2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE E. STEVE BOLDEN II It has been an honor to serve as the 2020 J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Chair. In 2016, I served as the Foundation Chair when the world was not in an uproar immersed with a myriad of issues. This year has been challenging, but rewarding. In January, my goal was to raise $150,000, so the Foundation could disburse more in scholarships than in previous years. However, the country became embattled with dual pandemics. Not only were we facing the COVID-19 pandemic, which financially impacted families and further revealed the health care disparity among Black COVID-19 patients, but the pandemic of race further widen any racial progress made due to slayings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others. The outcry of such needless deaths created unrest in many cities, including Dallas. President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.” The Foundation’s best plans had to be reworked and reimagined. However, the Foundation’s passion about raising money for scholarships to give to deserving students remained undeterred. As such, our Board was fully vested in making this endeavor a success. The Foundation swiftly answered this call for change, which also helped us to reach my primary objective. Although we did not raise $150,000, I’m pleased to report the Foundation will be disseminating more in scholarship funds this year than any year in recent memory. And in further response to the change, for the first time in our history, the Gala will be virtual. Special thanks to Tatiana Alexander, Gala Chair, for coordinating the Gala in these unusual circumstances, and we firmly believe it will be the best Gala to date. I am also highly appreciative for the great contributions made by Board members Vicki Blanton, Koi Spurlock, and Kandace Walter, Scholarship Chair. I am also grateful to our volunteers who dedicated countless hours to ensure our fundraiser could and would move forward. Finally, we know neither the Gala nor the scholarships are possible without support from our sponsors. During these challenging times, I am all the more grateful for our sponsors’ contributions. While we must not forget the past and be present in the moment, we must look to the future. The events of this year have demonstrated the imperative necessity to strongly encourage African American students to attend law school and for current law students to graduate in order to address the ails impacting our society. Moreover, there is a resounding cry to continue to give back to our community, answer the call of leadership, and honor the great legacy of those who have come before us. I feel strongly that with more collaborative work the future is bright for our organization and our profession To the future, E. Steve Bolden II
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION GALA CHAIR MESSAGE Tatiana Alexander Good evening! On behalf of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (“JLTLA”) and JLTLA Foundation, I would like to welcome you to our first ever, virtual Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala! Each year, the Gala raises thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to support distinguished and deserving students on their law school journey. As the year 2020 has shown us, this mission is more important now – more than ever. Since 2014, more than 20 African-American men and women have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement or vigilantes, in acts of senseless violence. Yet, for the families of many of the victims, there has been no justice – making it clear that not only are our civil liberties at stake, but our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren, are on the line. That is why NOW, more than ever, it is incumbent upon us to support the attorneys who will run the next leg of the race for equality. We must do our part to facilitate equal access to legal education and ensure that financial resources are not an impediment to the development of future lawmakers and justice-fighters. In that spirit, this year’s Gala honors the lives of the lost and recognizes individuals and entities with a demonstrated commitment to justice, equality and diversity in the legal profession. It has been challenging to facilitate our beloved Gala in the new virtual environment spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we were committed to facilitating an event that was as exciting, encouraging and as uplifting as our traditional Gala. I hope that we have not let you down. Thank you to our sponsors who continue to support our mission. Thank you to my Gala Co-Chair, Nakisha Lewis, and the members of the JLTLA and JLTLA Foundation Board of Directors for your support. I would also like to extend a special Thank You to Villa Koola Studios for holding my hand through this process. Have a wonderful evening!
