Antiracism, Reflection, and Professional Identity

28 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2022

See all articles by Monte Mills

Monte Mills

University of Washington School of Law

Eduardo R.C. Capulong

University of Hawaii at Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law

Andrew King-Ries

University of Montana School of Law

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 6, 2020

Abstract

Intent on more systematically developing the emerging professional identities of law students, the professional identity formation movement is recasting how we think about legal education. Notably, however, the movement overlooks the structural racism imbedded in American law and legal education. While current models of professional development value diversity and cross-cultural competence, they do not adequately prepare the next generation of legal professionals to engage in the sustained work of interrupting and overthrowing race and racism in the legal profession and system. This article argues that antiracism is essential to the profession’s responsibility to serve justice and therefore key to legal professional identity. Fortunately, developing a legal antiracist identity does not require inventing a new approach. Rather, infusing reflective practice with critical race consciousness provides a sound basis from which to launch a new effort to develop the next generation of antiracist lawyers.

Keywords: antiracism, reflection, professional identity, legal education, pedagogy

Suggested Citation

Mills, Monte and Capulong, Eduardo R.C. and King-Ries, Andrew, Antiracism, Reflection, and Professional Identity (November 6, 2020). 18 HASTINGS RACE & POVERTY L.J. 3 (2021)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3869804

Monte Mills (Contact Author)

University of Washington School of Law ( email )

William H. Gates Hall
Box 353020
Seattle, WA 98105-3020
United States
206.6163482 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://law.uw.edu

Eduardo R.C. Capulong

University of Hawaii at Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law ( email )

2515 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96822-2350
United States

Andrew King-Ries

University of Montana School of Law ( email )

Missoula, MT 59812-0002
United States
(406) 243-2134 (Phone)

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