The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Trans in BigLaw (TiBL) Networking Program is a vibrant, professionally facilitated virtual space in which transgender and/or nonbinary lawyers within Big(ger)Law environments of 100 or more attorneys are supported in their career development. Participation in TiBL provides mentorship, sharing of experiences, tips for succeeding and thriving in a high-speed legal environment, and a sense of community for trans and nonbinary attorneys. Sponsorship of the TiBL program provides your legal organization with an opportunity not only to access these benefits for your employees, but to demonstrate your commitment to their success and support of trans and nonbinary lawyers across the sector.
TRANS IN BIGLAW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Trans in BigLaw?
The Trans in BigLaw Networking Program (TiBL) is an affirming space made up of attorneys and business professionals from the largest law firms in the world. The goal of the program is to increase trans and nonbinary inclusion in the legal profession by providing deeper support and mentorship to trans and nonbinary lawyers and incoming associates, and resources for firm DEI professionals who are attorneys.
Who Runs the Program?
The National LGBTQ+ Bar started the group about four years ago. The group is facilitated by openly nonbinary attorney Lauren Lofton.
Why is the Program Necessary?
Although the number of out trans and nonbinary legal professionals has grown significantly over the last several years, law firms continue to struggle to attract and retain trans and nonbinary talent, and those lawyers likewise may struggle to find community support for the unique barriers they may face. Lack of representation means that law firms must be creative in how they support these LGBTQ+ pioneers in the industry. Existing LGBTQ+ Affinity groups do not typically directly address the isolation and exhaustion that so many trans and nonbinary legal professionals experience. The Trans in BigLaw Program provides tailored encouragement, hope, and a built-in community for professionals to network with people with similar experiences.
Who Can Join the Group?
Anyone who identifies as trans and/or nonbinary and who either works as a practicing attorney or has a JD and is a DEI professional in a BigLaw firm (defined as 100 or more attorneys) may apply to join. In addition, any second semester 3L law student who is trans or nonbinary and who has accepted an offer of permanent employment from a BigLaw firm may join the group. Finally, any trans or nonbinary law student who is or will be a summer associate at a BigLaw firm in the upcoming summer may apply to be invited to one summer meeting of the group.
All members of TiBL must be active members of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Apply to join today by contacting our Workplace Inclusion Program Team at TiBL@LGBTQbar.org or by completing this online form.
How Can My Law Firm or Company Support This Program?
You can join the growing list of firms sponsoring this group to take a visible stance of support for trans and nonbinary legal professionals. Sponsorship provides your organization with many benefits, including LGBTQ+Bar membership for participating employees, access for summer associates, and more! Sponsors have use of a sponsorship badge, and are, if desired, recognized publicly by the Bar on its website, newsletters, and at the Trans in BigLaw in-person gathering which takes place at the Bar’s flagship annual conference, Lavender Law®.
For the last 4+ years, the Bar has led the Trans in BigLaw group with regular meetings and an active community listserv. The group has a members-only listserv, and now meets quarterly/virtually led by an experienced nonbinary lawyer-facilitator. The Bar holds an in-person social activity for TiBL members at the annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair, as well as a special summer meeting for trans and nonbinary summer associates in Big(ger) law firms.
Access and Sponsorship
Current Trans and Nonbinary BigLaw Attorneys
Click here to apply to join
Prospective Sponsors
Click here to download our TiBL prospects
Eligible 3L Law Students Who Have Accepted Summer Associate Positions for the Upcoming Summer
Click here to ask about your one-time summer access to the group