Who’s Who in the OCBA— The Affiliate Bars In order to offer our members increased diversity alongside engaging networking and learning opportunities, the Orange County Bar Association proudly partners with a variety of Affiliate Bars. As such, we invite you to take this opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our Affiliates directly from their leadership. Joining a relevant Affiliate Bar may improve your practice while simultaneously increasing your involvement in the Orange County legal community. Celtic Bar Association The goals of the Celtic Bar are to promote camaraderie amongst its membership, civility and professionalism within the Orange County legal community, and a greater awareness of the Celtic culture and history, particularly its contribution to the law. There are seven separate Celtic nations, all of which are connected to one another by common history and culture: Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man (if your ancestors are from Man, your dues are waived for the first year), Galicia (in Spain), Brittany (in France), and Cornwall (in England). The Celtic people are known for their outgoing nature and their love of the written and spoken word. Not surprisingly, many descendants of Celtic immigrants have entered the legal profession. While there are many Irish-American lawyers’ groups in major cities throughout the United States, we believe that the CBA is the first attempt to gather all the Celtic clans in a single legal organization. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Muldoon’s Irish Pub (through the graciousness of one of our founding members, Ronald O’Schwartz), located near Fashion Island in Newport Beach. We have a long-standing tradition that is set forth in our bylaws that meetings cannot last more than five minutes, which bylaw is strictly adhered to at all meetings. Each year, we install our officers and recognize our Celtic Judge of the Year on Samhain Eve, which heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. This past year, Judge Dennis Choate (Ret.) was recognized as the Celtic Judge of the Year, while past recipients include Judge Sheila Fell, Judge James Di Cesare, Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Judge William McDonald, Judge C. Robert Jameson, Judge David McEachen, Judge Ronald Kreber, Judge Dan Pratt, Judge Franz Miller, Judge Michael Brenner, Judge Andrew Banks, Judge Lon Hurwitz, and Justice William Bedsworth. We have organized travel seminars to Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, England, Scotland, and Wales. In 2016 we will return to Ireland (check our website for more information at ww.celticbarassociation.org). We have also had excursions to the contemporary Irish comedies Stella by Starlight and Many Happy Returns at the Laguna Playhouse, Riverdance and The Weir at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Thurgood at the Geffen Theater, as well as the Orange County Irish Fair, the Renaissance Faire, and Irish and Celtic movies. Guest speakers at our events have included Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, human rights activist and daughter of Robert Kennedy; the prominent Irish playwright, Bernard Farrell; and our own Judge McDonald (Ret.), all of whom adhered to the five-minute meeting rule. Over 300 lawyers and judges have rallied to our cause. One does not have to be of Celtic descent to join the CBA. On the contrary, all we ask is that you be a member of the OCBA, have an outgoing nature, and support for our organization’s goals. (Oh yes, we do have modest annual dues at $25!) For further information, please contact CBA President Lindsey Aitken Campbell at lindsey@achwlaw.com, or the OCBA, 949.440.6700, ext. 261.
Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter The FBA is the preeminent national organization for private and government lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. The Orange County Chapter of the FBA covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County. Regular programs and events provide a unique opportunity to meet federal judges and their staffs, stay current on the latest developments in federal practice, and meet and learn from other federal practitioners in our community. The FBA/OC has won numerous national awards as an outstanding chapter for its innovative and valuable programs, and for its excellent newsletter.
Local federal judges assist in planning and presenting chapter CLE activities, provide valuable and specific insight regarding federal practice in Orange County, and many of them serve on the FBA/OC Board of Directors. FBA/OC’s hallmark event each year, Judges’ Night, draws many judges from local and regional courts. The Chapter’s membership spans all types of attorneys in Orange County, from civil to criminal, from private practitioners to corporate counsel to federal attorneys with the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, and other federal agencies, and includes lawyers in all kinds of practices, from solo offices to the largest firms.
The FBA/OC supports the local community by hosting an annual pro bono lunch with the goal to raise awareness of the various pro bono programs in the County. In recent years, the FBA/OC also has participated in a charity run event to help raise funds to support the Federal Pro Se Clinic located at the Santa Ana courthouse.
