Gold Level
American Express
Microsoft
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, PC
PepsiCo
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Silver Level
American Univ. Wash. DC School of Law
DuPont
Macy's
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLC
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP
Bronze Level Akin Gump Strausshauer & Feld LLP
Baker Botts LLP
Blank Rome LLP
Donald Graham (CEO/COB The Washington Post Co.)
Hon. William T. Coleman Jr. & Mrs. Lovida Coleman
Howard Univ. School of Law
McDermott Will & Emery
Reed Smith LLP
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Copper Level Arent Fox LLP
Baker & Hostetler LLP
Beveridge & Diamond PC
Covington & Burling LLP
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
Dilworth Paxon, LLP
Heller Ehrman LLP
Holland & Knight LLP
Hon. Gerald Bruce Lee & Edna Ruth Vincent, Esq. Colten Cummins Watson & Vincent, P.C.
Jones Day
McGuire Woods LLP
Rolls Royce North America, Inc.
Saul Ewing, LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
Troutman Sanders LLP
WilmerHale
Winston & Strawn LLP
Friend Level
Arnold & Porter
Bryan Cave LLP
Cintas Corporation
Crowell & Moring LLP
DC Chpt. of the Fed. Bar Assoc.
Fairfax Bar Assoc.
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Hunton & Williams LLP
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot LLP
Miller & Chevalier, Chtd
Morrison & Foerster LLP
National Bar Association
Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP
Tydings & Rosenberg LLP
Verizon
VA Trial Lawyers Assoc.
Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP
Wiley Rein LLP
OUR HISTORY "Just the Beginning" began as a celebration of the Integration of the Federal Judiciary on September 19, 1992, in Chicago, IL. The celebratory event entitled, "Just The Beginning - A Celebration of Integration of the Federal Judiciary" honored Judge James Parsons, the first African-American United States District Court Judge, on his retirement after devoting thirty-one years on the federal bench. At that celebration and for the first time in history, fifty-two African-American federal judges and hundreds of African American lawyers from across the country gathered to celebrate the history, struggles, and accomplishments of African-Americans in the law. Inspired by the events of that weekend, JTBF was founded as a not-for-profit organization of judges, lawyers, and other citizens who are dedicated to improving the legal system, preserving the history and honoring the legacy of African-Americans in the federal judiciary.Learn more about us.
Today, JTBF continues this mission by offering pipeline programs directly aimed at inspiring young students and increasing diversity in the legal profession and judiciary. READ MORE...
MISSION STATEMENT JTBF is a multiracial, nonprofit organization comprised of lawyers, judges, and other citizens. It is dedicated to developing and nurturing interest in the law among young persons from various ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession and supporting their continued advancement. JTBF’s long-term goal is to increase racial diversity in the legal profession and on the bench.
Thank you to Holland & Knight
this month's featured
2008 Conference Sponsor: Holland & Knight
Embracing Diversity
The Minority Law Journal’s 2008 ranked Holland & Knight #2
in the nation for their number of minority partners and #3 for the number
of Hispanic attorneys.
Holland & Knight's goal is clear: To be a leader in diversity. They want to be
the firm most reflective of and responsive to its clients and
communities. Pursuit of this goal guides them to recruit and maintain a
diverse workforce of lawyers and staff inclusive of racial, gender,
age, ethnic, national, sexual orientation and religious differences.
At Holland & Knight, the belief is that clients receive the highest
quality service when their legal teams are drawn from professionals
mirroring the increasing diversity of the marketplace.
In order for diversity to mean something, to be more than a superficial
catch phrase, it must be incorporated into a firm's culture. Diversity
must be put “in action” and made a priority. A firm must be committed
not only to the members who are racially, ethnically or gender-diverse,
but also to appreciate, celebrate, support and encourage the various
thoughts, ideas and values that underlie those differences.
Holland & Knight is proud of its efforts to increase and strengthen the diversity of its lawyers and staff. Through the establishment of a firmwide
Diversity Council, several Affinity Groups, local office Diversity
Committees, mentoring programs and other diversity-related programs and
initiatives, the firm has put diversity in action and has committed
itself to being a leader with regard to inclusive policies for all firm
employees.
In addition, through
its Charitable Foundation, the firm has established several programs to support
education and celebrate diversity in communities:
Diversity in Action Realizing that
meaningful diversity goes beyond citing high numbers Holland & Knight has
therefore, put diversity “in action” at the firm. By implementing
diversity-related programs and initiatives, the firm has committed itself
to being a leader in diversity and goes above and beyond the norm to
attract, retain and promote diverse lawyers and staff.
Diversity in Action
Diversity in Action
In-House programs include... Mentoring Lack of mentoring is often cited by women and minority associates as
the reason they are dissatisfied with their work environment. To
address this issue, the firm’s Diversity Partner recently implemented a
Comprehensive Mentoring Program for the firm’s minority associates.
Diversity Training Mandatory diversity training for all lawyers and staff in
each of its US offices.
