Page 47 - Briefcase Volume 38 Number 1

MEREDITH

DUNCAN ’93

PROFESSOR DUNCAN SUPPORTS

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AS ASSISTANT
DEAN OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, &

METROPOLITAN PROGRAMS AND
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

Meredith Duncan, a Professor of Law and a 1993 Duncan said exemplars of practicing attorneys who have
University of Houston Law Center graduate, believes that successfully endured the challenges of law school and are
to diversify anywhere, including the legal profession, one now thriving can serve as a powerful motivator.
must be deliberate. “Often coming from backgrounds where they did not see
“I know how important diversity, inclusion, and equality or know of a single lawyer, these students need exposure
are generally and to the legal profession specifically,” to people earning a living in the various businesses in
Duncan said. “The legal profession remains in dire need which one can utilize a law degree,” she said. “They need
of diversity. When I graduated from law school more than emotional and professional support from the people
30 years ago, the lack of diversity was a huge issue within who have blazed the trails ahead of them. All affinity
the legal profession. Sadly, things have not changed as organizations at law schools are filled with hard-working,
much as many, including me, thought it would by now.” determined, and ambitious people who need mentoring

One of the ways Duncan focuses her energy is serving and guidance.
as the faculty advisor for UHLC’s Black Law Students “Our students are so impressive. Alums will find that
Association, a position she has held since joining the Law giving back to students who are facing the challenges of
Center faculty in 1998. She said that BLSA is important to law school is extremely rewarding, time well spent, and
the Law Center and to legal education for several reasons, much appreciated by the students and the law school.”
as many students need the camaraderie and support of
an organization where they can gather with people with In addition to Duncan’s usual responsibilities of teaching
comparable life experiences. and scholarship, her roles now encompass serving as the
“Law schools throughout the country experience low Assistant Dean of Diversity, Inclusion & Metropolitan
Programs. She is also a co-chair of the Diversity &
numbers of Black student enrollment,” Duncan said. Inclusion Committee.
“BLSA needs to have a presence at law schools to serve
those small number of black students as they navigate “I work closely with UHLC’s award-winning Pre-Law
their legal education, many being the first in their Pipeline Program, which seeks to diversify the law school
families to do so. applicant pool by helping to develop well-qualified diverse
“It is also important for BLSA to serve as a student-driven candidates,” Duncan said. “I also try to work closely with
the members of BLSA each year to support, encourage,
organization that can focus on issues of importance and equip each of them to be successful on whatever path
to Black students and their communities, including they choose to take within the legal profession.
the history of Blacks in the legal profession and the
continued fight for civil rights and equality.” “Watching students grow, develop, and fulfill their dreams
There will always be a need for mentors and role models is extraordinarily gratifying for me. I feel privileged every
for organizations like BLSA to continue to succeed. day to work here at the Law Center.”

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