Mission, Overview and Diversity Statement

Toledo Bar Association Mission Statement:

To advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, promote the rule of law, facilitate equal access to justice, and consciously foster a diverse and inclusive legal community, by providing unmatched collaborative opportunities, professional development and outstanding services to our members while also supporting the community at large.

Toledo Bar Association Vision Statement:

To make our association indispensable to the bench and bar and to preserve and promote Toledo as a unique place to practice law in a culture of camaraderie, collegiality, competence and mutual trust.
 

Overview:

• Consists of over 1500 members governed by an elected Board of Trustees
• Headquartered in its own 3-story building in downtown Toledo; supported by a professional staff of 10
• Sponsors more than 40 active committees in such fields as law reform, court administration, professional ethics and continuing legal education.
• Inter-professional committees work with other professionals to solve mutual problems
• Schedules continuing legal education seminars and social gatherings for the benefit of its members
• Provides free legal services to those who cannot afford it through its 400+ Pro Bono panel attorneys

Diversity Statement of Practice:

The Toledo Bar Association continues its decades-long commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment requires a holistic and multifaceted approach that looks to the needs within our organization, legal community, justice system, and the greater communities we serve, live and work in. We are committed to involving, listening to, and seeking input from all TBA members including minority and underrepresented groups to help us create a more inclusive organization and profession.

Fostering an Accessible, Diverse and Inclusive Environment
The TBA seeks diversity in every level of the organization and is committed to fostering an accessible, inclusive and welcoming environment for all TBA members, regardless of identity, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or abilities. We are committed to honoring our members’ individual identities, experiences, and backgrounds and developing a local legal community in which attorneys from underrepresented and minority communities can advance, be valued, and developing a sense of belonging in a supportive environment.

Developing the Next Generation of Attorneys and Supporting All Generations
The TBA remains committed to the professional development of all TBA members as well as cultivating and encouraging interest in the legal profession among new generations of students to advance the growth of the legal profession. This includes facilitating a pipeline to the legal profession for students from underrepresented and minority backgrounds to better reflect the communities and clients we serve. The TBA is also committed to the proactive and intentional support of our members and the greater legal community. This includes the allocation of available resources and continuing to expand opportunities for deeper involvement and leadership.

Breaking Down Barriers to Justice
The TBA recognizes the existing disparity between the composition of the legal profession and the demographics of the community and clients we serve. The TBA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion seeks to decrease this disparity, to encourage the development of a legal community that is accessible to our local community, and to eliminate real and perceived barriers to the justice system. These efforts include the TBA’s longstanding commitment to promoting access to justice for all members of our community, including the underrepresented and underserved. The TBA is further committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion in our community as a whole as a natural extension of these efforts.

By reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to the legal profession, institutions, and justice system for the community, the TBA continues its efforts to promote the rule of law.

To fulfill these commitments, the TBA further recognizes the need to address obstacles to diversity and inclusion, including educational, attitudinal, and economic impediments. The TBA proactively works to accomplish these goals through its policies, leadership, advocacy, and activities, including the activities of its Diversity, Inclusion and Race Equity Committee. The TBA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a critical element in building and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the legal system.
 

Upon request and during Toledo Bar Association business hours, any TBA member has a right to inspect all governing documents, audited financial statements, and policies of the Toledo Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association Foundation.

IRS forms 990 – Returns of Organizations Exempt from Federal Income Tax for the past 3 years may be inspected by any member of the general public at the TBA headquarters during regular business hours.