ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Zoom panel was held for the public Thursday evening on what it means to be Black and in the legal field.

The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office and the Rochester Black Bar Association hosted the virtual Black Lawyers Matter event.

According to the American Bar Association, 5% of all attorneys in the U.S. are African American.

The event featured a panel of young and seasoned attorneys.

During the event each had an opportunity to share their journey in the law field and there hopes to inspire more to join the legal field.