Sections & Committees

Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Page

The objectives of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion are to promote and advance the full and equal participation of attorneys of color and other diverse attorneys in the New York State Bar Association and in all sectors and at every level of the legal profession through research, education, fostering involvement and leadership development in NYSBA and other professional activities, and to promote knowledge of and respect for the profession in communities that historically have been excluded from the practice of law.

The Committee shall also foster the development of, monitor progress of and report on diversity initiatives of the Association, as well as partner with the Sections to continue to pursue enhanced diversity and inclusion in the Association, including among the leadership of the Association.

In conducting its work, the Committee shall consult with and engage Association leaders, other entities and individuals, including Sections of the New York State Bar Association;the New York State Conference of Bar Leaders; the Committee on Leadership Development; the Committee on Women in the Law; the Committee on Civil Rights; the Committee on Disability Rights; the Committee on LGBT People and the Law; the Law, Youth & Citizenship Program; minority and women’s bar associations; and others with an interest in the Committee’s mission and activities.

A committee roster can be found here. Download the committee history here.

Mirna M. Santiago, Esq.             Violet E. Samuels
Chair                                           Vice-Chair

To honor exceptional efforts to promote the full and equal participation of diverse people at all levels of the legal profession.

Contact: Minika Udoko

2019 Call for Nomination Form


Deadline: September 2018

Date Presented: Monday, January 14, 2019

Award Criteria: New York attorneys, whether practicing or not, are eligible. 

Prize Awarded: Crystal vase with inscription

Past Recipients: 

2018 Hon. Sheila Abdus-Salaam
2018 Barbara Finkelstein, Esq.
2017 Hon. Denny Chin
2016 Christopher S. Auguste 
2015 Tracy Richelle High
2014 Darryl M. Gibbs
2013 Lillian M. Moy
2012 Hon. Jenny Rivera
2012 Paul T. Williams, Jr.
2012 Joseph Maron Hanna
2011 Hon. Theodore Jones
2011 Sharon Y. Bowen
2010 Leonard M. Baynes
2009 Laurie Robinson
2008 Taa Grays
2007 Carol A. Robles-Roman
2006 Hon. George Bundy Smith
2006 Hon. George Leighton
2006 Hon. Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick

The New York State Bar Association is deeply committed to enhancing diversity at every level of participation within the association and the profession. Every two years, the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion prepares a diversity report card. This report card continues to highlight the need for raising the level of diversity awareness within the profession and increase opportunities for diverse attorneys to serve in Association leadership positions.

2017 Report Card

2015 Report Card

2013 Report Card

2011 Report Card

2009 Report Card

2007 Report Card