Statement from the Diversity in the Profession Section

The deeply troubling revelations this week regarding misogynistic, racist, homophobic, and antisemitic emails by John Barber and Jeff Ranen, former Lewis Brisbois partners, are a startling reminder that despite the progress that has been made, there is still a great deal of important work remaining to be done to eradicate discrimination and harassment in the legal profession. 

LACBA’s Diversity in the Profession (DIP) Section shares the collective anguish and disgust of our fellow attorneys over the disclosures that have come to light. We grieve for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, and other historically marginalized groups for whom this revelation is another branch on the tree of not belonging, another reminder that we are different – that regardless of our positions and professional accomplishments, we remain “other.” We grieve for the law students and recent graduates who are deflated once again as they strive to find a place in this esteemed profession while studying for the bar exam or trying to impress new supervisors in summer internships. It is a sad, difficult day in the legal profession.

We implore all lawyers and law firms to do better and expect more. It is everyone’s job to stand up against discrimination and harassment whenever it occurs and regardless of whom is targeted. Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4.1 underscores our shared ethical obligation to do so. The DIP Section encourages all LACBA members – and all attorneys – to continue to engage in real and meaningful efforts to further diversity, equity, and inclusion in all their professional interactions.

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