DIVERSITY IN LAW 2023: Doneisha L. Posey

Black Onyx Management Inc.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2014

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

I chose the legal profession because it was deeply rooted in my personal experiences and values. Growing up in a multicultural family, I had a front row seat to witness the disparities and injustices that different communities faced. This upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and a drive to make a difference.

My natural inclination as a problem-solver further fueled my passion for law. I saw it as a powerful tool to bring about change, particularly in addressing the systemic barriers that hindered marginalized communities from accessing opportunities. The law, with its ability to shape policies, regulations and precedents, presented a unique avenue to dismantle these barriers and create a fairer society.

So, my decision to enter the legal profession was not just a career choice; it was a calling driven by a desire to contribute to a more equitable world. It’s about using the law as a force for positive change, advocating for those who have been historically marginalized, and ensuring that everyone has an equal shot at success and justice.

What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?

“Diversity, equity and inclusion” hold profound significance for me. Diversity means embracing and celebrating the richness of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, background and perspectives. It’s about recognizing that our uniqueness strengthens us as a society.

Equity involves leveling the playing field. It means rectifying historical and systemic disadvantages, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources and justice, regardless of their background or identity.

Inclusion is the active practice of inviting, valuing and respecting all voices. It means creating environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, heard and empowered to contribute their fullest potential.

To me, DEI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that drives my work. It’s about dismantling barriers, rectifying injustices and fostering a society where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

How did you get involved in DEI work, and why have you stuck with it?

My journey into DEI work began early in my career when I had the
privilege of working at the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. This experience was transformative, as it thrust me into the frontline of addressing discrimination. In my role, I was tasked with prosecuting companies that engaged in unjust discrimination against individuals throughout Indiana. This experience provided me with a profound and often eye-opening understanding of what discrimination truly looks like. It’s not always overt; in fact, it can be incredibly subtle and challenging to detect. As I led the legal caseload of the agency, I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with these companies to ensure that future discrimination incidents were prevented.

What truly fascinated me was the potential for long-lasting impact. I realized that my passion lay in the proactive side of the equation — working with companies to mitigate their risk of discrimination. This shift in perspective was driven by my commitment to addressing systemic issues and my innate desire to be a problem-solver. That’s why I’ve remained dedicated to DEI work. It allows me to use my expertise to help organizations not only rectify past wrongs but also build inclusive cultures that prevent discrimination from taking root. It’s a journey that continuously challenges me and fuels my determination to create positive change in the world.

What would you say to someone who perceives “DEI” as a business “buzzword”?

I would say that while some may view “DEI” as a buzzword, it represents much more than that. Diversity, equity and inclusion are not fleeting trends; they are fundamental principles that underpin a just and equitable society.

DEI isn’t about empty slogans or surface-level changes; it’s about transforming workplaces and communities to be more equitable and accessible for everyone. It’s a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to thrive.

In the business world, DEI isn’t just about optics; it’s about improving innovation, productivity and profitability by harnessing the power of diverse perspectives. It’s about creating environments where every employee can bring their authentic self to work, which ultimately leads to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

So, rather than dismissing DEI as a buzzword, I encourage people to see it as a vital and ongoing journey toward a fairer, more inclusive and ultimately more successful future for all.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the legal profession since you began your career?

The most significant change I’ve witnessed in the legal profession since the start of my career is the increased transparency and openness in conversations surrounding DEI. In 2022, the American Bar Association released a telling statistic: In 2012, lawyers of color were 12% of the profession. A decade later, in 2022, they were 19% of the profession. This increase reflects a shift toward greater diversity within the legal field.

This data has played a pivotal role in driving conversations about DEI in the legal profession. It has highlighted the importance of actively addressing disparities and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive in the field of law. Moreover, it has catalyzed initiatives and policies aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of legal practice.

The legal profession’s growing commitment to transparency and data-driven approaches is a promising step forward, as it not only acknowledges the need for change but also provides a clear roadmap for achieving a more diverse and equitable future in law.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

To live in my purpose and never take “no” for an answer. It’s a reminder that when you’re passionate about a cause or mission, and you’re driven by a sense of purpose, you have the resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. In my journey I’ve encountered numerous challenges, but this advice has always propelled me forward. It reminds me to stay true to my convictions, keep pushing for positive change and never let setbacks deter me. It’s a powerful reminder that when you’re aligned with your purpose, you can navigate any adversity with unwavering determination.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I love to explore new places through traveling. It’s a way for me to gain fresh perspectives and recharge my energy. This year I’ve been able to travel to Europe and Colombia! Equally important to me is spending quality time with my kids, creating lasting memories and nurturing their growth. They are truly my inspiration and motivation for all that I do.

Beyond that, I’m deeply committed to turning my passion into purpose through an organization I co-founded, WE Brunch, which stands for Women Equity Brunch. This initiative is close to my heart as it focuses on addressing the inequities that women face and rallying together to find effective solutions. It’s a meaningful way for me to contribute to a more equitable world and connect with like-minded individuals who share the same dedication to this cause. Learn more about our work at inclusionconsultantnetwork.org/webrunch.

What was your favorite — and least favorite — class in law school?

My favorite class in law school was undoubtedly any class taught by professor Florence Roisman. She not only imparted valuable legal knowledge but also instilled in me a deep passion for social and racial justice. Professor Roisman has been my mentor since law school, and I owe much of what I know about how the law can be a powerful tool for social change to her guidance and inspiration.

Now, when it comes to my least favorite class, I have to chuckle because it’s a shared sentiment among many law students – trusts and estates. The Rules of Perpetuities still give me nightmares a decade later! It’s the class that makes you appreciate the complexities of the law but also wonder why we needed to delve so deep into the intricacies of inheritance and property rights.

How has in-house work enabled you to promote DEI?

I consider myself truly blessed to have had the career path I’ve experienced. Looking back, I believe it’s all part of a greater plan, and I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. I didn’t necessarily choose my legal path; rather, I followed my passion and purpose, which led me to in-house positions.

Working in-house has been incredibly rewarding because it has allowed me to align my legal expertise with my passion for promoting DEI efforts. In these roles, I’ve had the unique opportunity to influence and drive change from within organizations. By partnering with leadership and decision-makers, I can advocate for policies, practices and initiatives that foster diversity, equity and inclusion.

In-house work has enabled me to bridge the gap between legal expertise and the practical implementation of DEI strategies. It’s about turning my legal knowledge into actionable steps that create more equitable workplaces and communities. This alignment of purpose and career has been a powerful driving force in my journey.

Tell us about Accompliceship in Action.

The Accompliceship in Action program at Black Onyx Management is a groundbreaking DEI business service that we’re incredibly proud of. It represents our commitment to driving tangible change within organizations, taking DEI beyond words and into actionable, impactful results. This program is designed to be a catalyst for change, a way for companies to move beyond the traditional DEI initiatives and truly become accomplices in the fight for equity and opportunity. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique challenges and goals and then create a tailored plan that goes beyond mere diversity and inclusion checkboxes.Accompliceship in Action involves a holistic approach that touches every aspect of an organization. We help companies build the infrastructure needed to create more equitable communities while also fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion at its core. In essence, this program is about turning commitment into action. It’s about actively dismantling systemic barriers and creating lasting change that benefits not only the organization but society as a whole. Accompliceship in Action represents the cutting edge of DEI work, and we’re honored to lead the way in this vital field.

Read more Diversity in Law profiles.