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GNO Martinet also established the “Raising the Bar” initiative. “Raising the Bar” provides minority
attorneys professional development, personal development, and training needed to excel in the legal
profession. The goal is to ensure that young, diverse attorneys receive the mentoring needed to maximize
their potential, both in the early stages of their career and thereafter.

In February 2021, “Raising the Bar” hosted its first virtual meet and greet. During the one-hour session,
young lawyers seeking mentorship were able to meet with seasoned attorneys and judges. Additional
“Raising the Bar” sessions were held in March, May, August, and November.

This year, the initiative will tackle alternative career paths, confronting racial microaggressions within
the workplace, tips on work-life balance in times of social turmoil, and sessions centered around open
and frank discussions regarding mental health within minority and underrepresented communities.

To further expand GNO Martinet’s pipeline initiatives and increase diversity in the legal profession,
GNO Martinet will introduce the Judicial Diversity Internship. This project will provide minority and
underrepresented law students with an opportunity to intern with participating state and federal judges
throughout the state.

GNO Martinet has already received 40 applications from law students. GNO Martinet’s goal is to place
fifteen to twenty minority law students with participating judges throughout the state.

AWARDS BACKGROUND

On January 22, 2010, the LSBA Board of Governors approved a diversity award to recognize
outstanding efforts made by (1) a bar association, (2) law firm or law department, (3) an individual
attorney or judge, (4) a court, or (5) a community organization or individual in promoting diversity in
the legal profession, in particular, to recognize efforts ensuring the full and equal opportunity of all
persons for entry and advancement in Louisiana's legal profession. It proposed that the diversity award
should bear the name “Louisiana State Bar Association Human Rights Award,” and be awarded by the
Association annually during its annual meeting.

On April 19, 2013, the LSBA Board of Governors approved to amend the Human Rights Award
guidelines and criteria to allow the award to be presented annually in two categories - individual and
organization.

On February 19, 2013, the LSBA Board of Governors approved a diversity award to recognize
outstanding efforts made by members of the bar from a group underrepresented within the Louisiana
legal profession who have demonstrated excellence or accomplished greatness in the face of great
adversity. It proposed that the diversity award should bear the name “Louisiana State Bar Association
Trailblazer Award,” and be awarded by the Association annually during its annual meeting.