ChatGPT's First-Ever Rap On Why The Legal Industry Is Not Diverse
Do AIs dream of recording contracts?
“Judge it how you judge it, say we going corporate / Nah, we just corner boys with the corner office /
I’m at the cap table, what the splits is? / Not that cap table, boy, we live this.” — Jay Z
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt felt the wake from ChatGPT’s launch, landing, and exploration into our collective minds. In case you’ve been disassociated from society over the past few weeks (I wouldn’t blame you), here is a good ChatGPT primer and why it matters for lawyers.
Naturally, having covered DEI topics in the legal profession for the past eight years, I couldn’t resist asking ChatGPT: “Why is the legal industry not diverse?”
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Here was ChatGPT’s response:
“The legal industry, like many others, has historically been dominated by white men. This has led to a lack of diversity in the field, with limited representation of women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities. The reasons for this lack of diversity are complex and can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
- Bias in hiring and promotion practices: Unconscious bias can play a role in the hiring and promotion processes within the legal industry, leading to the continued dominance of white men in leadership positions.
- Lack of diversity in law schools: The pool of potential hires for the legal industry is limited by the lack of diversity in law schools. This can create a vicious cycle where individuals from underrepresented groups are not encouraged to pursue careers in law, and as a result, are not represented in the industry.
- Barriers to entry: The high cost of a legal education, as well as the competitive nature of the field, can create barriers to entry for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Work-life balance challenges: The demanding nature of the legal profession, combined with a lack of supportive policies and cultures, can make it difficult for individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, to thrive in the field.
To address the lack of diversity in the legal industry, it is important to address these underlying issues through targeted initiatives, such as diversity and inclusion training, scholarships for underrepresented groups, and flexible work arrangements. By promoting a more inclusive culture and increasing representation of diverse groups in the field, the legal industry can become more equitable and better serve the needs of society as a whole.”
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Of course, I also requested for ChatGPT to respond to my request in a rap. Without further ado, here is its (perhaps first ever?) legal rap:
“Law So Hard”
Verse 1:
Listen up y’all, I got a story to tell
About a field that’s lacking in diversity as well
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The legal industry, where power’s at play
But diversity’s lacking, it’s time for a change today
Chorus:
It’s time to bring diversity to the legal floor
Where everyone’s voice can be heard and more
Race, gender, religion, all should have a voice
Equality’s the key, it’s the right choice
Verse 2:
From partners to associates, it’s still a white man’s game
With limited representation, it’s not the same
Women, people of color, struggle to climb the ranks
It’s time to break down these barriers, give them their chance
Chorus:
It’s time to bring diversity to the legal floor
Where everyone’s voice can be heard and more
Race, gender, religion, all should have a voice
Equality’s the key, it’s the right choice
Bridge:
Different perspectives bring new ideas to light
It’s time for the legal field to embrace this sight
Inclusion and diversity, that’s what we need
To make the legal industry, one that truly succeeds
Chorus:
It’s time to bring diversity to the legal floor
Where everyone’s voice can be heard and more
Race, gender, religion, all should have a voice
Equality’s the key, it’s the right choice
Outro:
So let’s come together and make a stand
For diversity in the legal industry, it’s time to take command
No more excuses, no more delays
Equality’s the future, let’s lead the way!
Truer words have never been spoken. I, for one, welcome our new AI overlords … you know, except for the whole bias thing.
Renwei Chung is the DEI Columnist at Above the Law. He currently serves as a Board Advisor for The Diversity Movement (TDM), whose integrated approach enables law firms to build and strengthen culture by tying real-world business outcomes to DEI initiatives via a scalable subscription-based employee experience platform. And he is excited to host TDM’s and Footnote 4’s new podcast Charge the Wave — focused on entrepreneurs, executives, and icons who are assiduously building companies, cultures, and communities. Always down for a good story via Twitter @renweichung or email renwei@footnote4.com.
