NEWSLETTER
February 2021
Engage. Empower. Elevate.
President's Message
A Legacy of Service!

A year ago, I was installed as President of this prestigious organization that I continue to be honored to serve. I am so proud of the work that we do, from our educational programs to our networking and social events, and perhaps most gratifying our scholarship program.

This past weekend we held our 2020-2021 Scholarship Benefit and Awards Presentation virtually and awarded $80,000 in scholarships to several law students. I thank the event attendees, sponsors, and speakers for making it such an incredible occasion. I also specially thank all of the people who helped plan the event including the fearless and dedicated Chair of the Langston Scholarship Committee, Latrice Byrdsong, and all of her committee members. Mrs. Byrdsong has helmed the committee for the last few years and has been instrumental in helping Langston raise and present over $250,000 to well-deserving law students.

In celebration of Black history month, we will be featuring some of Langston’s past presidents for their remarkable achievements. We will also continue to celebrate Langston throughout the year while it continues to make history through its ongoing efforts to uplift and empower not just during Black history month, but every day. 


Nyanza Shaw, Esq.
President, John M. Langston Bar Association

Please visit langstonbar.org for program updates.
John Mercer Langston (this organization's namesake) was one of the most prominent African Americans in the United States before and during the Civil War. Langston was one of the first African Americans to hold elective office in the United States (he became Brownhelm, Ohio, township clerk in 1855), he helped establish Howard University’s school of law, and he topped off his long illustrious political career by becoming the first black man to represent Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Chrissy Roussell Willis served as President in 2015 and is a Lifetime Member. Chrissy was an instrumental leader in AAADF (African-American Attorneys in Downtown Firms now known as the Corporate Firm Network (CFN)) and helped to nurture the relationship between Langston and corporate firm attorneys. Chrissy is currently SVP, People & Organization at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Damon Brown served as President in 2012. During Damon's tenure, he produced a PSA for Langston to help expand the impact and visibility of the Langston brand. Damon is also a Past President of CABL (California Association of Black Lawyers). Damon now serves as City Attorney for the City of Compton.
CONGRATULATIONS
GET INVOLVED
. Looking To Volunteer with Langston? Join a Committee!
Click HERE to learn about Langston Committees.
. Call for Articles!
Langston is looking to include valuable and insightful articles in the monthly newsletter and on the Langston Law Institute Education Resources page launching soon.  

Topics and Length: Articles should be on timely topics of interest to attorneys and can include opinions about recent court case decisions, practice tips, or scholarly analysis and can be general or apply to a specific practice area. Articles should be between 800 - 1,000 words in length. Acceptance of article will be based on whether article fits within the topic description and is determined to be informative for Langston membership. Citations should be in ENDNOTE format and conform to Harvard bluebook rules.

Submission Guidelines: Submissions should be emailed to info@langstonbar.org and include: Author's contact information and Article in word .doc format. Upon acceptance, all authors will be required to submit a short bio (50 words or less), headshot (high res jpg digital file), and a release form.

Submission Deadline: Open
LAW STUDENT CORNER
California ChangeLawyers 2021 3L Scholarship 
 
California ChangeLawyers is proud to announce that our 2021 3L scholarship application is now open. This scholarship is open to all diverse recent 2020 law grads and soon-to-be graduates that intend to sit for the July 2021 California Bar Exam. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at a virtual event, recognized on our website and online material, paired with co-sponsoring organizations, be given access to exclusive bar exam resources, provided access to discounted bar prep rates, and a $5,000 scholarship to help off-set the costs of the California Bar Exam. 
 
The application will remain open until February 16th. However, please note that all material must be submitted by that deadline (LOR, transcript, etc.) so we recommend applicants begin completing the application immediately. No additional time will be provided.
 
Scholarship recipients will be announced in the first week of April.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Job Announcements:
Social Justice Legal Foundation
Executive Director
Fisher Phillips LLP (San Diego, CA)
Employment Litigation Associate
Description:
The San Diego office of Fisher Phillips seeks an employment litigation associate with 2-5 years of experience. The ideal candidate will be comfortable drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings, and drafting and arguing motions. Significant experience in labor and employment law is preferred, but candidates with strong litigation experience and a demonstrated interest in labor and employment law will be considered. Candidate must have excellent academic credentials, strong writing and analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Successful candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be admitted in California. Applicants should submit their resume, transcript, and cover letter, and complete the application
Burke Williams & Sorenson LLP
Labor & Employment Litigation Attorney – Los Angeles
Burke is seeking a motivated attorney for its Los Angeles office to join the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. Employment litigation for public and private clients, excellent writing, research and analytical skills, 6 – 10 years’ experience. Wage and hour and PAGA actions experience a plus. Qualified candidates, please email cover letter, resume, and writing sample to avanwye@bwslaw.com. EOE.
OUR MISSION
To empower leadership, advance the professional development of its membership, and promote the administration of justice in the
Black community and the community at large.
Stay Connected!