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Committees

Join a Committee!

Volunteer members needed.  Contact the Committee Chair, if interested.

Bench & Bar:

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.

Civil Rights:

The purpose of this committee is to protect and advance equal rights and freedoms for all people. It addresses discrimination, promotes fairness and inclusion, reviews policies and practices, and advocates for justice, equity, and respect across communities and institutions.

Corporate Firm Network:

Since its inception in 1993, CFN’s primary focus has been to facilitate the recruitment and retention of African-American attorneys in corporate law firms by fostering a network of business and mentor relationships.  In 2000, CFN affiliated with the John M. Langston Bar Association as its Business Law Section.  CFN has mushroomed to become a vital source of information and support for law firm attorneys throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Criminal Law

Focuses on issues related to criminal law and justice. It reviews criminal policies and procedures, addresses public safety concerns, promotes fair enforcement of the law, and works to ensure due process, accountability, and the protection of individual rights within the justice system.

Education & Programming:

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:

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 offers 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:

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:

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 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:

The Historian shall help document and protect Langston’s history and archives, keep track of activities and achievements of the organization, collect and preserve physical memorabilia and digital historical data (such as flyers, programs, documents, photographs, etc.),  Historian shall also assist in creating photographic and video records of the history of the organization and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

Hospitality:

The Hospitality Chair maintains and oversees member outreach to recognize accomplishments, promotions, and milestones, and to ensure members feel supported and celebrated within the Langston community. The role also leads acknowledgments and outreach during significant life events, including weddings, births, illness, and the loss of loved ones.

In-House Counsel:

In-House Counsel Committee serves attorneys working within corporations, organizations, or government entities. It provides a forum to address issues unique to in-house practice, share practical insights, offer professional development, and promote collaboration among in-house legal professionals.

Intellectual Property

Focuses on legal issues involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. It supports education and discussion on IP law developments, promotes best practices, and provides a forum for practitioners to collaborate on protecting innovation and creative works.

Langston Law Institute:

Since 2006, the John M. Langston Bar Association annually hosts an event titled the “Langston Law Institute” (“LLI”).  LLI is one of Langston's flagship programs by providing an interesting and cutting-edge day-long Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) seminar.  LLI serves the dual purpose of providing top-notch CLE at subsidized costs and showcasing world-class legal minds from the African American legal community. 

 

The purpose for the event is several-fold: (1) to put on CLEs with topics of interest to our membership; (2) to provide an opportunity for attorneys of color to present CLEs (i.e., giving them speaking opportunities to help hone their skills); (3) to provide attorneys of color an opportunity to witness other attorneys of color as speakers (giving them inspiration to become a speaker); and (4) to provide lower cost CLEs to our membership.

 

LLI is the only local all-day CLE seminar featuring an all African American faculty of panelists and speakers.

Law Student Outreach:

The Law Student Outreach Committee fosters relationships among students, lawyers, and judges to support local law students and provide programs to increase law student success both in law school and on the bar, as well as help facilitate law student transition into the legal community. The Committee coordinates and oversees Langston’s outreach efforts to all Los Angeles area law schools and encourages student involvement in Langston.

Legislation:

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 interest of the African-American community.  The committee maintains an active network among the other bar associations, as well as community-based organizations.

Membership/Lifetime Membership:

The Membership Committee is responsible for keeping updated membership records and recruiting new members. The Lifetime Committee has been absorbed into the Membership Committee.

 

Lifetime Membership: 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 Memberships.  Also, Lifetime Membership will help connect our young lawyers with seasoned and legendary lawyers who are part of their heritage.

Outreach & Community Action:

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 to 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:

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.

Senior Lawyers:

The Senior Lawyers Committee supports experienced attorneys by providing opportunities for mentorship, continued professional engagement, and leadership. It promotes knowledge-sharing, professional fulfillment, and connection among senior members of the legal community.

Small Firms:

Felton Newell (Past President) - Co-Chair

Stephen King (Past President) - Co-Chair

The Small Firms Committee are committed to supporting small businesses through collaboration and advocacy.  Join us as we work together to address challenges and collective achievements.

Social Media and Public Relations:

Manages and promotes the law association’s public presence and communications. It oversees social media outreach, branding, and messaging, helping to enhance visibility, engage members, and strengthen the association’s reputation within the legal community

Young Lawyers:

The Young Lawyers Committee supports attorneys in the early stages of their legal careers. It offers networking, professional development, mentorship opportunities, and programs designed to help young lawyers build skills, connections, and leadership within the legal community.

Youth Outreach:

Nicole Martin - Co-Chair

Nicole Bryant - Co-Chair

The Youth Outreach Committee serves to create programs and distribute information to youth in the community to expose them to professionals in the legal community and provide resources and encouragement for young people to pursue law as a profession.  The Youth Outreach Committee will also partner with other youth organizations, schools, colleges, and universities to coordinate volunteer opportunities in programs that inspire and motivate youth in the community to strive for academic success.

Advisory Board Members:

Advisory Board Members may be appointed to the Board of Directors by the President to provide counsel or assistance with ad hoc projects through the year.

Bench & Bar Coalition:
Corporate Firm Network:
Education & Programming:
Entertainment Law:
Finance:
Hall of Fame:
Historian:
Intellectual Property
In-House Counsel:
Smaill Business
Langston Law Institute:
Legislation:
Membership/Lifetime Members
Outreach & Community
Scholarship:
Senior Lawyers:
Social Media and Public Relations
Youth Outreach:
Advisory Board Members:
Law Student Outreach
Criminal Law
Civil Rights
Young Lawyers
Hospitality

© 2026 - John M. Langston Bar Association  I  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I Post Office Box 811985 Los Angeles, CA 90081 I  info@langstonbar.org
PRIVACY STATEMENT: CONTENTS MAY NOT BE DUPLICATED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT

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