The Orange County Chapter has always focused on presenting frequent, excellent, and topical CLE programs. Regular programs include: annual civil, criminal, and intellectual property practice programs on cutting edge topics; summer Bench and Bar luncheons at which the local federal judges provide advice on successful practice in their courts; periodic “Behind the Books” tours of the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse; and special programs with nationally recognized members of the legal community.
For more information, membership applications, or to join the FBA/OC, visit the website at www.fbaoc.com or contact FBA/OC Administration at info@fbaoc.com, or 949.608.9905 (phone and fax).
Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County The Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA) advocates for a legal community that reflects the true diversity of Orange County. The OCHBA’s core mission is to increase opportunities for Hispanics to:
The OCHBA encourages law school enrollment with its Wally Davis Scholarships, awarded to deserving law students every year since 1995. Wally Davis scholars have gone on to work at large and small firms, in both public and private service, and many have joined the leadership ranks of the OCHBA.
Every year, the OCHBA’s Scholarship Fundraiser and Installation Dinner draws hundreds of leaders of the local legal community. This year’s theme was Authors of Our Destiny. We maintained our commitment to the Wally Davis Fund by awarding $50,000 in scholarships to five amazing law students. We honored M.C. Sungaila as Attorney of the Year for her tireless appellate advocacy on civil rights and gender issues. We also honored Bruno Serato with the Lifetime Achievement Award for an amazing track record of philanthropy and community service. Further, we gave our Guardian De Justicia award to State Senator Ricardo Lara for his commitment to immigrants’ rights, including authoring SB 1159, which opens the door to numerous professions in California regardless of a person’s immigration status.
The OCHBA also provides professional enrichment and networking for its members, including the 2015 Memorial Day MCLE travel seminar to Nicaragua. The OCHBA’s annual mixers throughout the year have become a staple in the Orange County legal community.
If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more about the OCHBA, its committees, its scholarships, or how to get involved, please visit www.ochba.org or email info@ochba.org.
Iranian American Bar Association, Orange County Chapter The Iranian American Bar Association (“IABA”) was formed in 2000 in the District of Columbia. Having begun with one chapter and only four founding members, IABA has grown to include nine chapters nationwide and a membership of prominent attorneys, law students, and members of the judiciary. IABA’s chapter cities include: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, North California, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington D.C.
IABA is a professional organization that seeks to educate and inform the Iranian American community about legal issues of interest and to ensure that the American public at large, our local representatives, and other government officials are fully and accurately informed on legal matters of interest and concern to the Iranian American community. IABA also strives to foster and promote the achievements of Iranian American lawyers and other legal professionals. IABA is an independent, non-religious, and apolitical organization. IABA is not a lobbying or advocacy group; it is primarily an educational organization and is categorized as a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Orange County Chapter of IABA hosts many wonderful events each year, including: MCLEs which focus on the needs of our members; social mixers at a variety of local establishments; an annual toy drive during the holidays; community outreach events such as egg painting during spring and beach clean up days; and an annual gala held in May aboard a yacht in Newport Beach to raise money for scholarships that IABA annually awards to law students. Last years recipients of the scholarships attended Orange County law schools.
Each July, the membership will vote in a new board of directors. The board of directors meets monthly, and is tasked with putting together the above-mentioned events. This is our first full year as an affiliate bar of the Orange County Bar Association. One of the events that we were proud to host this year was a joint mixer with the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association and the Orange County Korean American Bar Association held at Ten Sushi restaurant. We look forward to co-hosting mixers with the other Orange County Bar Association affiliate bar organizations in the future.
We are also proud that this year’s board established a master list of IABA members who have so generously volunteered their services for pro bono work. Our goal is to eventually partner up with pro bono clinics in Orange County and to organize events for the low-income public who require the services of pro bono lawyers.
IABA is open to all attorney members and law students, and one does not need to be of Iranian descent to join. We do however strongly request that our members also join the OCBA.
Italian American Lawyers of Orange County—Lex Romana Our mission is to celebrate Italian culture, provide continuing legal education opportunities to members of the Orange County legal community, and to create fun and festive opportunities for networking among lawyers, non-lawyers, and anyone interested in good food, good wine, and good company.
