our impact

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

WHEREAS, the Legal Aid Society (LAS) is a non-profit law firm serving fifteen Kentucky counties, with the mission to pursue justice for people in poverty.

WHEREAS, At Legal Aid Society, we are dedicated to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that justice is best served in an environment that values and embraces the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of all individuals.

Whereas, The LAS Board of Directors committed in the 2023 Strategic Plan to recruit, retain, and develop staff, directors, volunteers, and vendors who reflect the diversity of the Society’s Service Area. (Objective 2: People).

BE IT THEREFORE KNOWN that the Legal Aid Society Board of Directors commits to the following:

Diversity:

We celebrate the diversity of our team and recognize that our collective strength lies in the richness of our differences. We are committed to fostering a workplace that is inclusive and representative of the broader community we serve. We actively seek and welcome employees and volunteers of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, religions, viewpoints, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Equity:

Fairness is a driving principal of our organization.  We were founded to ensure equal and equitable access to the courts for low-income people. To best achieve our mission, we strive to create a fair and just environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive at Legal Aid Society. Our commitment to equity is reflected in our policies, practices, and decision-making processes. We work tirelessly to identify and eliminate barriers that may disproportionately affect low-income and historically underrepresented communities, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to legal aid and support.

Inclusion:

Inclusivity is at the core of our mission. We believe in creating a culture that fosters collaboration, open communication, and a sense of belonging for every member of our team. We actively seek input from all voices, valuing the unique perspectives that each person brings to the table. By promoting an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to serve our clients with empathy, understanding, and cultural competence.

Continuous Improvement:

We recognize that the journey toward true diversity, equity, and inclusion is ongoing.  This is why we’ve made it a pillar of our Strategic Plan. We are committed to continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptation of our practices to better meet the evolving needs of our team and the communities we serve. We actively seek and give respectful feedback, engage in meaningful conversations, and hold ourselves accountable to the principles of DEI.