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OBABL Links & Resources
May
16
Lawyer Paul Butler will help launch Magic Johnson's new television network ASPIRE
Veteran attorney and business development executive Paul Butler will lead the launch of ASPIRE the forthcoming television network being created by NBA legend and businessman Magic Johnson in partnership with Comcast.
Magic Johnson Enterprises announced Tuesday the appointment of Butler as the new network’s first ever general manager.
Butler is no stranger to the media and entertainment worlds given his extensive background working with a number of established media brands. He currently serves as senior vice president and general counsel of the Gospel Music Channel the niche channel which bills itself as “America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and entertainment.”
Mr. Butler will oversee operations for ASPIRE and report directly to Mr. Johnson.
When announcing the launch of the new channel back in February Mr. Johnson told The Los Angeles Times “This is big for myself, for the African American community and the African American creative community. I wanted a vehicle to show positive images and to have stories written, produced and directed by African Americans for our community. Aspire — that’s how I’ve been leading my life.”
In Butler he has a partner who told the Harvard Law School Bulletin that his own passion for music helped push him towards working in media, and that a passion for counter-programming against the sometimes negative images seen by more prominent outlets fuels his drive to succeed.
The 1994 Harvard Law School graduate has used his legal education to serve as general counsel for Queen Latifah’s media company FlavorUnit Entertainment, and before working at GMC worked as director, program enterprises and business development and senior counsel music programming and products at Viacom-owned VH1.
His vast and varied experiences are what give Johnson confidence he’s found the right leader. He said of his new GM, “Paul has a long track record of success with GMC with a wide range of responsibility and oversight. With his background and the fact that he was heavily involved in GMC’s tremendous growth, Paul is definitely ready to hit the ground running to ensure a successful launch and a great future for the network.”
May
11
The late John Payton to receive honorary degree from Georgetown Law
Filed Under: In the News, Law School News • Leave a Comment
John A. Payton,Esq., President & Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund (1946-2012)
The late John Payton who was until his death President & Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund is to receive an honorary degree from Georgetown University Law Center where he had been an adjunct professor.
Georgetown says it is the first time that an individual has been honored posthumously in more than 25-years.
Payton a Harvard Law graduate is a respected civil rights litigator well-known for arguing a wide array of cases including Gratz v. Bollinger, the landmark affirmative action case in 2003. He argued the case while a partner at Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale, and Dorr.
Gay McDougall a former United Nations minority expert will accept the honorary degree on behalf of her late husband. {Courtesy: Georgetown University}
Payton’s degree will be accepted by his wife Gay McDougall also an attorney. McDougall a 1972 graduate of Yale Law School also holds a LLM in public international law from the London School of Economics. She is currently a distinguished scholar in residence at American University’s Washington College of Law.
The degree will be presented at the law center’s commencement on May 20th.
May
4
Clerkship Diversity Still Low
Filed Under: Judiciary • Leave a Comment
The federal courts made no progress last year in their push to bring more diversity to the ranks of judicial law clerks, according to the latest statistics released May 2 by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
The percentage of clerks who identified as African-American and Hispanic basically remained steady for the fiscal year that ended in June, despite judges saying there is room for improvement and a pilot internship program started last summer to bring minority law students into federal judges’ chambers.
Read full article NLJ.
Apr
16
The wrap on historically black law schools
Filed Under: In the News, Law School News • Leave a Comment
Over the course of the last several years the legal industry has undergone steady change, signified most significantly by a decline in the number of positions at the nation’s once extremely profitable law firms. Even as there is some indication that law firm hiring is rebounding, hiring is still not back to the levels seen before the bubble burst.
Then just last week there was extensive reporting on the fact that the number of law school applications is down. Which in turn causes some to question the caliber of applicants.
The Atlantic even says, “The Wrong People Have Stopped Applying to Law School.”
For those African-Americans who still desire to go to law school which law schools will they attend predominantly white institutions or historically black law schools?
One recent graduate of SMU Law offers a sobering picture of life after law school in, “HBCU law grads face tough job market”
“Now all of a sudden, instead of owning the Dallas law market,” he recalls, SMU graduates were “competing with graduates from the Ivy League schools and some of the Top 15 schools,” so SMU grads were “probably not as well-equipped to compete.”
