Is the lack of Black lawyers in the United States cause for concern According to the U.S. Census Bureau, although Blacks account for only 13 percent of the U.S. population, 40 percent of all prisoners in the United States are Black.
This lack of representation extends beyond the criminal-justice system into corporate America as well. Once Blacks enter the legal field, they are disproportionately underrepresented. Only 4 percent of partners in private practices are people from traditionally underrepresented groups, while in corporate America, only 9.1 percent of general counsel are people from traditionally underrepresented groups. These examples of racial disparity stress the need for more legal representation within the Black community.
There is evidence of small progress, however. A recent survey conducted by the “Journal of Blacks in Higher Education” (JBHE) revealed that Black men are narrowing the gap between themselves and Black women in law-school enrollments.
