Morris, Manning, and Martin LLP Spearheads Efforts to Foster Diversity in the Legal Profession

In an inspiring endeavor to foster diversity within the legal profession, Morris, Manning, and Martin LLP (MMM) has launched an internship program to increase the representation of lawyers of color. Huynh, the chief diversity partner at MMM, shared his personal experience, shedding light on the lack of mentors and limited access to information about legal careers during his high school years.


During a recent interview on "Closer Look," Huynh expressed how, historically, the Atlanta legal landscape, and indeed the industry as a whole, lacked successful Asian American and other diverse lawyers. This observation is corroborated by the American Bar Association's 2020 Profile of the Legal Profession, which reveals that 86% of legal professionals identify as white.

Furthermore, the representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals within the legal field has seen slow growth over the past decade. Recognizing this disparity, MMM has taken proactive measures to address the issue and create a more inclusive legal community.

Huynh emphasized that the lack of diversity in the legal profession has far-reaching consequences, particularly for underserved populations. He explained, "If you don't have lawyers who reflect the diversity of our population, you're going to have underserved communities."

MMM's internship program, spearheaded by Huynh and supported by former intern Alanis Cummings, is vital to building a more diverse pipeline of lawyers. The program provides aspiring lawyers of color with valuable mentorship, access to resources, and the opportunity to gain practical experience within a prominent law firm.

By nurturing and empowering a new generation of diverse legal professionals, MMM aims to create a ripple effect that will transcend the confines of the organization, ultimately leading to increased diversity and inclusion within the legal industry as a whole.

Through its visionary approach and commitment to fostering change, MMM sets an exemplary standard for other firms to follow. By actively supporting and championing underrepresented communities, the legal profession can overcome its historical disparities and create a future where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.

MMM's internship program serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring a generation of aspiring lawyers of color to pursue their dreams and contribute to the legal profession, thus shaping a more just and inclusive society.