YLD sets three diversity symposiums for May 9.

The Young Lawyers Division is expanding its efforts to promote diversity by hosting diversity symposiums in three parts of the state simultaneously.

Events are set for May 9 at Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, and Florida International University College of Law in Miami.

"Diversity is a topic that is often overlooked, as it does not affect all people all of the time. And it is not just race, ethnicity, or gender --it is LGBT, it is physical disabilities, it is even simply being a younger lawyer," said Sorraya Solages, chair of the YLD diversity committee.

"In the past, the YLD diversity committee has sponsored various diversity-related events throughout the state. This year, we wanted to up the ante and challenge ourselves to make a bigger splash in the diversity and inclusion pool. The committee's hope is that the ripple effect will propel diversity conversations and programming to the forefront."

The symposiums are open to all lawyers and law students in Florida, and Solages said she expects about 50 to 100 people to attend each event. Attendees will be encouraged to discuss diversity-related issues affecting their specific region.

"Although general diversity and inclusion concerns are broad and permeate the entire state, what may affect lawyers in Miami can be very different from what affects lawyers in Orlando or Tallahassee," she said.

While planning for the symposiums is still underway, the...