Tatiana Alexander
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MESSAGE KOIELES LOMAS SPURLOCK Hello There! It has been my pleasure serving as your 2020 J.L. Turner Legal Association President, and what a year this has been for us all. During a mind-shattering global pandemic and multilayered social justice re-awakening, I am proud to say the J.L. Turner Legal Association (JLTLA) has remained relevant and committed to serving its members and the Dallas community. Most importantly, it brings me great joy to know that despite the many challenges we have faced, we are still able to come together virtually in celebration of the legacy and impact of the award recipients, and to continue our support of the next generation of Black lawyers through scholarships. When I spoke of my desires for 2020, I wanted to re-energize and re-establish our role as the legal gatekeepers for the Black community in Dallas. Through various endeavors and partnerships, we have exceeded my expectations tenfold. Though COVID-19 posed unexpected difficulties, we shifted gears and worked with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce to manage small business issues and facilitate loan applications, assisted the Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight and City Council to offer legal observer training and protest resources, and, along with the National Bar Association, Texas Civil Rights Project, and Dallas V.O.T.E.S, spearheaded efforts for voter outreach, poll watching, and election protection throughout Dallas County. For the past 68 years, JLTLA has remained steadfast and resilient in the face of adversity. We have newly formed allyships with our fellow Black bar associations across the state of Texas, continuing our common efforts of mobilizing the Black legal community in the wake of controversy across the United States and within our own state bar. We also rallied and protested police brutality and centuries-long injustice alongside fellow attorneys, law students, and activists. While we have experienced many triumphs this year, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great losses we suffered. Most notably the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pioneer in the American judicial system, and our very own trailblazer, Karen D. McCloud. May the immeasurable influence and impact of their legacies resonate as we continue the work. My mantra this year has been, “may our efforts speak for themselves.� I am certain our efforts shouted from the mountaintops. I am forever grateful for the wisdom, support, and encouragement I received throughout my presidential tenure, and I look forward to the future of the organization. Thank you for entrusting me with leadership and the opportunity to serve. At Your Service I Remain, KoiEles L. Spurlock J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: Liberty & Justice for All | Page 4
2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT-ELECT MESSAGE MARISSA HATCHETT Greetings! On behalf of the 2020 J.L. Turner Legal Association Board of Directors, welcome to the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala! We are thankful for your presence and for your support in our efforts to improve and diversify the Dallas legal community. Tonight, as we celebrate the achievements of our scholarship recipients, we also recognize the dedication of the leaders of both the Association and Foundation. Founded in 1952 and originally named the Barrister’s Club, the J.L. Turner Legal Association was formed by a group of African American attorneys practicing in Dallas County who were not permitted to join the Dallas Bar Association due to race. The efforts of the founding members have culminated in a premiere organization of which we can all be proud. We are grateful and forever indebted to those brave few and the many distinguished leaders who followed, whose work made tonight and countless other events possible. For the past 67 years this organization has provided support, fellowship, and mentorship for African American attorneys, students, and community members. It is my distinct pleasure to serve as your 2021 President. 2020 was filled with so many unforeseen challenges. We are grateful for the leadership that 2020 President Koi Spurlock portrayed as she navigated through this unprecedented time. The coronavirus, unfortunately, deprived us of some of the fantastic programming that was planned for the 2020 year, however, that did not stop us from having very successful and well attended virtual events. We all have experienced adjusting to our lives under the current pandemic. Fortunately for us, the complication of moving on with our “new normal” can be minimized by listening to what you, the members, would like to see from our organization. We will be flexible with planning activities and continue to improve on communication with all members of the JL Turner Legal Association. We are here to serve you and our community. Together, let us march forward to a prosperous 2021! At Your Service, Marissa Hatchett
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constant change.
2020 J.L. TURNERnever LEGAL changes. ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON Over time market conditions will change and technologies will evolve. But at AT&T the culture of new ideas through true diversity remains constant, limitless. The diversity of our employees, suppliers and customers powers our innovation, our ability to serve you—and that has never changed. That’s why we support the J. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation.
We’re proud to join you in recognition of those that work tirelessly to advance high standards of educational achievement and professionalism in the Dallas legal community.
© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.
