Committees
Standing Committees (By-Laws Art. V, Section 5.3)
Bench & Bar Coalition:
Chair
Judge Allen Webster
The purpose and mission of the Bench and Bar Coalition Committee is to support the relationship between practicing attorneys and judges for the benefit of the public at large.
Corporate Firm Network:
Co-Chairs
George C. Fatheree, III
Daniel Prince
Criminal Law:
Co-Chairs
Stephen A. King
Alain W. Browning
Education:
The Education Committee has three goals: first, to provide continuing legal education to attorneys through CLE accredited seminars; second, to support our law students as they prepare for the California bar exam by making available to them free bar exam tutorial sessions led by Langston’s esteemed members; and third, to educate and provide a forum where the local community can receive information about emerging legal issues that may impact their lives.
Entertainment Law:
Co- Chairs
Nyanza Shaw
Anthony D. Caruthers, II
The Entertainment Law Committee provides support and fellowship for lawyers practicing in the entertainment, arts, and sports-related industries and law students interested in pursuing careers in these fields. The committee offer programs and events which serve to educate our members on legal and business issues relevant to entertainment, arts, and sports-related practice areas, facilitate networking with other lawyers and non-lawyers in the entertainment industries, and generally provide a platform for our members to meet and connect with other attorneys with similar interests.
Finance:
Chair
Kweli Coleman
The Finance Committee provides direction for the entire Board on fiscal responsibility. Specifically, the committee is responsible for: (1) creating and approving the annual budget to be submitted to the board for approval; (2) reviewing the organization's revenues and expenditures, balance sheet, investments and other matters related to its continued solvency; (3) providing a financial analysis for the organization; and (4) ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations and reporting requirements.
Hall of Fame:
Co-Chairs
Margo Bouchet
Anne M. Saxton
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is to honor African-American and other attorneys that have made significant contributions to Langston and the legal community and have practiced law for more than 35 years. Prior to the Hall of Fame, other bar associations did not honor or acknowledge our legal community or accomplishments to any significant degree. The Hall of Fame began in 1990, as a result of Shirley Henderson’s request to then Langston President Roland Coleman, to honor and recognize the significant legal achievements of African-American attorneys in our community. Also, members of the Hall of Fame Committee will help connect our young lawyers with seasoned and legendary lawyers who are part of their heritage.
Historian:
Chair
Valarie Dean
Immigration Law:
Chair
Shan D. Potts
In-House Counsel:
Co-Chairs
Jennifer E. Fisher
Diane Robertson
The In-House Counsel Committee will support member lawyers who wish to obtain or already serve as in-house counsel. With activities ranging from promotion of educational events focused on issues facing in-house counsel, to sponsorship of networking mixers, the committee is committed to furthering members' legal networking and business potential.
Judicial Nominations and Endorsements:
Chair
Gary A. Farwell
The Judicial Nominations and Evaluations Committee reviews the qualifications of candidates for judicial positions by appointment or election. Evaluations are conducted based on written materials, including completed evaluation forms, and interview of the candidate.
Legislation:
Chair
Michele B. Anderson
John M. Langston Bar Association has been on the forefront in promoting justice and equal access to all in the Los Angeles community. The Legislation Committee monitors and supports pending local, state and federal legislation that embraces our mission. We also oppose legislation which would be detrimental to the interests of the African-American community. The committee maintains an active network among the other bar associations, as well as community-based organizations.
Litigation:
Chair
Antonio K. Kizzie
Membership/Lifetime Membership:
Co-Chairs
Rodney S. Diggs
Tatianna Y. Metters
Tiffany N. Rollins
The purpose of the membership committee is to enhance the viability and visibility of the organization by conveying to members and potential members the organization's benefits and value and promoting the organization to maintain and grow the membership numbers.
The purpose of the Lifetime Membership Committee is to enhance the viability and visibility of Association by increasing the financial commitment and investment in our organization through Lifetime Membership. Also, Lifetime Membership will help connect our young lawyers with seasoned and legendary lawyers who are part of their heritage.
Outreach and Community Action:
Co-Chairs
Marissa L. Simmons
Nicholas J. McGrue
The Outreach and Community Action committee is the community-based arm of the Association, dedicated to increasing the student-to-professional pipeline, as well as provide pro bono services to the underserved public. The Outreach and Community Action committee conducts regular activities at local middle schools and high schools which expose students to life skills, career development, college preparation, and cultural experiences.
Scholarship:
Co-Chairs
Latrice A. Byrdsong
Stephanie C. Mothershed
The Scholarship Committee works to raise money and provide scholarships to outstanding and deserving law students based on both their merit and need. Recipients are chosen through a review process that includes an application and interview.
Young Lawyers:
Co-Chairs
Noelle C. Brow
Justin A. Palmer
The purpose of the Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) is to create an educational, professional and social network for future and practicing African-American attorneys, and to enhance the visibility of African-American attorneys in the Los Angeles area. A "young lawyer" is generally defined as an attorney who (a) is 35 years of age or younger or (b) was admitted to practice law ten years ago or less. Also, the YLC will be responsible for programs, events and panels connecting young lawyers with seasoned and legendary lawyers and judges in Southern California.
Youth Outreach Committee:
Co-Chairs
Kimberly S. Toney
Ludlow B. Creary, II
Members at Large:
Hon. Rupert A. Byrdsong
Sean A. Monroe
Shae Harvey
Eulanda L. Matthews