DEI Hackathon 2023

THE FACTS We have a problem.  Law firm associate attrition rates are 33% higher for racial minorities than for white lawyers.  And, while 20% of students at each of our two Wisconsin law schools are identified as people of color, only 4% of large firm partners in Milwaukee are identified as minorities – and only 0.6% are African American. And while women make up roughly half of all entering law students, only 25% of large firm partners in Milwaukee are women. Despite decades of focus, attention, and investment, there is a persistent lack of diversity in the legal profession. The DEI Hackathon was brought to life by leaders in Milwaukee's legal community who want to see that change. SO NOW WHAT? The Concept.   The efforts to recruit and retain people of color and women through leadership levels, however numerous and well-intentioned, aren’t working. We need fresh ideas, new approaches, and the willingness to let go of practices that aren’t getting results. And we can’t kid ourselves. We can’t move the numbers overnight, or with one event, or even in one year. But we have to start somewhere. A Hackathon is an event during which people unite to engage in collaborative, team-based problem solving. Picture teams of lawyers entering a "Shark Tank-like" competition to devise great ideas for positively impacting diverse lawyer recruiting and retention in our community and pitching their ideas at a fun event judged by well-known local legal dignitaries. The winning ideas win seed money for implementation -- but the legal community will be the big winner.

KEY DATES AUGUST 31 - Team Sign Up DeadlineSubmit your teammatesand your team name beforeAugust 31.

SEPTEMBER 14 - Kickoff EventBring your whole team to learn about how to prepare for the Hackathon,ask questions, start brainstorming, and get some swag to support your innovation. Food and drinks will be served.

OCTOBER 30 - Hackathon CompetitionIt's time to show up and show out! We can't wait to hear the amazing ideas for how to work towards a solution for this critical issue.

REGISTRATION: https://form.jotform.com/231905191453151

SPONSOR: https://www.mkebarfoundation.org/_files/ugd/f96d96_bf178fd74e29487ab745db998e65c847.pdf