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C.B. Bunkley Community Service Award Pastor Bryan L. Carter, Concord Church Bryan Carter serves as the Senior Pastor of Concord Church, 9,000 member congregation in southern Dallas. He is also committed to serving our community and the city of Dallas, and is currently serving on the boards of Frost Bank Dallas Advisory Board, Impact Dallas Capital, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) International and the Dallas Police Department Community Advisory Board. He leads Harmony Community Development Corporation, an organization committed to improving the community of southern Dallas through building stronger families and economic development. He also leads the African American Pastors Coalition, a fellowship of over sixty churches committed to serving and addressing key needs in the Dallas community. His past board service includes the Dallas Mayor’s Taskforce Against Domestic Violence, Dallas Habitat for Humanity, and Dallas ISD Education Foundation. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Pastor Carter also serves as a co-presenter for 33 The Series, a curriculum on authentic manhood published by Lifeway, and a presenter for The Art of Marriage, a curriculum published by Family Life Ministries. Bryan is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a focus in Science and Math and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Arts in Christian Education with a specialization in Family Ministry. He also is a recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Dallas Baptist University. Bryan is married to his college sweetheart, Stephanie, has two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kennedy, and has one son, Carson.
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TOTAL COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITIES
2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
Thompson Coburn is proud to support the JLTLA Foundation’s mission to strengthen the diversity of our next generation of outstanding lawyers and advocates. thompsoncoburn.com CHICAGO
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Hon. Cleo R. Steele Committed Mentor Award Arthur E. Anthony Arthur E. Anthony is a Partner at Locke Lord LLP, and has over 20 years of substantive state and federal court business litigation experience, with a keen focus on banking and financial services, construction, government investigations and insurance disputes. Arthur has represented commercial institutions, investment banks and mortgage servicers in complex mortgage securitization, secured transactions, commercial loan and consumer litigation, including claims arising under the Fair Housing Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act and a host of other state and federal laws. Arthur has also represented owners and contractors in state and federal court lawsuits involving construction negligence, insurance coverage, acceleration and/or delay claims, and mechanics’ and materialman’s’ lien disputes. Arthur has been a mentor to new and seasoned attorneys, alike, serving in various leadership capacities in the community, including as President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (JLTLA), Chair of the JLTLA Foundation and long-time Chair of the JLTLA’s Public Policy Committee. Arthur is a Master in the Patrick E. Higginbotham Inn of Court; Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Dallas Bar Foundation; Fellow of the Leadership Diversity Council; and a member of Leadership Dallas. Arthur has been named to Super Lawyers, Texas Rising Stars; Super Lawyers, Business Litigation; Best Lawyers, D Magazine (Litigation); and is the recipient of the Heman M. Sweatt Award from the National Bar Association.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
The Colors of Success.
We know that diversity and inclusion within Locke Lord make us a better Firm, thereby enabling us to bring a wide range of perspectives and life experiences to the work we do. We congratulate Art Anthony, this year’s recipient of the Hon. Cleo R. Steele Committed Mentor Award, for his commitment and contributions to justice, equality and diversity in the legal profession. Locke Lord is pleased to support J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s First Virtual Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala.
