WBA Issue Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) was founded to remedy the exclusion of practicing women attorneys from the local professional association, in which attorneys could exchange practical know-how and form lasting professional relationships. Today, WBA envisions a world in which all people are empowered to achieve personal and professional success. The WBA’s mission and vision reflect its ongoing commitment to diversity[1], equity[2], and inclusion[3] as hallmarks of our programming, leadership, and civic engagement.

This commitment is a longstanding one, evident throughout our history. Founded in 1917 before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the WBA advocated for women’s right to vote, serve on juries, control their own property, and to preserve their US citizenship upon marriage to a non-citizen.[4] Decades later, the WBA re-assessed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and became an integrated professional organization. WBA advocacy contributed to Congress creating a public defender service for the District’s residents. The WBA has also contributed to the nomination of women judges at the municipal and national level, in both the trial and appellate courts. Additionally, the WBA supports the goal of DC residents having voting representatives in Congress.[5] All these efforts manifest an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal and civic spheres.

Leaders of the American Bar Association have called on attorneys to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in their practices. In her remarks on Model Rule 8.4 (Misconduct), ABA Past President Paulette Brown stated that attorneys “have a unique position in society as professionals responsible for making our society better.”[6] After evaluating Model Rule 8.4 (Misconduct), the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued a report concluding that the Bar “should lead antidiscrimination, anti-harassment, and diversity efforts not just in the courtroom, but wherever it occurs in conduct by lawyers related to the practice of law.”[7] Additionally, as attorneys practicing in the District of Columbia, we are bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct for the District of Columbia, particularly Rules 8.4(d)[8] and 9.1.[9]

The WBA remains committed to advancing programs, policies, and partnerships with other bar associations that promote a more equitable justice system and legal profession.[10] Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been invaluable tools for addressing systemic inequality. When policies or resources are established to address bias, discrimination, or harassment, they result in improved well-being and foster innovation. In recent months, many diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within our institutions have been dismantled. Despite these changes, all members of society should be treated fairly and without bias. The WBA stands in solidarity with all continuing to work towards a justice system, legal profession, and society that are truly accessible to all.

 

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[1] “Diversity” in this context pertains to demographic numbers and ensuring historically marginalized populations are adequately represented. These groups have been defined by traits such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, neurodiversity, etc. See ABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center FAQs, AM. BAR. ASS’N, https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/dei-center-faqs (last visited February 4, 2026.)
[2] “Equity” as applied to employment, advancement, and educational contexts is a way to refer to the advantages and barriers that have existed historically; it recognizes that we all do not start at the same place. Equitable approaches involve getting everyone what they need—supports networks, resources, and opportunities—to thrive or succeed. See Id.
[3] “Inclusion” denotes that people of varied backgrounds feel and are valued, leveraged, and welcomed within a given setting. Inclusion is a dynamic state of operating in which diversity is leveraged to create a fair, healthy, and high performing organization or community that ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. See Id.
[4] These rights are celebrated in the documentary series “Setting Precedent: A Century of Women Lawyers in the District of Columbia, available at https://wbadc.org/about/wba-history, which the WBA commissioned for its centennial.
[5] The WBA’s “Issue statement on Suffrage for the District of Columbia” is available at https://wbadc.org/our-work/issue-statements
[6] AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION PAST PRESIDENT PAULETTE BROWN, Public Hearing on Amendments to ABA Model Rule 8.4, San Diego, California (Feb. 7, 2016).
[7] MYLES V. LYNK, AM. BAR. ASS’N STANDING COMM. ON ETHICS AND PRO. RESP., REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF
DELEGATES, 15 (2016).
[8] Comment 3 of D.C. Rule 8.4 states “A lawyer violates paragraph (d) by offensive, abusive, or harassing conduct that seriously interferes with the administration of justice. Such conduct may include words or actions that manifest bias or prejudice based upon race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.” D.C. R. Pro. Conduct 8.4 Comment 3 (2025).
[9] Rule 9.1 states “A lawyer shall not discriminate against any individual in conditions of employment because of the individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, or physical handicap.” D.C. R. Pro. Conduct R. 9.1 (2025).
[10] Refer to WBA’s Advocacy Committee webpage (https://wbadc.org/our-work/endorsements/advocacy) and resources which include, but are not limited to, the Discussing Racism & Being Anti-Racist Toolkit (https://wbadc.org/our-work/endracism). These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the justice system and legal profession.

The Board of Directors approved the following issue statement at its February 12, 2026 meeting.