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.

The Civil Rights Committee monitors civil rights issues relating to political, educational, social and economic equality. The Civil Rights Committee also provides educational and training opportunities for attorneys regarding the appropriate enforcement of civil rights laws and disseminates information regarding emerging issues and best practices in the civil rights arena.

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.

The Criminal Law Committee is devoted to improving the quality, fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The Committee serves attorneys from various aspects of the criminal justice system, including state and federal prosecutors, public and private defense attorneys, and judges. It advances its agenda through educating the profession on developments and current issues in the criminal law and criminal justice system, proposing and/or advocating for legislation and policy initiatives, and coordinating with other committees on issues that intersect with the criminal law. It shall also provide training, MCLE, workshops, and networking events to connect attorneys and students interested in criminal law and criminal justice matters.

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.

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.

The Family Law Committee provides resources and a community for family law practitioners.  The committee also offers programs and events to educate our members and the public on the ever changing legal landscape around family law.  Additionally, the committee provides networking opportunities for lawyers and non-lawyers. 

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.

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.

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.

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Function as Parliamentarian at board meetings: Identify applicable existing Bylaws and Policies during deliberations.

The general work of the Hospitality Committee is to help generate a sense of community by creating a hospitable atmosphere and reach out to members and supporters on behalf of the organization to recognize major life events, send congratulatory messages, and generally promote fellowship throughout the organization (At Large Position).

Description coming soon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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The application period for the 2023-24 Langston Bar Scholarship Application is now closed!

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Deadline: The deadline for submitting application is November 5, 2023 at 11:59pm.

Description coming soon

The Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships Committee shall work on developing strategic partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and others that can help develop and expand the visibility, influence, and value of Langston in the legal community and general community as well as support or partner with Langston to grow the organization.

The purpose of the Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) is to create and educate a 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.

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