Arthur (Art) E. Anthony Partner, Litigation Practice Group Dallas | 214-740-8407 aanthony@lockelord.com
www.lockelord.com Attorney Advertising © 2020 Locke Lord LLP
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Hon. Sam A. Lindsay Professionalism & Ethics Award Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford Before being elected Nevada’s Attorney General, Aaron Ford served as the Majority Leader of the Nevada State Senate. He has been the Minority Leader, Assistant Majority Whip, and previously held a leadership role on several legislative committees. He was recognized as best Senate Freshman by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Rookie of the Year by the Reno Gazette Journal, and Senator of the Year by both Help Animals Nevada and the Nevada Conservation League for his work during the 2013 Nevada Legislative session. AG Ford earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in Interdisciplinary Studies and his M.A. in International Education from George Washington University. He also earned an M.A. in Educational Administration, his law degree and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Before practicing law, AG Ford served as a public school math teacher, shaping hundreds of lives. After teaching, he began his career in law. He clerked for the Honorable Denise Page Hood of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Honorable Johnnie B. Rawlinson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He spent many years in private practice as a Partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP and later as Partner at Eglet Adams in Las Vegas. Throughout AG Ford’s career, he has always made time to give back to his community. Among his many community accolades, he has served on the Clark County Justice of the Peace Selection Committee and recognized as a Mountain States’ “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star in Law”. AG Ford is a former Board Member of the I Have a Dream Foundation, Olive Crest of Nevada, and Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. In addition, he coached soccer, basketball, and t-ball.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
Congratulations
PASTOR BRYAN CARTER on receiving the C.B. Bunkley Community Service Award WE GROW PEOPLE 6808 PASTOR BAILEY DRIVE, DALLAS, TEXAS 75237 214-331-8522 | SERVICE TIMES- 8:00AM | 10:00AM | 12:00PM CONCORDDALLAS.ORG
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Hon. L.A. Bedford Distinguished Jurist Award H. Ron White H. Ron White is a Retired Partner of the Dallas office of White & Wiggins, LLP. Mr. White’s primary areas of practice included litigation and business transactions. He has more than 30 years of experience as a litigator and is a respected mediator in the Dallas legal community. Though no longer practicing, Mr. White remains an integral part of the firm. Based upon a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition, Mr. White is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Texas Super Lawyer in 2005 and again in 2010 – 2015. In October 2004 Mr. White was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Dallas Bar an in 2006 received the Dallas Bar Foundation Fellows Award for Outstanding Service to the Bar and Civic Community. Mr. White has been recently recognized as one of 50 “Lions of the Texas Bar” in the February 2016 edition of The Texas Lawbook. Though his experience is extensive, his principal areas of practice are commercial litigation, including suits that involve business and contract disputes, environmental, personal injury, premises liability, employment, and construction matters. Mr. White has served as lead counsel in complex environmental and automobile products liability litigation matters on behalf of Fortune 500 corporations as well as governmental and quasi-governmental entities. He has also served as underwriter’s counsel on multiple public finance transactions. Mr. White is a former District Court Judge, a long-standing member of the Texas Bar College, a Life Fellow in the Texas Bar Foundation, Life Member of the National Bar Association and founding member of the Texas General Counsel Forum.
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THE J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION PRESENTS: LIBERTY aND JUSTICE FOR AlL PROGRAM
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tatiana Alexander, 2020 Gala Chair 2014 JLTLA President Negro National Anthem Official Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E. Steve Bolden II, 2016 & 2020 JLTLAF Chair 2008 JLTLA President Hon. L.A. Bedford Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KoiEles Spurlock 2020 JLTLA President
Live Performance – Keisha Hunter Video Message – Rep. Carl Sherman, District 109 Scholarship Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marissa Hatchett 2020 JLTLA President-Elect
Video Message – Sen. Cory Booker Live Performance – Colby Savage “Heaven” Video Message – John Wiley Price
Sponsor Recognitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tatiana Alexander, 2020 Gala Chair 2021 JLTLA Officer Swearing In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honorable Audrey Moorehead County Criminal Court No. 3 Inaugural Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marissa Hatchett 2020 JLTLA President-Elect Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tatiana Alexander, 2019 Gala Chair
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Attorney Advertising
2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON Bracewell is proud to sponsor J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala Liberty and Justice for All. What you do makes a difference.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
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Congratulations to the J.L. Turner Legal Association on another year of dedicated service to the DFW community.
JOEL & TERILYN WINFUL Proudly support the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s 2020 Scholarship and Awards Gala.
STAY WOKE.
RESIST.
VOTE.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
Passman Jones, P.C. Long-Time Friends of the J.L. Turner Legal Association is proud to be a sponsor in the 2020 J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Virtual Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala
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THE DALLAS BAR ASSOCIATION’S FAMILY LAW SECTION IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION AND ITS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS GALA.
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IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE
J. L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION Thank you for your continued leadership, dedication, and service to the African-American community and the legal profession. Congratulations to all of the honorees and to the Foundation for another successful Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala!
