DIVERSITY IN LAW 2023: Jimmie L. McMillian

Penske Entertainment Corp.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2002

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

I decided that I wanted to be a lawyer at a very young age. I used to emcee church programs and play the role of Jesus in church plays, and the members of the church would say, “He is so smart, he is either going to be a preacher or a lawyer.” I thought to myself that I was far too attracted to women to become a preacher and, therefore, I took the morally safer bet of pursuing a career in law. I hated math but loved to read — all the time, especially “which way books” in which each book contained different endings to the same story based upon a slight change in the facts. My parents talked very highly about lawyers, particularly African American lawyers, like East Chicago attorney Henry Walker. He was a legend in our family. We had to put on a suit to go to his house. It was clear that everyone would be very proud of me if I were to become a lawyer. Becoming a lawyer would mean that I would be able to afford to take care of myself and my family, buy nice things, eat great food and travel to distant places. Lawyers were smart, ethical, trusted leaders and worthy of awards and honors. In our family and in my community, becoming a lawyer was viewed as one of the highest professional accomplishments that I could aspire to attain.

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

Diversity, equity and inclusion as a concept means the acknowledgement that there is value in our differences and that we as a society must be intentional to understand those differences and how to incorporate and empower individuals in every aspect of our daily lives. It is a learning tool for self-examination of our own beliefs and practices as it relates to how we treat people who are different based upon their race, ethnicity, gender and/or sexual orientation. It is an opportunity to examine the cause and effect of our historical failures and successes as it relates to issues of diversity and to learn from them to create a more inclusive environment. Diversity, equity and inclusion is about recognizing the value that each person brings to the world: Unique ideas developed out of differentiated life experiences. Creative viewpoints born out of pride in one’s cultural heritage. Economic impact that can cut expenses and raise profits. Embedded in the dream of America is a desire to be diverse, equitable and inclusive of all. Essential for America to reach that goal is an open and honest acceptance that at many times in its history, institutions have systematically failed to fulfill that dream. What truly makes America the greatest nation in the world is that we collectively never stop trying! We are committed in this democracy to listen and acknowledge the needs of all our citizens and to allow them to have both a voice and seat at the common table for the good of all.

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

As a Black man, I truly believe that I have been involved in DEI work since I was a child. Even before I realized it, I was always taught by mother that I should “represent” myself not only as a person, but as a Black person, with intelligence, honor, pride and an undeniable work ethic. You live in a world where you see and feel explicit and implicit bias and racism so frequently that it becomes something that you either tacitly accept or are forced to work to change for the survival of yourself and others around you. How can you not work in DEI when you are the only one in your space or place who looks like you? How can you not work in DEI when it is so difficult to identify examples of people who have achieved the financial success that you hoped to achieve in your profession who look like you? How can you not work in DEI when you have two Black young men as children that you pray will not have to encounter some of the same challenges that you and other Black men have faced in the pursuit of their careers? Involvement in DEI has always been innate. My voice on the subject is an automatic defense mechanism to proactively build a pathway to a safe, more productive and permanent place of success for myself and future generations.

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

I would ask them, why do they feel that way? Why does the discussion of diversity, equity and inclusion bother them? I want to listen to their perspective so that I can learn how they feel what they feel. Only then would I know how to respond. I would then explain to them that they are important enough to me for me to listen to their feelings and thoughts and hear their opinions. I would explain to them that I listened to their opinions because I do not know everything and that I truly believe that no matter what they might say, it could have intrinsic value and, therefore, I am committed to the idea that I might learn something new from them. I would remind them that I have studied their history in all its forms. I have learned their customs. I have watched their TV shows, listened to their music and learned how to play their sports. I would explain how I had to do those things to learn how to survive, be successful, attend school, get hired, travel, develop business and raise my own children. I would ask, is there no value in making the same commitment of time and resources to learn about me? Am I not worthy?

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

There has definitely been an increase in the number and percentage of lawyers of color and women in the judiciary. There are more lawyers of color and women leading in the state and local bar associations. There are more lawyers of color and women leading in governmental legal agencies. Unfortunately, I see little or no overall change in the retention rate of lawyers of color in large and medium-sized law firms.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Find a way to make your passion your profession and you will always be happy.

How do you spend your free time?
Riding motorcycles across the world with my family and friends as the proud president of 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club.

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

My favorite class was Trial Practice. My least favorite class was federal Income Tax.

What is your advice for young, diverse attorneys?

Build a personal professional board of directors comprised of various individuals that you will consistently meet with to discuss your career path, work through tough career challenges, and provide you with guidance and mentorship. Identify those who will advocate on your behalf when you are not in the room and cultivate those relationships. Give more than you plan to receive. Dedicate yourself to being a consistent mentor in the lives of others. You will benefit from being a mentor as much as you benefit from being a mentee. Those who mentor others often attract the best mentors. People want to plant seeds in fertile ground from which it is obvious that a bountiful harvest will grow in the future.

Your work in the DEI space is extensive. Do you have a proudest moment?

My proudest DEI moment is any time I am able to expose someone in our community to motorsports, the fun and beauty of the sport, its technical aspects, and all the business and career opportunities that exist within the sport.

Read more Diversity in Law profiles.