16. The Power of Diversity and Attorney Wellbeing - Deborah Enix-Ross

The honourable guest in this episode is the President of the American Bar Association, Deborah Enix-Ross, a Senior Advisor to the International Dispute Resolution Group of Debevoise & Plimpton. She is also the Co-Chair of the IBA Professional Wellbeing Commission. First we explore the significance of diversity in the legal field, gender diversity in particular, and discuss the impact of bias and stereotypes, as well as strategies to address and combat these challenges, both on an individual and systemic level. We also confront the frustratingly slow progress in achieving gender balance in the profession, examining the barriers and discussing potential strategies for accelerating the journey towards parity. In addition, we delve into attorney wellbeing and the stigma related to mental health issues in the legal profession. During the conversation, Deborah shares her 3Cs as the President of the ABA, her personal path to leadership and the reasons why she remains deeply passionate about being a lawyer. Finally, she provides her perspective on where she finds hope for a brighter, more diverse future in the legal profession - a heartening close to an episode that promises to leave you inspired and with a renewed belief in the power of change. Host: Katja Hollmén The episode was recorded in May 2023 in New York City.