The American Bar Association created the Commission on Opportunities for Minorities in the Profession in 1986 at the recommendation of the Task Force on Minorities in the Profession. In conjunction with Goal IX - "to create full and equal participation in the profession by minorities and women", the Commission has 12 goals. Its' Chair and Commissioners are appointed by the ABA President-Elect.

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Our services include a Clearinghouse for information and data regarding minority lawyers; technical assistance to start programs to address the issues and concerns of minority lawyers; assistance in the appointment of minority lawyers to ABA committees and sections; research and writing on issues facing minority lawyers.

What is the Diversity Center?
The Diversity Center coordinates the ABA's diversity efforts. We have more information about the Diversity Center and other ABA diversity initiatives online.

I (or someone I know) has been discriminated against. Who can I contact?
Questions about bias in the courts should be directed to the Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice.
If you believe that you are being discriminated against in the workplace, review your employee manual or other guideline from Human Resources. Most employers have written anti-discrimination policies and an internal procedure for resolving such concerns. Your human resources department or compliance officer can be a good resource. You can also contact the EEOC for assistance.

I'm an employer and have a job I would like to post. Can you help me and how much does it cost?
You can post your opportunities for lawyers to our MICJob email list. It goes out to minority attorneys accross the country and is free of charge.

Can you help me get a job?
We have a Job page where you can view opportunities online or have them emailed to you. There is also a page with a list of job links.

How do I sign off the MICJob email list?
Unsubscribe from the MICJob list online. You will be sent a confirmation email and you will have to click on a link.

Who should I complain to about a lawyer?
Visit the ABA's Consumer's Guide to Legal Help for information about the lawyers disciplinary body in your state.

Can you recommend a lawyer to me?
We cannot make recommendations, but we can point you in a few directions.

• ABA Referral website
• Minority Bar Associations
• State Bar Associations
• Diverse Counsel is a directory of minority attorneys

I want to become a lawyer, but need financial help for school. Can you help me get a scholarship?
We have a list of student links that includes scholarships. You might also try contacting minority bar associations and the state bar where you are from or plan to go to school.

Are there scholarships to cover the cost of bar exam preparatory programs?
While scholarships to cover these costs are uncommon, some area have programs to help minority law students prepare for the bar exam. Consult the bar associations in your city to see if such a program exists.

How many minority attorneys are there?
We have a page of statistics from the U.S. Census that breaks out the numbers and percentages.

Do you have any other statistics about minorities in the legal profession?
We have a page of links to statistics from various sources. We also publish a book called Miles to Go which is available for sale online.

How many minorities are members and leaders the ABA?
We publish a report on the ABA's own diversity efforts called the Goal IX Report.