Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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This article is adapted and expanded from a keynote presentation the author delivered at the CPR Institute’s Regional Meeting in Philadelphia on April 10. See credit below. 
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It’s a privilege to be here to share a few thoughts about diversity in the dispute resolution arena. I know many people in this room. And I know that most of you have worked hard to promote necessary change, and to help ensure equality of opportunity throughout our profession.

As I’ve often said, we will do as well as we choose to do in leveling the playing field.

It’s important that you understand that. It’s up to you; it’s up to each of us. It’s in our hands.

The truth is that when Ben Picker [senior counsel in Philadelphia’s Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, which hosted the CPR Institute Regional meeting at which this presentation took place] first asked me to speak, I was reluctant and I told him so. 

I’m not even sure we know what we’re talking about sometimes when we discuss diversity.