Happy Birthday!
As the year 2001 closes, there is much to reflect upon and take pride in.
It has been a challenging year for all of us, but one in which we have observed diverse factions of people pull together in heroic ways and unite around common goals. That spirit of unity and shared purpose is certainly worth celebrating and seeking to apply to other worthwhile causes.
This fall, MCCA marks its fifth year of service to the legal community. For the corporations and law firms who have supported MCCA these past five years, it’s a time to celebrate all that we have accomplished by pulling together around a common goal.
Over the years, your support empowered MCCA to spearhead a critical dialogue within the corporate legal community about diversity issues and the creation of a more inclusive profession. With your help, MCCA has become a conscience to the legal community, giving the issue of diversity unprecedented levels of visibility and credibility. You’ve enabled MCCA to be an advocate for women and minority attorneys, who are still seeking meaningful participation in representative numbers within the legal profession. You’ve assisted MCCA in building its reputation as a knowledge leader on diversity topics. And, for this, we thank you!
Together, we’ve come a long way and although we have much to celebrate, we have much more to contribute. Your continued interest and support of MCCA has been critical and it is needed now more than ever, so please continue to stay involved.
In the pages that follow, MCCA spotlights several outstanding leaders in the profession—corporate law departments that stand ahead of the pack, top general counsel who are role models for generations of new and aspiring lawyers, and law firms that are committed to reshaping the face of the profession.
In this issue, we also take time to reflect on the founding of MCCA five years ago and honor the people who made the organization possible. As you read through this commemorative issue, please take time to think about the advancements we have made thus far and remain mindful of the many strides yet to be taken. Together we will continue creating pathways to diversity.™
Thanks for “walking the talk” with MCCA!
Veta T. Richardson
From the December 2001 issue of Diversity & The Bar®