Diverse Issues in Higher Education reports in “Historically Black Law Schools Stay the Course on Social Justice Mission,” it’s certainly the intention of the nation’s historically black law schools to position themselves to attract and provide a top notch legal education.
…for the nation’s six historically Black law schools these bleak times are an opportunity to highlight their individual niches and strengths. While several deans say the economic downturn has had some impact on their graduates, they say they have continued to reshape their curriculum and graduation requirements in order to make their students more competitive in the marketplace.
Even after an exploration and comparison to other schools, in order for continued diversity in the legal profession, South Texas College of Law Professor Gary Rosin has written, “If the ABA is serious about increasing the diversity of the legal profession, especially in increasing the number Black/African American lawyers, it needs Historically Black Law Schools (”HBLS”).”
Apr
13
NYC Lawyer Candice Cook in Elle
Filed Under: Fun Fridays, Style • Leave a Comment
Candice Cook is smart, even when it comes to fashion. The attorney discloses to Elle Magazine how she maintains her fashion forward style while still adhering to the office dress code. “This silk blouse has beautiful, feminine details while perfectly blending into a conventional attorney ‘uniform,’” she explains.
She adds that she always accessorizes with an oversize handbag and “sentimental jewelry–whether it’s diamond stud earrings from her parents (a law school graduation gift) or an Hermes bracelet from her boyfriend. ‘Personal accessories help me tap into my identity–even if I’m wearing a black suit!”
In the words of RuPaul, we say, “WORK!”
Apr
13
In my latest USA TODAY column, I offer some sobering predictions for this Supreme Court term.
The Supreme Court term is shaping up to be a significant one on issues involving race. The justices are poised to decide a handful of high-profile cases that could have a long-term impact on African and Hispanic Americans. And the fact that the Roberts court is more conservative than its recent predecessors does not bode well for minorities.
The influence of conservative justices has already been witnessed in the top court’s January decision on Texas’ redistricting maps. Based on the 2010 Census, Texas gained four congressional seats because of 4.3 million new residents, 65% of whom are Hispanic. But the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature drew up new maps that favored the GOP in three of the four new districts. Minority rights groups sued in federal court, which led a three-judge panel to propose redrawn maps more fair to Hispanics.
Then the top court entered the fray and rejected the judges’ new maps, ruling that they lacked deference to the ones drawn by the legislature. Ultimately, Texas was forced to delay its primary until May 29. A federal three-judge panel approved interim maps that create at least two new districts more favorable to Hispanics, though rights groups claim the plan still does not go far enough.
Read the entire column here.
Apr
13
While some lawyers are still trying to figure out how to incorporate social media into their work, others are ahead of the curve. Some attorneys are using Facebook to offer updates on legal happenings and promote their work and others opt to solely nurture relationships and contacts on LinkedIn.
Many attorneys are now discovering the benefits of using Twitter as a way of offering legal analysis, discussing the news of the day, engaging in meaningful dialogue, promoting their work, and staying on top of ongoing developments in the legal profession.
Here’s our list of some of the black lawyers who are tweeting things of interest to us and maintaining a commanding presence in social media.
Note: We are well aware that many of the lawyers listed below would easily fit under multiple categories; however for the purposes of this list, we listed the individuals in the areas we felt were appropriate.
By the way, did we get this list right? Who else should be on this list? We are looking forward to your feedback and suggestions!
Follow the Top Black Lawyers on Twitter List at @OBABL
The Advocates
Aisha Richard Lewis (@aisha1908), Public Defender, NYC
@aisha1908 is a top-notch public defender, and an unapologetic advocate, who was once listed by the site “For Harriet” as one of the most inspiring black women on Twitter.
Benjamin L. Crump (@attorneycrump), Civil Rights Lawyer, Tallahassee, FL
@attorneycrump is the litigator representing the family of Trayvon Martin, while simultaneously representing the interests of many more by keeping Trayvon’s story in the public consciousness and ensuring that America has an honest discussion about race, the law, equity and justice.
The Educators
Sheryll Cashin (@SheryllCashin), Professor, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC
@sheryllcashin authored the book “The Agitators Daughter” chronicling her firsthand experience with the Civil Rights movement. Now as a professor, Cashin leads regular discussions on race relations, economics, domestic policy and about how the intersection of those areas should lead to discussions about inequality, and the law.