Communication Understanding the importance of communicating its stance
on diversity to everyone at the firm, Holland & Knight uses its
intranet as the main portal of communication to its employees and
includes regular announcements from the Diversity Partner and the
Managing Partner, spotlight stories on diversity-related activities,
lists of awards and information on upcoming diversity-related events. The firm also has a separate Diversity page on its intranet site with
links to diversity-related articles, contact information for Affinity
Group Leaders and local office Diversity Contacts, diversity “best
practices” and a diversity resources “library.”
Recent Awards and Honors
The firm was awarded the 2007 CREW Network Impact Award for the
category of “Industry Innovator” by Commercial Real Estate Women
(“CREW”). This award recognizes an organization that fosters a culture
of innovation, dedication to diversity and the equal advancement of
women and men in commercial real estate.
Named to Multicultural Law Magazine list of “100 Top Law Firms for Diversity.”
JTBF Wishes to Extend and Extra Special Thanks to Gala Mistress of Ceremonies Holland & Knight Associate Kwamina Thomas Williford
Thanks to Maurice Bellan JTBF was able to print out and share the stories and histories of the the many judges of color who blazed the trail to and through the legal profession and onto the bench.
About Maurice Bellan: Maurice Bellan’s practice involves a broad range of complex
commercial litigation with great depth in the area of internal and
government investigations, whistleblower actions, consumer product
class actions, trade secrets and trademark infringement. He has served
as lead trial counsel in federal, state and administrative courts
involving trademarks, construction design, whistleblower actions,
complex civil fraud and employment claims. Over his career he has
amassed a wealth of trial and investigative experience in both civil
and criminal forums, leading investigations into patterns and practices
of constitutional misconduct on behalf of the Department of Justice and
representing corporate clients during mediations, arbitrations, jury
and bench trials before government, state, federal and appellate courts.
Client Work Maurice represents clients nationally and internationally in the
food service, disease control, oil and gas, recycling/renewable energy,
transportation and government contracting industries. The following is
a brief sample of his client work:
Represented
international waste management company in federal litigation involving
the design and construction of a landfill closure cap.
Sought
and obtained permanent injunctive relief and 1.8 million dollars in
damages on behalf of an international temporary staffing firm in a
federal trademark infringement action.
Represented international oil and gas refinery in petroleum marketing protection act litigation.
Advised
national provider of packaged foods on the development of a compliance
and anti-money laundering program consistent with Department of
Treasury regulations.
Through motions and aggressive
discovery practice successfully obtained a dismissal of a products
liability action on behalf of a national manufacturer of acetylene gas
containers.
Represented international disease control product
manufacturer in the negotiation of research and development agreements,
employment agreements and the enforcement of their international and
U.S. registered marks.
Represented national recycling
company in arbitration involving the design, construction and delivery
of one of its largest recycling facilities in the United States.
Previous Work Prior to joining Arent Fox, Maurice was a partner in the litigation
department of a major Philadelphia law firm. He is also a former trial
attorney for the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, where
he coordinated the prosecution and investigation of patterns and
practices of civil rights abuses by public entities throughout the
country. Maurice began his legal career as a medical malpractice
defense litigator prior to moving on to government service.
Professional Activities Maurice is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association Judicial
Nomination Committee; serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Aviation
Commission by appointment by the Governor of Maryland; serves as a
Commissioner on the Ethics Commission by appointment by the Howard
County Executive of Maryland; Maurice is also a member of the American
Bar Association, National Bar Association, Howard County Bar
Association and Montgomery County Bar Association.
Publications, Presentations and Recognition Maurice has given CLE presentations to national and regional
organizations on US Supreme Court trends; strategies for crisis
management and whistleblower investigations; and webinars on
independent contractor liability and corporate exposure. He is
recognized by Super Lawyer and Law & Politics magazine as one of Maryland’s outstanding young lawyers and a rising
star in Business Litigation. Most recently, he received the honor of
being inducted as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an
honor bestowed upon less than 1% of trial lawyers in America.
Bar and Court Admissions Maryland Bar US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit US District Court, District of Columbia US District Court, District of Maryland US Tax Court
Education University of Maryland School of Law, JD 1998-Articles editor, Journal of Health Care Law & Policy Howard University, BA (cum laude), 1991
Life Beyond the Law Maurice is active in the community. He serves on the board of
Erickson Retirement Communities and is also active in A Better Chance,
Inc., which is a leading organization for identifying, recruiting
and developing leaders among young people of color in the United States.
JTBF Opportunities and Events
Over 75 middle school students joined
Just The Beginning Foundation, the Chicago
office of Wildman Harrold LLP and area Judges in celebration of Law Day
In celebration of Law Day - a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of
law; JTBF, Wildman Harrold, the Hon. Jack Schmetterer of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court, and the Hon. Patricia Ball Reed of the Cook County Circuit Court provided
these 75 young people with an opportunity to learn about the role of courts in
our democracy. With help from these law professionals, the students participated in a mock trial; a panel
discussion with students hearing from various law professionals, attorneys and
judges: small group sessions, an Abraham Lincoln history lesson and even a tour
of the firm.
