The 1990s sees further gains in MBA leadership diversity

Since its founding a century ago, the Massachusetts Bar Association had welcomed women and minorities when the profession was almost exclusively made up of white men. The 1990s would usher in much diversification in association leadership following the first black and female presidents during the decade prior.

James S. Dilday, who served as president from 1994-95, became the association's second black president, after Wayne A, Budd served as its first (1979-80). And following the lead of Alice E. Richmond, the MBA's first woman president (1986-87), three more followed in the 1990s: Elaine M. Epstein (1992-93), Kay H. Hodge (1993-94) and Marylin A. Beck (1997-98).

Hodge was also a groundbreaker, becoming the association's first Asian-American president.

The 1990s were also notable for the MBA's leadership efforts on the issue of court reform, which looks like it might be accomplished in 2011 after winning passage in both the House and Senate.

Two presidents in particular, Leo V. Boyle (1990-91) and Epstein, are recognized for their contributions to pushing to professionalize the Massachusetts court system.

In 1991, the MBA released the independent Harbridge House Report that it had commissioned. It included recommendations for hiring a professional court administrator. (The subject would be revisited in 2003 with the release of the MBA Court Study Task Force Report.)

Also, the MBA reorganized itself in 1998 under President Camille F. Sarrouf, creating its Executive Management Board and House of Delegates, the MBA's governing body.