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Diversity & Inclusion

Judge Karl Ashley, Diversity Trailblazer Award Winner, and Judge Ramona Gonzalez, Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award Winner

Judge Carl Ashley and Judge Ramona A. Gonzalez, receiving awards at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Conference.


Defining Diversity and Inclusion

In 2014, the State Bar of​ Wisconsin Board of Governors adopted a comprehensive plan to foster systemic changes that support diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. As part of this plan, the Board adopted this broad and flexible definition of diversity and inclusion:​​

"The term 'diversity' has a dynamic meaning that evolves as the de​mographics in the state change. It is an inclusive concept that encompasses, among other things, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation and disability. Inclusion helps to create a culture that embraces people from the widest range of talent and experience and promotes understanding and respect for all people and different points of view in the legal profession."

​​ What We're Doing 
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​Events & Publications
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Diversity Clerkship Program 
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Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee: Ensuring Our Commitment

​The Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee (DIOC) is central to the success of the Bar's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The committee assists, coordinates and facilitates diversity efforts within all entities of the Bar. The committee is also responsible for institutionalizing and implementing the Bar's ultima​te action plan with regard to diversity and inclusion.

To learn more or volunteer, please con​tact Jacque Evans at je​vans@wisbar.org​.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Diversity Counsel Program

The Diversity Counsel Program gives you guidance for making your practice, your firm, and even your community a more welcoming, all-encompassing place. Hear practical, straightforward advice from judges and lawyers as they share their strategies for becoming more diverse and inclusive. 

The 2023 Diversity Counsel Program has concluded, but if you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 Diversity Counsel Program, please contact Jacque Evans, jevans@wisbar.org​​

Law Student

Become a State Bar of Wisconsin Law Student Associate today and take steps now to boost your future legal career. The State Bar of Wisconsin offers a variety of resources to help you connect with the legal profession while you’re a student. You can network with your future colleagues at events, stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the law, be added to the monthly Law Student Associate Newsletter, and access research and career resources.

Join today for free and start making connections! If you have questions, please contact staff liaison Jacque Evans, jevans@wisbar.org, (608) 250-6083