The Italian American Lawyers of Orange County—Lex Romana (IALOC) meets on the second Tuesday of each month and provides a variety of networking opportunities. Annual highlights include our January Board Installation Dinner at a premier Italian restaurant, dinners at different Italian eateries, MCLE credits during select meetings, a cooking demonstration at Antonello Ristorante in November, free networking events including a July Bocce tournament at Il Fornaio, and a special holiday event.
The IALOC is also an approved MCLE provider. In addition to occasional CLE seminars presented over wine and pasta, the IALOC has a “CLE in Italy” program in which attendees can obtain MCLE credits while experiencing the history, food, wine, and culture available only in Italy. Having previously traveled to Sicily and Tuscany, our next CLE in Italy trip will be in 2016.
The IALOC takes pride in being the premier OCBA Affiliate that places equal emphasis on the importance of legal, cultural, epicurean, and fermented contributions Italians have made to our society. We are well known for our love of Italian culture, food, and wines, and believe everyone is an Italian at heart. Italians and non-Italians are all welcome and encouraged to join. Our membership has grown from thirty members three years ago to sixty members in 2014 to just under one hundred members in 2015. If you love good food, good wine, good company, and periodic opportunities for CLE locally and in Italy, you qualify for membership in the IALOC!
The IALOC established its roots in the Orange County community in 1979 with Joseph D’Antony installed as its first president. Founding Members also include Hon. James Di Cesare, Frank Barbaro, John DiCaro, Joseph DiVincenzo, Andrew Lachina, and Frank Terreri. The IALOC thanks all of its past presidents. We would also like to thank this year’s three networking social sponsors: Minyard Morris, Domestic Violence Legal Center, and Advanced Depositions.
For more information on becoming a member, attending a meeting, learning about the IALOC and its history, searching our Board and Membership Directories, or getting on our 2016 CLE in Italy list, please visit our website at IALOC.org or contact our 2015 President, Matthew S. Buttacavoli.
J. Reuben Clark Law Society— Orange County Chapter The J. Reuben Clark Law Society—Orange County Chapter is part of the larger, international J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS), which consists of 244 student and attorney chapters worldwide. The JRCLS is an extremely diverse group, with active chapters throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North, Central, and South America. The OC Chapter has approximately 150 members from all walks of the law, and annually puts on six CLE luncheons, including for the last eleven years its annual Religion & The Law Symposium hosted at Chapman University, as well as women-in-the-law events, and an annual dinner.
Since its founding in 1988, the JRCLS has emphasized the values of “public service, loyalty to the rule of law and to the Constitution, and appreciation for the religious dimensions in both American society and in a lawyer’s personal life.” The Mission Statement of the JRCLS reflects these values and reads as follows: “We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer’s personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.”
Membership in the JRCLS is open to all law students, attorneys, and judges who share these values. There is no requirement to have attended or graduated from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School or to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All are welcome who share our mission.
So far this year, members of the JRCLS and their guests have heard presentations by author and modern-day abolitionist, Timothy Ballard, Underground Railroad—Saving Children from Slavery; Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; and Hannah C. Smith, Senior Counsel at The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Future speakers this year will address subjects such as the life of Lincoln, business ethics, religious freedom, and the art of persuasion.
Anyone interested in attending one of our luncheons or joining our organization may contact the JRCLS-OC Chapter Chair, Rick Varner, at rick@shieldslawoffices.com, or visit our website at www.jrcls-oc.com.
Orange County Asian American Bar Association Established in 1993, the Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) is proudly celebrating its 22nd year as Orange County’s pan-Asian bar association. OCAABA’s objectives are to: (1) promote professional development and personal growth; (2) foster the exchange of ideas and information between OCAABA and the broader legal profession and community at large; (3) provide a forum for fellowship spanning other civic organizations; (4) promote educational and civic events and programs that enhance the community’s knowledge and understanding of, and thus appreciation for, the legal system and the profession of law; and (5) provide a vehicle for the expression of reasonable opinions arising in the Asian community on current social, political, economic, legal, or other matters of interest or concern.
