APPLY FOR A DEI SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE January 31, 2025, AT 11:59 P.M. PST

The mission of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association DEI Taskforce is to increase diversity in the legal profession.

The mission of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association (SBCBA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst professionals in the local legal community, with a focus on supporting students from diverse backgrounds obtain careers in law. One way the Task Force strives to achieve this is by offering scholarships to the SBCBA and the Santa Barbara County Bar Foundation are currently accepting applications for the DEI Scholarship to help cover the costs of LSAT and bar prep courses, exam registration fees, and to offset costs of Law School Graduates’ living expenses while they study for the California State Bar exam.

Eligible Undergraduate Students and Law School Graduates are those who are either (a) a member of a diverse population or group that historically has been underrepresented in the legal profession; or (b) an individual that has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to diversity that will be furthered by a DEI Scholarship award. For purposes of the DEI Scholarship, the following definitions apply:

  • “Law School Graduate” is a student who will graduate from, or has graduated from, law school in 2024 or 2025 and will sit for the California State Bar exam in 2025.
  • “Eligible Undergraduate Student” is a student who currently attends, or recently graduated from, a four-year college or university, who will be taking the LSAT exam in 2025.

At the discretion of the Committee, scholarships may be awarded to Eligible Undergraduate Students and Recent Law School Graduates. Awards may be upwards of $1,000 per scholarship. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the extent of funds donated.

For more information and to access the application HERE.

THANK YOU TO THE 2024-2025 DEI SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

“Diversity” Sponsor
Apex Family Law, P.C.
https://apexfamilylaw.com/

“Inclusion” Sponsor
Foley Bezek
Lynn & Steve Fox (Santa Barbara Auto Accessories)

Friends of the Task Force
Susan & James Petrovich
Jennifer Duffy & Tom Krueger

Interested in becoming sponsor? Donations can be made by:

DIVERSITY IN THE LEGAL FIELD 
Diversity in the legal profession is a necessity that helps to improve the overall focus of the profession.  A group of culturally, racially, ethnically, and gender-diverse legal practitioners can attract and effectively connect with a broader network of clients than can their non-diverse counterparts.  Such diversity strengthens the belief in the fair delivery of justice, regardless of the background of the client. By more broadly representing and mirroring the values and cultures of a diverse community, a team of diverse lawyers can more effectively solve their clients’ and communities’ problems. Diversity in the legal profession helps to prevent discrimination, promotes inclusiveness, and encourages a broader understanding of the world around us.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE 
In 2021, under the leadership of then SBCBA President Elizabeth Diaz, the SBCBA created the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force (Task Force) to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst professionals in the local legal community; an idea that was envisioned for years prior to Ms. Diaz becoming SBCBA President. The Task Force is comprised of local attorneys and representatives from Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, Santa Barbara Barristers, Santa Barbara County Bar Foundation, and the Northern Santa Barbara County Bar Association.

GOALS
The goals of the Task Force are to provide continuing legal education to members of the Bar on DEI topics and topics that explore systemic barriers that may impact students from underrepresented populations obtain careers in law. Additionally, Task Force members participate in mentoring undergraduate and law students and created the DEI Scholarship Program to assist students of diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in law.

MENTORSHIP & SCHOLARSHIP
Representation of diverse legal professionals is important for students to see so that they may be encouraged to also pursue a career in law.  Additionally, most students do not have access to an attorney or a judicial officer to ask questions about their career path.  The Task Force has created a program for students, in particular students of color and those who come from diverse backgrounds, to connect with legal professionals via career panels, informational interviews, and internships.

For Students

  • Career Panels – hear from judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals about their experiences in the law. Panels may be held online or in person.
  • Informational Interviews – students will be connected with judges, attorneys, or legal professionals to meet one on one to discuss a career in law. Meetings may be in person or virtual. Open to high school and college students.
  • Internships – referrals for potential internship opportunities through non-profit legal services, attorneys, or legal professionals. Internships open to college and law students.

For those interested in scheduling a career panel, informational interview, or to obtain information regarding internships available, please send inquiries to email: [email protected]

For Attorneys, Judicial Officers, and Legal Professionals

  • If you are interested in participating in career panels, or are available for an informational interview, or if your law office or legal services organization would be interested in taking on a student intern, please contact [email protected]
  • UCSB’s Pre-Law Mentorship Program is held in the Spring Quarter of each year. This is an opportunity for attorneys and judges to mentor first-generation, undergraduate students who are considering careers in the legal profession. If you are interested in learning more about this innovative program, please email [email protected]

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE’S DIVERSITY SURVEY
The Task Force conducted a Diversity Survey in 2021. The results are published in the Santa Barbara Lawyer Magazine, April 2022 edition.

RESOURCES
The following are among the many resources available for legal professionals who would like to learn more about DEI in the legal profession. These resources can help provide leaders with social context, as well as tools for fostering an inclusive work environment where all legal professionals can thrive.

Books
Hays-Thomas, R. (2017). Managing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: A Psychological Perspective. Taylor and Francis.

Meyer, E. (2014). The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business. PublicAffairs.

Brown, J. (2019). How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive. Berrett-Koehler.

Catlin, K. (2019). Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces Better Allies Press.

Articles
The Role of Diverse and Women Attorneys in Employment Law

The Business Case for Diversity: Reality or Wishful Thinking?

Report Card on the Diversity of California’s Legal Profession

Clients Push for Diversity

Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and the Required Managerial Tools

Ted Talks
Rocio Lorenzo, Innovation through Diversity
Janet Stovall, How to Get Serious About Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Melinda Epler, 3 Ways to Be a Better Ally in the Workplace