Investing in Future Leaders in the Field of Law: The National Bar Association Commercial Law Section’s Pipeline Project
The National Bar Association (NBA) Commercial Law Section (CLS) has long been dedicated to fostering excellence, promoting diversity, and creating opportunities for Black attorneys across the legal industry. One of its most impactful initiatives is the CLS Pipeline Project, which is designed to support and prepare the next generation of legal professionals. This program focuses on addressing the historical underrepresentation of African Americans in corporate law by providing mentorship, resources, and real-world experience to law students and early-career attorneys.
Why the Pipeline Project Matters
The legal profession remains one of the least diverse sectors in the U.S. Despite progress in some areas, African Americans continue to be underrepresented in law firms and corporate legal departments, particularly in leadership roles. The NBA CLS Pipeline Project seeks to address these disparities by fostering long-term development and growth opportunities for aspiring Black attorneys.
The NBA CLS’s Pipeline Project is more than just a movement toward greater representation, diversity, and equity in the legal profession. It is also an opportunity to build relationships and do good for those that are less fortunate. In 2024, the NBA CLS partnered with the Southwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and a charitable nonprofit called Foster Love. As part of the 2024 Corporate Council conference, the NBA-CLS organized an interactive team-building event where we assembled, decorated, and donated over two dozen skateboards for local foster children. This event allowed local law students to interact and network with practicing lawyers while making a positive difference in the community.
By investing in the success of young Black attorneys, the Pipeline Project is helping to create a legal industry that is more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diverse society it serves. For more information about the Pipeline Project and how to get involved, please visit the NBA CLS website.
To learn more, please visit: https://nbacls.com