Law Schools

The Disappointing 'Cascade Effect' A Lack Of Diversity Could Have On The Legal Profession

This is a 'downward trend' that won't be good for lawyers.

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Ed. note: Welcome to our daily feature, Quote of the Day.

The data is concerning to me. It’s the start of a downward trend here in terms of the diversity of our profession.

— Nikia Gray, executive director of the National Association for Law Placement, in comments given to Reuters, on the “cascade effect” of declining student diversity at the nation’s top law schools in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action in admissions. Verna Williams, chief executive officer of Equal Justice Works, echoed Gray’s thoughts, noting that the lack of diversity will be seen in the future in the legal job market. “It’s going to be reflected in who is hired in Big Law and for clerkships, and who becomes a judge,” she said. “There will be fewer people of color to choose from.”

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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