Intersectionality
What does authentic lawyering look like?
How can I be my whole self and be a lawyer? In what kind of workplace environment will I thrive?
These are some of the questions being explored in the law school’s new “Belonging in Practice” cultural competency series led by Sara Tandy, L’19, assistant dean of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
“We want students to understand they should never feel the need to change who they are.”
“Cultural competency and professional identity are important areas and lie squarely in line with belonging, inclusion, our sense of self, our identities, and who we want to be as lawyers,” Tandy said. “The goal is to help students navigate that professional identity while embracing their authentic selves.”
The series aims to assure students that success in the legal profession does not require them to abandon their identity. It encourages them to find environments where they can thrive authentically. It emphasizes the importance of how personal values, cultural backgrounds, and unique traits can positively contribute to one’s legal practice.
“We want students to understand they should never feel the need to change who they are,” Tandy said. “Rather, they should find environments where they can flourish while being fully themselves.”