the stats

Percentage of white applicants who were denied acceptance to all of the law schools to which they applied:*

34

Percentage of Mexican-American and African-American applicants who were denied acceptance to all of the law schools to which they applied, respectively:*

46 and 61

letter from the LCLD executive director

As Executive Director, I am delighted to welcome you to this web site for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. We believe that this site will become a valuable forum for a rich and robust dialogue about diversity in the legal profession.

In the months ahead, we will be introducing a number of features to the site, including case histories of diversity initiatives at law firms and corporate legal departments, profiles of individuals who are contributing to the cause of legal diversity, and interviews with nationally renowned individuals in law, business, academia, and government about diversity.

While we will be discussing issues of importance to society as a whole, we cannot forget that we are really focusing on people. . .living, breathing human beings. We want to work toward a legal profession that is unencumbered by ideas that we have left behind. . .or should have left behind, by now. We want open and free access to opportunities for all individuals, regardless of color, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

We want to see the legal community fielding teams that are made up of the best talent, and we believe that the best talent will be the most diverse talent.

The LCLD will be exploring and developing a number of strategic initiatives to advance diversity in the profession. We are excited by the opportunities, mindful of the challenges, and grateful to have your involvement.