Wildman Harrold has been a critical supporter of JTBF, partnering
with the organization to provide Chicago
area students the opportunity to hear from attorneys and find out more about
the many possibilities a career in the law can provide. Attorneys from Schiff
Hardin LLP and other area law firms also participated.
We recently returned from the Piney Woods School
located just outside of Jackson MS. Where we hled a 9 day law camp in conjunction with the school's summer programming. The students, from all over the states and even Bermuda all of whom were interested in the legal profession. Thanks to the Mississippi School of Law, Baker Donelson, Butler Snow and Wal-Mart Legal for all of their efforts in presenting the students with information, insight and inspiration.
Next stop on the expansion tour - Minneapolis MN. Stay tuned!
August 7, 2009Vault/MCCA Legal Diversity Career Fair! Advance your legal career or secure your fist legal job. Meet with hiring managers and recruiters from top law firms,
corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations —
all committed to diversity!Attend keynote luncheon and breakout sessions to develop
your interviewing and networking skills, find out about career opportunities in
government, and learn best practice for building a personal brand — designed for
law students and lateral associates and led by legal industry experts!
July 13 - August 14, 2009Inaugural TRIALS Session. Trials, a unique partnership between NYU School School of Law, Harvard School of Law and the Advantage Testing Foundation whereby students of modest means whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented at the nation's top law schools are invited to participate in a fully subsidized study program designed specifically to prepare them for the LSAT. Apply online TODAY! For more information visit TRIALS.
RECENT EVENTS
March 4th,The firm of Wildman Harrold, hosted the JTBF School Programming students for an afternoon of pizza and a life in the law information panel.
February 28th, JTBF and Scholarship Chicago hosted "Navigating Your Way to and Through College" a pre-college preparation workshop. Parents and students were provided with the opportunity to meet with financial aid and admissions counselors as well as reps. from area colleges. A special "THANKS" to LADDER UP (Megan Ballard) - who provided FAFSA information and assistance to families.
February 26th, The JTBF Associate Board held its Inaugural Happy Hour at The Gage. Thanks to everyone who came out in spite of the rainy weather. A good time was had by all! Keep checking back for the next Happy Hour date.
February 6th JTBF Development Director Rather Stanton participated in a CLE panel Diversifying The Legal Profession Through Pipeline Programming and Volunteerism hosted by Thrivent of Minneapolis (a JTBF expansion city).
February 4thJTBF and the young men of Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young men traveled to the EEOC as a part of a 6 week ACT / Law Prep program. The afternoon included a tour of the facilities as well as an information session on careers with the Commission.
January 5th - 6thJTBF returned to the Washington D.C. area as it presented a 2 day program at the Walker Mill Middle School (MD). The 50 students met with a myriad of persons from the legal profession, including several federal judges, attorneys and court support staff. The culminating visit was to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the students had the opportunity to talk with Chief Justice John Roberts. The program highlights were featured in the Maryland Gazzette.
Share the Wealth Clerkship JTBF Externship Program Robes In The Schools So You Want To Be A Lawyer... JTBF Advanced SLI Midde School Law Camp JTBF School Year Program
The pipeline students, known as JTBF Scholars, come from a wide array of backgrounds but have a common interest in the law. Every student must apply and interview to enter the pipeline to ensure the scholars have the desire and aptitude to advance to the next stage of education and ultimately enter the legal profession.
JTBF does not simply look for the brightest students; more than anything, a JTBF scholar has the brazen desire to enter the legal profession and is not afraid of the hard work required to attain that goal.
If you are a student who fits this profile, we would love to hear from you. Please contact JTBF Program Director, Sam Finkelstein, at sfinkelstein@jtbf.org or download an application from the Programs page and either fax or mail it in to the JTBF offices.
Just The Beginning Foundation
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 6600
Chicago, IL. 60606
(312)258.5930 p
(312)258.5600 f info@jtbf.org
JTBF is always looking for volunteer attorneys to serve as mentors and participate in its other programs. To donate your time to working with JTBF students, click on the following link: VOLUNTEER NOW.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact JTBF Program Director, Sam Finkelstein, at sfinkelstein@jtbf.org or 312-258-4868.
Our Sponsors
Just The Beginning Foundation would not be able to accomplish any of its endeavors without the generous support of its sponsors.
If your organization is interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Rather Stanton Development Director at (312)258-4574 rstanton@jtbf.org
JTBF extends extra special thanks to our Premier Sponsor...
Schiff Hardinmaintains a deep commitment to diversity in the firm, the legal community and all of society. From supporting various law student organizations and providing scholarships to promising law students to mentoring and career development activities, Schiff Hardin attorneys continuously work to develop diverse legal talent within the Firm and are active in many minority, ethnic and women's organizations that enhance Schiff Hardin's ability to foster diversity in the legal and professional world.