Paula Edgar (@PaulaEdgar), Career Services Professional, Diversity Advocate & Pop Culture Commentator, NYC
@paulaedgar is a modern day renaissance woman - As a career services professional counseling aspiring lawyers on how to find success in their chosen profession, Edgar also wears several other hats. The longtime diversity advocate is also an avid writer, and pop culture connoisseur often relied upon to offer her take on pop culture news.
Darren Hutchinson (@dissentingj), Professor, American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, DC
@dissentingj is a respected law professor and prolific blogger. Darren Hutchinson blogs at Dissenting Justice and also shares his insights on Twitter. His is a unique voice, as he analyzes stories about crime, culture, and politics.
Cynthia Nance (@Nancecy), Professor, University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, AR
@nancecy is the Twitter handle of law professor Cynthia Nance, also known as “The Dean.” She may be one of few law deans past or present to keep an active profile on Twitter. A respected lawyer whose teaching areas include employment law and poverty law, Professor Nance is the first woman and first African-American dean of the University of Arkansas Law School. Nance also discusses gender, civil rights, and business among other topics.
Imani Perry (@imaniperry), Professor, Center for African American Studies, and Faculty Associate, Program in Law and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
@imaniperry is a respected African-American studies scholar whose work is compelling and unique. Perry is a well-regarded professor in Princeton’s African-American Studies department, armed with a law degree and a doctorate in history. Her doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Dusky Justice: Race in U.S. Law and Literature 1878-1914,” and she explores law and society through a cultural lens.
Chris J. Tyson (@chrisjtyson), Professor, Louisiana State University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
@chrisjtyson is one of a growing number of young academics who seeks to make a difference. Tyson teaches law in his native Louisiana while commentating on issues involving urban affairs, race, and justice across the country. The new father also chronicling his experiences as a dad.
The Informers
Keith Boykin (@keithboykin), Political Strategist & Commentator, NYC
@keithboykin has already transitioned from White House aide to political strategist and commentator. Boykin is an acclaimed author and CNBC contributor who has also hosted programs for BET, and edited the news site “The Daily Voice.” He is also one of the steady voices in the on-line movement seeking justice for Trayvon Martin.
Renee Chenault-Fattah (@ReneeCFattah), Anchor, WCAU-TV, Philadelphia
@reneecfattah is a respected journalist who also happens to be a lawyer. One of Philadelphia’s most respected news anchors, Fattah worked as an associate at a law firm and clerked for a federal appeals court judge before achieving her dream of working in the newsroom as a broadcast journalist. Fattah reports on a wide array of topics in one of the top media markets.
Carolyn Edgar (@carolynedgar), Corporate Attorney, Writer & Commentator, NYC
@carolynedgar has a unique voice which she shares both on Twitter and on her blog, “Notes of a Lawyer, Writer & Single Mom” about a wide array of topics. As she puts it, “I practice law to pay the bills and write for love and sanity.” Her perspective is both frank and funny, and her readers are fortunate to get a peek inside her world.
Star Jones, (@StarJonesEsq) NBC News Legal Commentator, NYC
@starjoneseq could easily be called one of “The Original” not only because there’s only one of her, but also because she is a role model for many who aspire to be television legal commentators. Throughout the course of her career, the former prosecutor served as a co-host of “The View”, as a host of several shows on Court TV, and as a legal analyst for NBC News, a role she recently resumed.
Sunny Hostin (@SunnyHostin) CNN Legal Commentator , NYC
@sunnyhostin is a multimedia journalist. Avid T.V. watchers can catch Sunny Hostin breaking down some of the most interesting legal stories in the news on CNN, and HLN, or may have seen her filling in on the anchor desk at ABC News. Hostin juggles her roles ably, always striving to pique the curiosity of viewers, and leave them better informed.
Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC), Legal Blogger, Above the Law, NYC
@elienyc is curious, insightful, independent-minded, intriguing, entertaining, and witty - the perfect mix for a blogger. Mystal is one of the lead writers for the go to legal blog, Above the Law. The sense of humor, sarcasm, and candor Mystal expresses in his posts make them can’t miss.
