Page 13 - Dallas Vol 6 No 2
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DALLAS BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS SHINE AT THE ANNUAL SPARKLER. (L-R): EBONY RIVON, CHALON CLARK, ASHLEI GRADNEY, JUANITA HARRIS AND JASMINE WYNTON
sentation within the Dallas community. AALM: As more students graduate, how is the association working to integrate them into
the legal community?
Nowell:  e goal is to build relationships
with law students long before they graduate so that there is a more seamless transition from law school to practice. To that end, JLTLA membership is free for law students. We want law students to be able to avail themselves of all the JLTLA has to o er, including network- ing events with judges and lawyers of varying backgrounds, continuing legal education, and job assistance.
AALM: What is the traditional demograph- ic of your members?
Nowell:  e membership of the J.L. Turner Legal Association spans all demographics. In looking at the current board, for example, you see young lawyers licensed in the last  ve years, experienced in-house attorneys, criminal attorneys, solo practitioners, and even judges. And while it may appear that the younger generation is “taking over,” they are always guided by the more-experienced generation that is always willing to share their wisdom and time.  e association grows be- cause of the willingness to allow new ideas and energy to take the lead while respecting those who came before to guide our steps.
AALM: What is the main mission of your association?
Nowell:  e main mission of the associa- tion has not changed from its start in 1952.  e association was built from the idea that African-American attorneys practicing in Dallas encounter unique issues that others do not. As such, we need a place to congre- gate, fellowship, and work together to address those issues. We are so lucky that we now have African-American judges in front of whom we practice, and many more colleagues with whom to commiserate, but that does not, un- fortunately, solve all problems.  is associa-
J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION 2019 BOARD SWEARING IN CEREMONY.
tion is here as a support to its members, to build each other up and to light the path for those who follow.
AALM: As you look back at the associa- tion’s history, what role do you think it has played in the community? Do you think that will change in the future?
Nowell: I hope that the gentlemen who gathered in 1952 would be in awe of what has occurred since they  rst banned together.  e association has been a leader in educat- ing others in the need for diversity in the Dallas legal community and working hard to e ectuate the necessary changes to make that happen.  e  rst African-American presi- dent of the Dallas Bar Association (and the second) were both former J.L. Turner presi- dents. Currently,  ve members of the board of the Dallas Bar Association were association presidents, two of whom are currently on the bench. Members of the association are clearly pushing beyond the limits and striving to lead the Dallas legal community, and the commu- nity as a whole, by demonstrating the value of a diversity in their  rms, companies, and communities.
MEETING MINUTES OF FIRST J.L. TURNER ASSOCIATION MEETING AKA THE BARRISTER’S CLUB.
SPONSORS POSE AT J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA (L-R): WESLEY TERRELL AND STEVE BOLDEN
J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION WINS STATE BAR OF TEXAS AWARD FOR ANNUAL NEWSLETTER. (L-R): EBONY RIVON, KANDACE WALTER, FRANK STEVENSON AND KIMBERLY HOUSTON
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