Q&A with Dan Millea

Thank you to all our departing directors! We caught up with Dan Millea to hear more about how TCDIP has impacted his practice.

What have you changed about your approach to diversity and inclusion as a result of your involvement with TCDIP? 

Based on my experience with TCDIP, and primarily due to the opportunity to watch the work of many strong advocates for diversity that have operated within the organization, I’ve learned that it is critical within my own firm to actively agitate for change and, when necessary, demand that we as a firm focus on diversity and inclusion issues.  Passivity and hope won’t spark change.  Active, purposeful conduct at times is still not enough, but without it we really have no chance.

What is your favorite TCDIP event, and why?

The continuing education program has been by far my favorite.  The content is always thought provoking at a minimum, if not truly provocative, which is what we need if we’re going to have real conversations and real learning within the legal community.  These CLEs consistently have provided an environment where people are able to confront and discuss hard issues that would otherwise be too uncomfortable for many of us to touch. 

Why is diversity and inclusion important?

Most of us who decided to become lawyers either already had an appreciation for the importance and value of just and fair treatment, or developed that appreciation as we learned how the law is designed to work in the U.S.  If we value just and fair treatment, we should strive to be a community that operates that way.  Respecting the diversity within our community and being truly inclusive of others at work and at play is an important component of serving that goal of justice and fairness.  And when we have success in these efforts, it brings the added value of building a richer community, stronger teams, and better workplaces.