honest statement, uttered by a non-Black attorney at a recent litigation conference. The sentiment behind it was so genuine I found it hard to be offended. Besides, it was hardly the first time an attorney or other legal professional has been surprised by my presence. This is an acknowledged problem. The ongoing lack of diversity in this profession isn't new. But now, Edward Blum and his supporters have launched an assault on the fragile progress we have made.