Ryan Smith (@ryansmithtv) Anchor, TruTV
@ryansmithtv takes viewers “In Session” as an anchor for Tru TV. The respected sports and entertainment attorney draws on his varied experiences to report on and analyze the legal stories which are front and center for the American public. He has more recently covered a wide array of stories from the Casey Anthony trial, to the Penn State sex abuse scandal, and now the case of Trayvon Martin.
The Leaders
Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris), Attorney General, State of California
@kamalaharris is regarded by some to be the female “Barack Obama.” She is like the president a biracial, highly educated attorney, who is also charismatic and unapologetically bold. Attorney General Harris is respected and well liked by leaders in her home state of California, and the same is true of leaders on the national scene. Any way you slice it she is a rising political star - depending on whom you ask she’ll be either a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court or the future Governor of California.
Marc Morial (@MarcMorial), Former Mayor, New Orleans & President, National Urban League
@marcmorial is a second-generation attorney, politician, and civil rights leader. Morial and his father both served as mayor of the city of New Orleans, establishing distinct legacies as they led one of America’s most beloved cities. While he has followed in his father’s footsteps, he has certainly blazed his own path. In his current role as the President of the National Urban League, Morial works to ensure that the quality of life is better for people in cities all across America.
Deval Patrick (@devalpatrick), Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
@devalpatrick is the first African-American to serve as the governor of the Massachusetts. Now in his second term, at the time of his election he was just the second African-American to be elected to his state’s highest office since reconstruction.
Cory Booker (@corybooker), Mayor, Newark, NJ
@corybooker has been dubbed “the mayor of Twitter”. His social media prowess speaks to what many government leaders say leaders should be - accessible, available, accountable, and transparent. Booker doesn’t just keep the citizens of Newark informed about city services, he offers inspirational tweets, and engages in a discussion of politics and national issues at large.
Public Figures
Hill Harper (@hillharper) Actor & Activist
@hillharper is a well-known actor, a best-selling author, and an activist. Harper’s gone from being a Harvard Law classmate of President Obama to being an actor working with some of film and T.V.’s biggest stars. Not only has he won acclaim for his acting, but also for his books which help to motivate young people to make good life choices.
Judge Glenda Hatchett (@JudgeGHatchett), Television Personality
@judgeghatchett is best known for her television show “Judge Hatchett,” where she regularly doled out tough love and reality checks with what can only be described as a southern grace. Hatchett, a former juvenile court judge, has a soft spot in her heart for young people, but is all about using this her current platform to uplift, inspire, and encourage whoever is in need.
Robinne Lee (@robinnelee), Actress, Writer, Producer
Movie fans may recognize @robinnelee for her big screen roles in “Hitch”, “Seven Pounds”, “Deliver Us From Eva”, or her small-screen turn in Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” but many may not know that she is an Ivy League trained lawyer. If her fans were jurors they’d no doubt approve of her following her heart and her passion for acting.
Judy Smith (@JudySmith_ ), Former Deputy White House Press Secretary, Crisis Management Consultant, Television Producer
@judysmith_ is the inspiration for one of the most talked about characters on T.V., Olivia Pope in the new hit ABC show “Scandal” starring Kerry Washington. Smith a graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law went from being a deputy White House press secretary to being the go to crisis communications strategist in Washington. Now a character in her likeness is keeping viewers plenty intrigued about with her resourceful fixes to major problems.
Judge Lynn Toler (@RealJudgeLynn), Television Personality, Author
@realjudgelynn may don black a robe but her life’s story is proof positive that she doesn’t sit on high unaware of the realities of life. Toler is a success story, but her success didn’t come without struggles. She’s talked openly about her family history of mental health problems which ranged from her father’s battle with bipolar disorder, to her own fight with depression. Toler shares her experiences as a T.V. judge, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
Emerging Voices
Joe Briggs (@JoeBriggsEsq), Public Policy Counsel, NFL Players Association
@joebriggsesq is one of the co-founders of IMPACT, a group committed to helping improve the level of civic engagement and economic and political empowerment of young people. Given his high-profile day job with the NFL Players Association you could say Briggs has two 9 to 5’s which aren’t at all 9 to 5’s. Briggs is fine with working so hard if it means being a solution-oriented taskmaster who’s helping to uplift and inspire the 21 to 40 set.
