The Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

Justin Strayhorn
Associate, Brown & Crouppen, P.C.
Member-at-Large (2021-22), BAMSL Young Lawyers Division (YLD)

Originally published in the February 2022 issue of the St. Louis Lawyer magazine. Download PDF.

Representation in any walk of life is a very important factor, which should not be undervalued. That representation also is an additional reason diversity, equity and inclusion are invaluable, particularly in the legal field.

Oftentimes as a child, when asked what I wanted to be growing up, I would consider a couple factors. Whether it was a pastor at my church or a local firefighter, my interest at the moment is where I would start. The second factor I would consider was if there was anyone I knew or knew of who was actually participating in the job or occupation that fit my interest. This early two-part analysis is one that I do not believe is uncommon amongst children or other individuals considering what career path they want to pursue. The effect of being able to see someone who looks like you in a field of interest or career path can serve as a factor which may change the trajectory of a person's life. When faced with statistics telling you something you want to do is improbable, viewing someone actively doing what you are pursuing may serve as encouragement to continue moving forward.

In my pursuit to become an attorney, I understood that from a numerical standpoint, there were not a lot of African American male attorneys in the field. I also understood that although there were not a lot, there were many great role models I could look to that provided examples that it could be done. Attorneys like Thurgood Marshall, Johnny Cochran and Charles Hamilton Houston were all trailblazers in their respective fields and were examples that the journey to become an attorney could be achieved. Beyond the visual optic of seeing them perform, the respective paths taken to get where they were provided additional motivation in determining the goal was attainable.

Diversity, equity and inclusion also allows for a number of different perspectives on any given situation. As a prosecutor, I was able to view these dynamics firsthand. One of the many responsibilities of a prosecutor is to review evidence presented on a particular situation and potentially issue charges based on that review. Although the facts in each case may be presented in different ways, the procedural steps of the evaluation remain the same.

The lens through which the facts are viewed, however, will change based on the person who is reviewing and making the evaluation. Those different lenses do not serve to make a distinction between right and wrong. Those different lenses allow for a varying level of review of the facts and also allow for different levels of consideration and understanding based on the experiences of the person participating in that review. That review is strengthened because each person has different life experiences. The ability to review and apply the law remains the same, but it is the variance in life experiences that allows for different opinions on a particular situation. That is one example of where the value of diversity can be clearly seen.

In order to get an inclusive analysis, legal or otherwise, you must have people from different walks of life. I learned early to listen and value other's opinions even when I do not completely agree with them. I have found that listening to an opposing view is an opportunity for self-growth. Being inclusive also requires providing a space where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and participate in the process. This allows for the most thorough review and what I believe to be the best possible outcome.

As mentioned previously, diversity, equity and inclusion help improve any process and the final outcome of any decision being made. In order to hear different perspectives, there must be equal representation in the room. Whether it is in the criminal sphere or in the boardroom, having the ability to hear experiences and perspectives other than your own is priceless. It is for these reasons that diversity, equity and inclusion must not only be considered, but should also be made an integral part of any successful law firm.