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LAWYERS CONNECTING BEYOND THE LAW (LCBL)
Enhancing the cohesion, character and inclusiveness of our local legal profession
By Michael W. Hawkins and Judge Karen L. Litkovitz
Lawyers Connecting Beyond the Law (LCBL), formerly known as Lawyer to Lawyer, concluded its 2020-2021 session in July with a group discussion on the events and challenges of the past year, what we learned as individuals, and a path forward.
An enriching and culturally responsive program, LCBL brings together local lawyers and law students of diverse backgrounds for one year, primarily in small learning groups. LCBL seeks to:
• Make our local bar and community more welcoming and inclusive though the development of personal relationships;
• Create new and expanded opportunities to engage in mean- ingful dialogue; and
• Break down barriers and foster inclusiveness by building cultural competencies.
This year, participants engaged in virtual small group sessions and casual get-togethers to share new and diverse experiences. Over 50 lawyers and law students read and discussed resources on racial justice and LGBTQIA+ issues.
“By educating ourselves to become culturally competent, we sought to build the confidence to be able to engage in meaningful dialogue and become allies in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said LCBL co-chair, Michael Hawkins.
Sessions 1 and 2:
Understanding Institutional Racism
In our first session, participants read and discussed “My White Friend Asked Me on Facebook to Explain White Privilege. I Decided to Be Honest,” an article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson, which recounts the impact of institutional racism on the author’s life. The frank firsthand account of instances of institutional racism was eye-opening and thought-provoking.
Participants also discussed “The Hill We Climb,” the spoken word poem recited by the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Gorman wrote eloquently about hope, reconciliation, and the responsi- bility to “forge a union with purpose” for all Americans.
Session 3: Exploring Equity and Inclusivity
In our May session, LCBL members discussed the LGBTQIA+ community and how we, as a legal profession, can become more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming.
With help from the University of Cincinnati’s LGBTQ Center, utilizing its written materials used on campus, LCBL participants learned core vocabulary (e.g., what it means to be non-binary or an ally), recommended DOs and DON’Ts (using the word “gay” instead of “homosexual”), and how to be supportive if someone comes out as gay. “Welcome, everyone,” for example, is friendlier than saying, “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.”
We considered a report from the Center for American Prog- ress titled “The State of the LGBTQ Community in 2020, a
8 l September/October 2021 CBA REPORT
www.CincyBar.org