Nakia Hansen (@KiaJD), Director of Social Strategy, The College Board
@kiajd has one of the coolest jobs ever as she gets paid to stay engaged on social media. The lawyer turned social media strategist who’s also a graduate student has a unique background, which allows her to weigh in on almost any issue. Perhaps best described as fun, fierce, and focused, her timeline is one of those many have bookmarked.
Angela Rye (@angela_rye), Executive Director & General Counsel, The Congressional Black Caucus @angela_rye is a force to be reckoned with in the halls of Capitol Hill. Rye currently serves as the executive director and general counsel for The Congressional Black Caucus. Helping to marshal the collective efforts of dozens of members of Congress is no easy task, but she is trusted, respected, and relied upon for her vision and consensus-building abilities. In the midst of some of the most important political debates of our time, Rye makes time to inform and engage using social media.
Midwin Charles (@midwincharles) Attorney, Legal Analyst & Radio Host @midwincharles is a litigator who runs her own boutique law firm and is also an up and coming legal analyst and radio host. Charles has a growing fan base is often seen offering her insights on HLN’s Nancy Grace Show and Showbiz Tonight on CNN Headline News.
The Pipeline Builders
Lisa Bonner (@lisabonner) Managing Partner and Founder Bonner Law P.C. & Executive Director, Black Women Entertainment Lawyers @lisabonner’s law firm provides counsel for large media companies, film distribution companies, and music, television and film producers, artists and writers. Her career as an entertainment lawyer also makes her the ideal person to serve as the executive director of the Black Women Entertainment Lawyer (BWEL) an organization that provides support for black women lawyers whose careers make them active in the areas of sports, entertainment, and media law.
Laurie N. Robinson (@laurienrobinson) Senior Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, CBS Corporation & Founder & CEO, Corporate Counsel Women of Color @laurienrobinson is a respected inside counsel who knows firsthand of the competitiveness of the front office. Her organization Corporate Counsel Women of Color helps to support the women of color taking on the role of in-house attorney for corporations throughout the U.S., Canada and globally. Not only is it about supporting the women already there, but also getting more women into those spots, and letting law students and junior attorneys know such opportunities exist.
Apr
13
Friday Early Reads
Filed Under: Social Engineer • Leave a Comment
Trayvon Martin
George Zimmerman’s lawyer seeks to limit pretrial publicity (Orlando Sentinel)
Officials reveal details of George Zimmerman’s jail activities, purchases (Orlando Sentinel)
Meet the Judge Who Drew George Zimmerman’s Case (Wall Street Journal Law Blog)
State of Florida v. George Zimmerman Probable Cause Affidavit (Fox News)
Poll shows big gap between races on Trayvon Martin killing (Reuters)
Cases of Note
California Employers Must Give Workers Breaks, Court Rules (Bloomberg News)
Judge bans tweets from reporters in Hudson trial (Chicago Tribune)
For John Edwards, isolation is a symbol of his downfall (Washington Post)
ICYMI
Poll: Half expect a political health-care ruling (Washington Post)
Apr
12
Judy Smith {From Judy Smith}
Judy Smith if you’re unfamiliar with her is certainly a big deal. A power player not to in anyway be underestimated she is considered to be one of the best crisis managers there is. The American University Washington College of Law educated attorney went from being a deputy White House press secretary in the first Bush White House, to being a federal prosecutor, to now being a communications and political strategist well-regarded throughout Washington and across the country.
Apr
6
Friday Early Reads
Filed Under: In the News • Leave a Comment
On Trayvon Martin
Shooter of unarmed Florida teen gets second lawyer {Reuters}
Trayvon Martin case: Inquiry into Stand Your Ground law launched in Florida {Christian Science Monitor}
Poll regarding Trayvon Martin’s killing shows racial divide {USA Today}
POTUS & SCOTUS
AG Eric Holder to 5th Circuit: We’re aware of Marbury v. Madison {Legal Times}
Obama sees an open shot with justices {AP}
Cases of Note
Texas Hospital Says Obese Job Applicants Need Not Apply {Law.com}
Court to Monitor Reporter Tweets to Enforce Twitter Ban in Murder Trial re Jennifer Hudson’s Family {ABA Journal}
Chicago club fires bartender over racist Facebook rant {Chicago Sun-Times}
Cleashindra Hall Case: Police To Search Larry Amos’ Home For Clues On Missing Arkansas Teen {AP}
