State Bar Opens New Round of DEI Leadership Seal Program Applications

The State Bar of California is inviting a new round of legal employers across the state to apply for its DEI Leadership Seal-a distinction recognizing organizations that commit to and implement research-driven actions that further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Applications are due March 27, 2026.

The seal is available to all legal employers with California-licensed attorneys, including law firms of all sizes, in-house legal departments, legal academia, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies with attorney staff.

As part of its mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal system and legal profession, the State Bar launched the DEI Leadership Seal program.

"California's legal profession thrives when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves," said Executive Director Laura Enderton-Speed. "Through the DEI Leadership Seal program, we invite legal employers to take meaningful steps that foster equity and inclusion in their workplaces. Each application signals a commitment to progress and to building a stronger, more representative legal system."

Earning the DEI Leadership Seal
Organizations that commit to pursuing at least 5 of the 10 Action Items listed in the program requirements will be eligible to be recognized as participating employers and listed on the State Bar's website. Two Action Items-to collect and maintain demographic data and to create a strategic DEI plan-are mandatory.

Seal recipients are recognized in the following tiers:
• Gold tier: Organizations that implement 9 Action Items
• Silver tier: Organizations that implement 7 Action Items
• Bronze tier: Organizations that implement 5 Action Items

Seal recipients may use the seal on their own website and materials to signal their participation and recognition.

Program participation
Since its launch in 2023, the program currently consists of 85 employers (that have earned seals or are committed), including 12 seal recipients that have moved up from their original bronze or silver designation to silver or gold seals.

In December 2025, the State Bar announced that six new organizations received the DEI Leadership Seal, and another four organizations have committed to earn a seal. The six recipients include one law firm, two nonprofit organizations, two government agencies, and one law school; two earned a Gold Seal, two earned Silver, and two earned Bronze.

For committed participants and seal recipients
Committed participants from 2024 or earlier have until March 27, 2026, to implement their selected Action Items. Committed participants named in 2025 have until March 26, 2027, to implement their selected Action Items.

Please see the DEI Leadership Seal FAQs for additional information on program requirements.

NOTE: The State Bar does not require or encourage any DEI Leadership Seal applicant or participant to make any employment decisions based in whole or in part on any individual's race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, color, ethnicity, or national origin, or to otherwise treat any individual differently on these bases. DEI Leadership Seal applicants or participants should consult legal counsel with questions concerning their compliance with applicable law.

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.