Law firms, corporate clients, court systems, and other institutions are making strides towards implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. However, the historical context is required for any substantive conversation about race to begin. In this program, Andrea Kelli Higgs, Esq. will use the I-R-A-C method to provide this context as a starting point for attorneys to learn more about the definition and evolution of race as a classification system.
The program will review the history and governing documents of the United States of America (such as the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights), case law (such as Scott v. Sandford and Plessy v. Ferguson), legislation (such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act), and demographic data for the legal profession. In defining and situating race in its historical and systemic context, Ms. Higgs will help attorneys take intentional action to address racial bias beyond the courtroom, boardroom, and Zoom breakout room.
Learning Objectives:
Andrea Kelli Higgs, Esq., is admitted to practice law in Connecticut and New York, earned a J.D. from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro College, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. She was Interim Assistant Dean of the Office of Learning Initiatives and Success at SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) and taught courses in the A.B.A. Paralegal Program at WCC and SUNY Rockland Community College. “Kelli” served as a Legal Consultant in the financial services, pharmaceutical, and commercial chemicals sectors, and an NYS Assembly Graduate Fellow, before establishing the Law Office of Andrea Kelli Higgs, PLLC; an m/w/b/e certified firm. She is a guest columnist for the Westchester County Press, an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Westchester Alumnae Chapter, and was named “Best Lawyer” by the N.A.A.C.P.-White Plains/Greenburgh Branch.