OCAABA’s dedication to its mission is embodied in its eight committees: (1) The Professional Development Committee organizes MCLE programs and seminars on topics of interest to the OCAABA membership. These original programs focus on providing guidance to Asian American attorneys for their professional development and advancement. (2) The In-House Counsel Committee strives to build stronger relationships among corporate and outside legal counsel through the exchange of ideas and information at networking events and programs such as the “The Three Must Know GCs in OC” reception and “Must Know GCs” lunch series. (3) The Pipeline Committee works with law student associations and partners with local law schools—Chapman, Western State, Whittier, and UCI—to provide mentorship, career panel programs, and skills workshops to our future lawyers. (4) The Community Service Committee organizes pro bono clinics and charitable drives each year to provide opportunities for members to volunteer on the project(s) of their choice. OCAABA is also a strong supporter of Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the Public Law Center. (5) The Social Committee plans and coordinates social events such as the summer barbeque, Moon Festival Mixer, holiday dim sum party, student-attorney mixers, and gatherings with other minority bar organizations to promote friendship and professional ties. (6) The Membership Committee is dedicated to expanding OCAABA’s membership base to support OCAABA’s ongoing efforts to serve the APA community in Orange County. (7) The PR/Affiliates Committee focuses on outreach to OCAABA’s affiliate bars and the wider community. OCAABA partners with affiliate bars to host events throughout the year, such as a judicial reception to welcome new judges to Orange County. OCAABA also actively participates in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and California Minority Counsel Program to offer additional resources to OCAABA members. (8) The Judicial Evaluation Committee evaluates qualified judicial candidates for endorsement by OCAABA. OCAABA’s annual installation and awards dinner offers a chance for members and friends to celebrate an evening of camaraderie with a traditional multi-course Chinese banquet. OCAABA held its 22nd Annual Installation Dinner on April 23, when it installed its 2015-2016 officers and directors, recognized the outstanding leadership and achievements of Michael Ray (Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Western Digital Corporation), and honored a group of extraordinary Asian American women leaders for their recent election to public office, including:
For more information, please visit www.ocaaba.org or email contactus@ocaaba.org.
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association The OCCDBA is the unified voice of the criminal defense bar for Orange County. The founding Board members, Paul Meyer (President), Kate Corrigan (Past President), Jennifer Keller, Gary Pohlson , John Barnett, Mike McDonnell, Al Stokke, Jack Earley, and Ed Muñoz started the association to promote the interests of the private criminal defense bar in Orange County. Ed Flores, Tom Bienert, and Ed Welbourn joined the Board and are currently serving as active members.
The OCCDBA Board members have been actively participating in courthouse meetings and providing a voice for the private criminal defense bar. In its first year, the Board was able to achieve several of its goals, including growing its membership, providing great MCLE opportunities to its membership, achieving the expansion of access to VISION to private defense counsel, and a high level of camaraderie amongst its members. Our meetings have included panel discussions with presiding and trial judges, a night at the jail, town hall style exchanges with the bench, candidates for the bench, rehabilitation services providers, the Orange County District Attorneys’ Office, private pay-to-stay jail providers, and, of course, great panels of seasoned attorneys, both from Orange County and beyond. In November, we will again co-host a criminal panel with the Federal Bar Association—Orange County Chapter. The OCCDBA members range in age and experience. More experienced and seasoned attorneys offer their time to younger members in the way of informal mentoring.
We meet on the last Thursday of the month at Original Mike’s in Santa Ana. Our dues are $150 per year, and we offer a discount to law students and investigators. Membership is now open. For further information, please contact OCCDBA President Paul Meyer or visit our website at www.occdba.com.
Orange County Jewish Bar Association In August 2009, President and Founder Jordon P. Steinberg of Kaufman Steinberg LLP envisioned an Orange County Jewish Bar Association (OCJBA), and by February 2010, the vision became a reality.
The OCJBA’s Mission Statement says it all: “Providing a social environment that will engender comradeship among its members, building upon the foundation of thousands of years of Jewish tradition steeped in the law (Torah), fostering the application of Jewish principles and morality, committing good deeds (Mitzvot) and acts of kindness (Tzedakah) while practicing law and serving the community.”
