Diversity & Historical Timeline

Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion

Founded in 1908, the New York County Lawyers’ Association was the first major bar association in the country to admit members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Since its inception, NYCLA has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence, and has continuously played an active role in legal developments and public policy, including spearheading efforts that support diversity in the legal profession.

In recent years, NYCLA task forces and committees have issued reports, promoted diversity statements and produced forums highlighting issues of special concern to women and minorities. Since 1989, NYCLA has sponsored a Summer Diversity Equity and Inclusion Judicial Internship Program, which provides stipends to law students who are placed as interns with federal and state court judges.

NYCLA acknowledges the Task Force to Increase Diversity in the Legal Profession; Racial and Ethnic Diversity Committee; Task Force on Same-Sex Marriage; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues Committee; and Women’s Rights Committee for their efforts.

Hon. Harold Baer Jr. and Dr. Suzanne Baer Equity and Inclusion in the Judiciary Internship Program

The Program
Established in 1989 by Honorable Harold Baer Jr. and his wife, Dr. Suzanne Baer, the Equity and Inclusion in the Judiciary Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for law students to be introduced to the judicial system during a paid summer internship.  The program is administered by NYCLA’s Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity and accepts first and second year law students from the five law schools in New York County, as well as Brooklyn Law School, St. John’s University School of Law and City University of New York School of Law at Queens College.

Here’s a quick look at our deep roots in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion