CDI Corner
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CDI Corner
“ Committee for Diversity and Inclusion : A Year in Review ”
DENISE MUTAMBA
“ When we ’ re talking about diversity , it ’ s not a box to check . It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us .” On June 17 , 2017 , the Palm Beach County Bar Association (“ the bar ”) celebrated the installation of its first African American female President , Sia Baker-Barnes . As she embarked on her historic presidency , the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (“ CDI ”) embarked on the 2017-2018 year as the only standing committee of the Bar .
This year , Jean Marie Middleton and Dean Xenick chaired the committee . CDI kicked off the year by partnering with the Bar ’ s Young Lawyers Section . On October 18 , 2017 , CDI and the Young Lawyers Section hosted a diversity luncheon to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a member of the Lesbian , Gay , Bi-Sexual , or Transgender community who practices law in South Florida . The Honorable T . K . Hurley treated the attendees to a welcome address that stressed the importance of valuing and respecting diversity from the bench .
In addition to addressing concerns from the LGBT community , CDI reached out to future lawyers and judges by attending the 14th Annual Kozyak Minority Mentoring Picnic on February 3 . In 2004 , John Kozyak of Kozyak Tropin Throckmorton held the first picnic to afford each student , lawyer , and judge attendee the opportunity to find a mentor or mentee . Each year , law students from every school in Florida attend in hopes of creating a life long relationship with a prospective mentor .
Continuing its commitment to future lawyers and judges , CDI employed the assistance of local law students to assist at Bench Bar on March 9 , 2018 . During their time at this event , law students had the opportunity to meet practicing lawyers and judges , attend sessions , and network during the cocktail reception . In addition , CDI hosted two law student sessions to provide a more intimate opportunity for the students to network with lawyers and judges . The students were able to ask questions and receive one-on-one attention .
In addition to hosting law students at Bench Bar , CDI was pleased to award the Judge Edward Rodgers Diversity Award at the annual event to JulieAnn Rico , General Counsel for the Palm Beach County School Board . JulieAnn was praised for promoting diversity through her recruitment efforts . As a result of her efforts , her staff includes attorneys of various races , ages , religions , and sexual orientations . In addition , Ms . Rico was praised for consistently hiring minority interns through CDI ’ s Diversity Internship Program .
On March 29 , 2018 , CDI sponsored “ Demystifying Judicial Nominations : Navigating the Appointment Process to the Bench or Judicial Nominating Commission ” hosted by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers of Palm Beach County . The event was organized to encourage judicial aspirants who wish to seek the bench through judicial appointment . This informative event featured Meredith Sasso , General Counsel to Governor Rick Scott , Raquel Rodriguez , former General Counsel to Governor Jeb Bush , and Paul Huck , Jr ., former General Counsel to Governor Charlie Crist . Participants received advice on completing the application , interviewing , and handling adverse background information .
With Jean Marie Middleton and Dean Xenick at the helm , CDI has had much success this year . CDI will wrap up the 2017-2018 Bar year by welcoming its eighth Diversity Internship Program (“ DIP ”) class in July . DIP was established in 2010 to provide diverse law students with the opportunity to work with private firms and government agencies in Palm Beach County with the hope they would return to the area to begin and cultivate their careers . This year ’ s class is truly impressive ; it is comprised of law students at the top of their class , from Ivy League schools , and from top ten schools . On July 26 , 2018 , the law students and summer employers will be honored at a reception to be held at Shutts & Bowen ’ s West Palm Beach Office .
As all great leaders do , Jean Marie and Dean will leave CDI in great shape . They have already confirmed the 2018-2019 Diversity Luncheon speaker : Michael J . Connell Distinguished Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law , Rachel F . Moran . We hope to see you there !
Denise Mutamba is a Staff Attorney in the Fair Housing Project of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County , Inc ., where she fights against housing discrimination . She is also an elected representative to the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit .
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PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 10