The OCJBA gives back to the Orange County community by participating in pro bono activities with Human Options and Jewish Federation/Family Services. The OCJBA’s partnership with the Anti-Defamation League has brought the Anti-Bullying Campaign in full swing as member volunteers (and others) visit Orange County K-12 schools offering a free, nationally approved program. The sole purpose is to educate schools on how best to deal with bullying issues from both the target’s and the perpetrator’s perspectives.
The OCJBA meets the first Tuesday of every month at Muldoon’s in Newport Beach, located at 202 Newport Center Drive. The OCJBA is eternally grateful to Ron Schwartz for hosting our “Schmooze and Booze” meetings. The meetings are open, and all are welcome, Jewish or non-Jewish; you do not have to be a “member” to attend.
For more information about the OCJBA or pro bono activities, please visit our website at www.ocjba.org, write to OCJBA, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658, or email Jordon P. Steinberg at jordon@kaufmansteinberg.com.
Orange County Lavender Bar Association The Orange County Lavender Bar Association is the county’s official association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and allied attorneys. OCLBA provides networking, educational, and mentorship opportunities and resources to its membership and the community. As part of its mission, OCLBA seeks to increase the visibility of LGBT issues in Orange County and the profile of Orange County in the broader statewide LGBT community.
OCLBA was launched on June 16, 2010, at a gala hosted by Gibson Dunn that was attended by 200 attorneys, philanthropists, business and community leaders, judges, professors, and students. The launch event featured remarks by attorneys in San Francisco who had just completed closing arguments in the landmark Perry v. Schwarzenegger case challenging Proposition 8 in federal court. Thereafter, OCLBA’s founding Board of Directors, which includes representatives from private practice and academia, began implementing a robust series of bar programs.
Since 2010, OCLBA has produced a number of highly successful events ranging from constitutional law to tax and estate planning issues facing the LGBT community along with social events for networking opportunities. OCLBA’s annual Anniversary Gala takes place in the summer honoring community and legal leaders in the fight for justice and equality. In 2013, OCLBA honored Justice David Thompson, Bryan Cave, and Family Equality Council along with presenting the first M. Katherine B. Darmer Equality Scholarship to a law student committed to LGBT issues in Orange County.
In 2014, OCLBA honored Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Nielan Barnes, and the second recipient of the M. Katherine B. Darmer Equality Scholarship.
The OCLBA will hold its annual Harvey Milk Day Luncheon on May 22, 2015, and its 2015 Anniversary Gala on July 15, 2015. OCLBA seeks to serve and unite not just the LGBT community, but our allies as well. For more information, please visit www.oclba.org or email info@oclba.org.
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association Formed in 1963, when plaintiffs’ attorneys gathered to share information and exchange tips and strategies with one another, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) has grown into one of the largest and most influential Affiliate Bar organizations in Orange County. Now in its 51st year, OCTLA is stronger than ever, dedicated to promoting quality representation of consumers and employees while educating and supporting our membership. In addition, OCTLA is at the forefront of efforts to ensure full funding of the courts, so that access to justice is preserved for everyone. Below is an overview of just some of the benefits that OCTLA members enjoy.
Best Networking Opportunities in Orange County: It’s no secret that OCTLA is one of the most prominent bar organizations in Orange County, and members are treated to regular networking opportunities with judges and top lawyers in the county at special events and our monthly dinner meetings.
Relevant and Interesting Educational Events: Not all MCLE educational events are created equal. OCTLA provides monthly opportunities to earn MCLE credits while learning about relevant issues from some of the greatest speakers in the state, if not the country. In addition, every year, OCTLA hosts a members-only candid evaluation of local judges, arbitrators, and mediators—crucial information for every trial lawyer’s practice. This benefit alone is worth the price of membership.
Informative Quarterly Magazine: From insightful interviews with Orange County Superior Court judges to practical, nuts-and-bolts articles on issues of procedure and trial skills, you will not want to miss an issue of The Gavel magazine.
Interactive Website/Bulletin Board: To get a glimpse of our new website, log on to www.OCTLA.org. Some have said the most valuable feature of the website is our members-only forum, which allows members to post questions regarding their cases and solicit immediate responses from hundreds of fellow trial attorneys. It’s like having the resources of a large law firm at your fingertips.
