Tampa Law Firm’s Starlett Massey is Appointed to Florida Bar Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Posted on March 5, 2018, by Massey Law Group

On April 18, 2018, Florida Bar President-Elect, Michelle Suskauer, appointed Starlett Massey to serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, beginning in July, for the 2018-2019 Florida Bar year.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee supports initiatives and programs in the legal community that encourage diversity and inclusion in The Florida Bar. The mission is one that is close to the heart of MLG, which strives to make leadership and professional roles within the legal profession available to all attorneys and paralegals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

In 2010, the Florida Bar reexamined its diversity efforts. Following recommendations from the Program Evaluation Committee, initiatives were overhauled. The recommendations included a definition of diversity to focus its efforts, and the following statement of commitment to promote diversity in the legal profession was also adopted:

The Florida Bar is fully committed to the enhancement of diversity within the Bar, the legal profession, legal education, and in the justice system, and affirms its commitment toward a diverse and inclusive environment with equal access and equal opportunity for all.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was created as well as a grant program. The Diversity Leadership Grant program supports initiatives and programs, including diversity training and dialogue among lawyers in Florida through financial support of conferences, seminars, summits, and symposia planned and hosted by local and specialty bar associations.

Starlett believes that working with legal organizations to create space for sharing challenges and successes in this area is a key part of MLG’s commitment to justice and equality within the legal community and community at large.

“Our goal is to develop initiatives that ensure legal professionals reflect the diversity within our community and the clients we serve. It’s a privilege to serve on the Florida Bar Diversity and Inclusion Committee and work to be a thought leader, taking a proactive role to create and support positive solutions that have far-reaching benefits to our profession, community, and clients,” said Starlett.