Outstanding Barrister Award Recipients Q&A
Question 1
What does diversity mean to you? How does it relate to your working environment?
Diversity means bringing together people with different experiences that shape their views and being able to create stronger teams and ideas as a result. It is the foundation of a healthy workplace, and benefits everyone involved."
Kelly Matayoshi
Farella Braun + Martel
Carole Okolowicz
Carlson, Calladine & Peterson
Diversity means variety. It's important for lawyers to work with people reflecting the variety of human experience because we are making decisions that can have a major impact on people's lives. Race, gender, sexuality, class, etc. are foundational to our identities so a healthy workplace should reflect this variety."
Question 2
What steps have you taken to encourage diversity in the legal profession?
I love to get involved in organizations that promote diversity, and create programming that educates but also brings people together. When I was President of the Barristers Club, that included creating the Racial Justice Initiative to focus our efforts on diversity. I believe organizations have a lot of power and influence, and when you have a community of people who care, so much can be accomplished."
Kelly Matayoshi
Farella Braun + Martel
Question 3
What motivates you to stay dedicated to promoting diversity in the legal field?
I love the people that I meet through these efforts. People who are drawn to this type of work are amazing (fun, smart, engaging, etc.), and many have become great friends. Beyond this, I know we have a long way to go for the legal field to truly reflect the diversity of our communities – so there is a lot more to do!"
Kelly Matayoshi
Farella Braun + Martel
Carole Okolowicz
Carlson, Calladine & Peterson
I know it is the right thing to do, given the profession's history. Also selfishly, I want to create an environment of which I can feel proud to be a part."
Question 4
How can attorneys help promote diversity in their interactions?
Mentorship is an important part of promoting diversity. Anyone can be a mentor, and it should not be relegated to just diverse attorneys. It can be anything from offering to have coffee with a diverse law student or junior attorney, to ensuring that a diverse associate is getting the recognition they deserve."
Kelly Matayoshi
Farella Braun + Martel
Carole Okolowicz
Carlson, Calladine & Peterson
Make diversity a priority. Make a space for a variety of voices at the table."
Question 5
Tell us about how you envision the future of diversity in the legal profession. What steps do you plan on taking in the next several years to increase these efforts?
I would like to see diversity flow all the way to the top – that means having diverse attorneys taking leadership roles within their firms or companies. The pool of diverse talent exists, and I hope to do my part in promoting and advocating for these individuals."
Kelly Matayoshi
Farella Braun + Martel
Carole Okolowicz
Carlson, Calladine & Peterson
I think the legal profession will continue to become more diverse but that at least for the near future, the traditional power structure will remain in place. I will work to promote and listen to diverse voices, mentor law students."
