Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
CBF prioritizes J.E.D.I. values for a fair and accessible justice system
The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) is working to build a “fairer and better justice system, together.” The word “together” encapsulates the CBF goal to bring our entire legal community together around our profession’s common cause of ensuring equal access to justice.
The CBF pursues our JEDI Commitment to further our goals for the legal community, including by preventing unlawful discrimination. We pledge to integrate our central goals of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in our board leadership, grants and programs, advocacy initiatives, internal operations, and training and remain compliant with federal, state, and local law.
The CBF firmly believes that JEDI and the values it reflects are an integral part of reaching our vision of a justice system that is fair, equitable, and accessible for everyone in our community. The CBF complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and does not discriminate in any manner while incorporating JEDI into all aspects of our work, using the following definitions as our guide:
Justice
Everyone facing a legal issue (1) has timely and affordable access to the level of legal help necessary for them to get a fair and efficient outcome on the merits of their legal issue, and (2) objectively can believe they were treated fairly in the process.
Equity
Equity is about offering different types of support to ensure everyone has a fair chance of success. This includes ensuring every person has access to the resources and support they need based on their individual circumstances to get a fair and efficient outcome on their legal issue. The CBF also incorporates equity into our grants, advocacy, programs, and internal operations.
Diversity
The CBF is committed to having our board of directors reflect the diversity of the legal community.
Inclusion
The behavior and culture that we put forward that encourages everyone to feel valued for their unique qualities and experience a feeling of belonging. The goal is that everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, heard, and understood.