Our History

The Minority Bar Association of WNY is a not-for-profit organization comprising over 100 members from diverse ethnic backgrounds who represent the varied races, cultures, and beliefs in Western New York. Our membership consists of attorneys, public officials, academia, law students, and legal professionals who work or live in the Western New York area.

Minorities in the Legal Profession (Nationally)

• Blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans who are law firm partners, 7%

• Minorities who are general counsels of large corporations 9%

• African Americans who are partners in large law firms. 2%

• Women of Color who are law firm partners 1.7%

The purpose of the Minority Bar Association of WNY is to facilitate and advance equality and excellence in the legal profession; aid in the progress of minorities in the legal profession, address legal issues affecting minorities, encourage the personal and professional development of lawyers and students, advocate for the civil rights of all people, and enhance the legal services available to minority communities. To this end, our objectives are to improve the integrity and standards of professionalism in the legal community; increase the level of diversity in the Bar, elevate the public’s confidence in the judicial system and the administration of justice, promote and encourage diversity in the judiciary and in the court system, and encourage the promise of equality and fairness for all under the law. It is also our goal to foster a better understanding and awareness of the experiences of minorities in the legal profession to improve and advance the benefits of diversity. We hope that you will join us and help to promote these goals.

Our members are the driving force behind our success. We hope that you will add to our continued success by becoming a member and by participating in projects and events through committee membership.