Diversity Leadership Institute

The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division's Diversity Leadership Instititute (DLI) is a six-month leadership and mentoring program for Tennessee law students in their second, third or fourth years of study. Now in its third year, the program is designed to: 

• Develop skills to succeed as a law student and attorney;
• Empower students to contribute more to the legal community;
• Match students to mentors in a diverse variety of practice areas; and
• Build relationships among students of diverse backgrounds

Class size is limited to a total of 20 to 25 students selected from across the state. The goal of the program is to have a diverse class, so selection is based in part on race, ethnicity, gender, age, background, geographical factors and law schools attended. To learn more about the program, download this one-page description

Applications for the 2013 class are now available and are due back to the TBA by Dec. 5. Learn more below.

2013 Program Schedule

The 2013 Diversity Leadership Institute program will begin with an opening retreat Jan. 18-19 in Nashville. Attendance is required but double occupancy hotel accommodations and mileage reimbursement will be provided for participants living outside of Nashville. At the retreat, participants will be introduced to their mentors and get to know their fellow class members. Leadership and diversity concepts will be introduced and participants will explore topics such as:

• Diversity in the Legal Community
• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Public Trust & Confidence in the Judicial System

During the program, participants will be required to meet with their mentor at least twice, complete one community service activity, and attend two continuing legal education seminars, at least one of which should focus on a topic related to diversity. To help participants meet these requirements — and network with practicing lawyers in their local area — class members will be invited to attend public service projects, educational seminars and membership events planned by the TBA YLD. Participants also are encouraged to get involved in activities sponsored by their local bar associations as a way to meet these requirements.

The Institute will conclude with a final session and graduation ceremony June 14-15 during the TBA Annual Convention in Nashville. Again, attendance is required but double occupancy hotel accommodations and mileage reimbursements will be provided for those who live outside the Nashville area.

2013 Application Process

• Applicants must be in their second, third or fourth years of study

• Applicants must be TBA law student members. Students interested in applying for the program who have not yet joined the TBA may do so online. Join here or learn more about the benefits of law student membership

• Applicants must submit an application form, three essays (selected from 10 possible questions) and a resume

                          Download application instructions in pdf format

                          Download a fillable pdf version of the application

• Applications should be submitted to TBA staff member Stacey Shrader by email to sshrader@tnbar.org, by fax to (615) 297-8058 or by mail to Stacey Shrader, Tennessee Bar Association, 221 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37219. The deadline for applying is 5 p.m. Central time on Dec. 5.

• Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by Dec. 2.

Key Program Dates

The following timeline provides a summary of the program deadlines and other key dates for participating students: