Why Diversity in the Legal Profession Is Important from a Practical Standpoint - Essay Example

A judge or attorney, as two examples, that were not well-versed in cultural theory would have a difficult time conveying legal terminology or changing undesired behaviors if they did not understand the jargon, slang, or cultural communication philosophy of these individuals. Representatives of the legal system must understand the social or even psychological mechanisms that drive individual responses from multiple demographics if they are to convey any relevant meaning to the citizen, especially if the goal is to facilitate behavioral or attitude-based changes.

 In the client environment, similar disparities will be ongoing with clients of many different backgrounds and social/family structures, therefore diversity in legal professional education must be present in order to work successfully with these groups. For instance, an individual seeking legal assistance who hails from a wealthy and privileged environment might automatically believe that legal servants are below them and fail to make any worthwhile interpersonal connection. Those in the legal profession must understand these differences and have the diversity of character in order to conduct their obligations toward the client. This diversity can stem from gaining academic knowledge of advantaged social groups or other sociological understandings to assist in client communications.

For the legal counselor or other similar roles, knowledge of ethnic backgrounds is also critical if there is to be any headway made with citizens of varying demographics. Emotional issues that have led to criminal behavior in Asian groups, as one example, might be fundamentally different with Caucasian citizens and thus diversity of social and racial systems must be included in the legal-based education curriculum. Such diversity also removes potential prejudices and biases, especially important for judicial representatives and policing units, to ensure equality and fair justice without favoritism or discrimination of any variety.

Legal professionals are relied upon to provide assistance to general society by reducing criminal activities and corruption and also to ensure the well-being of national citizens in a role of servant to the law. Diversity training provides for partiality in decision-making and job role function that only serves to improve relationships with the client, community, or those individuals unfortunate enough to face sentencing for committing improper acts. Society relies on balanced reasoning from legal professionals in order to serve their interests both small and large, thus maintaining a diversity-minded set of principles and beliefs is necessary to carry out this function effectively. Read More