Diversity is just good business.

Diversifying law firms is not only the morally and socially responsible thing to do, but it makes good business sense, and those who are slow to diversify, or refuse to, will soon be left behind.

That was the message imparted in Tampa March 9 by an array of speakers to those attending the 2001 All Bar Conference on Diversity, which explored ways to promote the value of a diverse legal profession, with a special emphasis on increasing diversity at large law firms and corporate counsel offices. Conference participants also discussed how best to promote the recruitment of minority law school students and encourage the retention and advancement of minority lawyers.

"We know that what makes America great is its rich diversity and if we want to have public trust and confidence in the legal system, our law firms must reflect that rich diversity," Bar President Herman Russomanno told the more than 100 voluntary bar leaders from across the state who attended the event. "Either you believe it or you don't believe it."

Russomanno said The Florida Bar is committed to promoting diversity and that he longs for the day when multiculturalism is so ingrained in the profession that it is no longer an issue.

But the profession is not there yet, according to Jason Murray, president of the Miami-Dade County Black Lawyers Association. Murray said if the number of minority partners is going to increase, firms must create and foster mentor relationships and pay close attention to the work assignments given their minority lawyers. He said the BLA has found that if young, black associates don't receive adequate training or challenging work, they will seek out other firms that will appreciate their talents. (See story, page 7)

Corporate America

While the legal profession is still coming to grips with diversity, corporate America has already embraced the concept, said Alberto Gonzalez-Pita, vice president and group counsel-international for BellSouth Corporation. He said diversity is a business imperative.

One of the biggest obstacles facing corporate America and law firms today is the war for talent, Gonzalez-Pita said.

"Not only is the general war for talent a huge issue, but quite clearly, the war for the best and brightest talent -- and especially talent that comes from minority backdrops -- is the most intense of those wars," Gonzalez-Pita said.

Gonzalez-Pita said in a global economy where every place is different, "then the question becomes, 'Are companies...