Social Activities: OCTLA gives its members many opportunities to build lasting personal and professional relationships. These include our fall softball game against Orange County’s judicial officers (the series is currently tied 3-3) and our annual Bench and Bar Golf Tournament on Columbus Day (when the courts are closed, so everyone can enjoy some time out on the course). For those who enjoy more formal events, OCTLA delivers with its black-tie installation of officers and board at the beginning of each year and its Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year awards program and charity auction.
All attorneys engaged in trial practice in Orange County are encouraged to join OCTLA. With benefits like these, how can you afford not to join? For more information, visit our website at www.OCTLA.org, or contact Ted Wacker at 949.706.7100.
Orange County Women Lawyers Association OCWLA started in 1975 with five members. It was originally called the Women and Individual Rights section of the Orange County Bar Association. In 1979, OCWLA became an affiliate organization of the Orange County Bar Association.
OCWLA is dedicated to advancing women in the legal profession. We support the continued growth and development of OCWLA and its members by providing an exceptional professional network, raising awareness of discrimination and bias, and supporting worthy charitable organizations.
We hold our regular lunch meetings at The Bowers Museum’s Fluor Family Gallery in Santa Ana on the second Tuesday of every month. Our meetings offer quality Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs at very reasonable prices. We also hold several evening programs throughout the year, including our popular Mardi Gras cocktail mixer in February. We also held our annual Women Judges Reception at Whittier Law School in March to honor our many female federal and state judges.
Our board has been hard at work planning an exciting 2015. Our 2015 Judge of the Year is the Honorable Josephine L. Staton, US District Court, Central District. We are pleased to announce that Karen “Kerry” Polyakov, Assistant General Counsel for Home Depot is our Attorney of the Year. These awards will be presented at our Annual Gala Dinner this fall. The Gala is our primary fundraising event. OCWLA uses money raised through its fundraising efforts to award $1,000 bar stipends and diversity bar stipends twice annually to law school graduates who are studying for the California Bar Examination. We also provide financial support to organizations such as the Public Law Center and California Women Lawyers, of which OCWLA is an affiliate.
At all of our events, OCWLA collects donations of sample-sized toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) that we donate to the Orange County Collaborative Courts. The toiletries are distributed to people in the Homeless Outreach Court and Drug Court programs. We also collect dry pasta donations, which we give to Caterina’s Club. Bruno Serato, the owner of the Anaheim White House, uses these donations to make pasta dinners every night for children living in the motels of Anaheim.
For more information about OCWLA, please contact us at www.ocwla.org, 949.440.6700, ext. 259.
Thurgood Marshall Bar Association America’s founding fathers, in our Declaration of Independence, wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” However, when those words were written, the founders probably did not fully grasp the challenges such a broad philosophic statement would face. Those challenges have persisted for hundreds of years, and continue to exist to this day.
Despite the founders’ inability to predict the future, the expressed but then-untested concept of equality also fostered social and legal systems to review, evaluate, and rule on the question of exactly what “equality” means.
On behalf of those who were originally excluded from the founders’ vision, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall—following a pathway hewed out by abolitionist Frederick Douglass, slave-rebel Nat Turner, Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, AME Church Founder Richard Allen, slave-freer John Brown, emancipationist Abraham Lincoln, and civil rights preacher Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few—put the founders’ democratic ideas to legal tests, and won inclusion for those previously excluded! As lead counsel in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, Mr. Marshall convinced the U.S. Supreme Court to vote unanimously that segregation in public schools on the basis of race is “inherently unequal.”
Thurgood Marshall Bar Association stands for what Justice Marshall successfully fought for: Equality among lawyers, judges, educators, other legal professionals, and Americans in general, with no detrimental, only respectful, notice of differences in national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Also, reflecting Justice Marshall’s professional successes as both a lawyer and judicial officer, we promote high standards of professionalism and competence.
Join us. Help us make, and keep, everyone equal and excellent—so that we all realize the American Dream! For more information, visit our website at www.thurgoodmarshallbarassociation.org.