Empowering and supporting Dallas trial lawyers in achieving justice for those who have been harmed. Check us out on our Facebook page, find us here: Dallas Trial Lawyers Association www.dtla.net J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: Liberty & Justice for All | Page 21
2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
Barbara Jordan Scholarship Dorthy Lukens Dorthy Lukens is a 2L at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She is Vice President of the Labor and Employment Law Association, a legal research assistant, a student mentor, and a board member for the Black Law Students Association. This summer she worked as a Summer Associate with Perkins Coie LLP and is currently an extern with the U.S. Department of Labor. Before law school Dorthy was the head of human resources for a national healthcare company. She decided to change careers when she realized her greatest strengths and work interests rested at the intersection of employment issues and the law. When not working Dorthy enjoys spending time with her 6 children and volunteering for voting initiatives
Fred Finch Scholarship Marvin Morris Marvin Morris is a second-year law student at UNT Dallas College of Law. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and is passionate about serving the community. Mr. Morris has interned at the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic, participated in drafting proposed police reform legislation, and has volunteered at the Frazier Community Center and the Dallas Housing Authority. He plans to continue his work with non-profit organizations focused on seeking justice for disenfranchised populations, as an attorney.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
Marie Trahan/Susman Godfrey Scholarship Scholarship Arielle Williams Arielle Williams is a 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law. She is the daughter of Elder Gregory & Melissa Williams and the granddaughter of Jimmie & Martell Williams and the late Narvis & Naomi Crawford. Arielle serves as the 2020-21 Black Law Student Association’s (BLSA) President and The Chair & Founder of the Texas A&M School of Law U.N.I.T.Y. Council. Right along with that, she is also a Citation Editor for the Journal of Property Law. Her involvement also includes the Diversity Council, Student Ambassador, Employment & Labor Law Student Association, Women of Color Collective, and the National Lawyers Guild. Arielle wants to practice Labor and Employment Law after graduation so that she may strengthen workers’ rights and improve workplace discrimination jurisprudence. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and spending time with family.
Capt. Richard Stewart, JAG Corp. U.S. Navy (Ret.) Legal Education Scholarship
Desiree Willis Desiree Willis is currently a second year law student at UNT Dallas College of Law.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
Hon. Phyllis Lister-Brown MemorialScholarship Staci Shelby Staci Shelby is a second-year law student at Harvard Law School from Dallas, Texas. Staci is a 2015 graduate of The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. She graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University in 2019 with a B.A. in French and a B.A. in Political Science. After graduating from LSU, she enrolled at Harvard Law School where she is currently a member of the Black Law Student Association and Harvard Legal Aid Bureau where she provides legal representation for low-income individuals who are facing eviction in Boston. As an 2019 SEO Law Scholar, Staci worked at Kramer, Levin, Naftalis, & Frankel LLC in New York City. This past summer, Staci worked as a Litigation Summer Associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Dallas, and, upon graduation, she hopes to return to Dallas and do transactional work. Staci is an alumna of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As an active member of both organizations, she continues to mentor younger students and share her experiences as a law student.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Niya Abrahim Niya Abrahim is a 3L at The Howard University School of Law. She is pursuing a career in employment and intellectual property law. She is from Dallas, Texas and graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in political science and a minor in counseling. Prior to law school, Niya worked in the mortgage industry and then worked for a non-profit that focused on supporting social services with assisting victims of domestic violence and immigration clients. Niya is the oldest of three and is a first-generation American and college grad. Niya does not play about her Dallas Cowboys, she is an avid podcast listener, Zumba enthusiast, and a hip-hop aficionado.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Skyler Arbuckle Skyler Arbuckle is a native Houstonian and second-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law. She is Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, a Staff Editor for the SMU Science and Technology Law Review, a member of the Dean’s Diversity Council, and the law school representative for SMU’s Black Unity Forum (BUF). She received her undergraduate degree from Howard University where she was a member of Howard’s volleyball team, two honor society’s, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Chapter. In her spare time, she enjoys competitive fitness training, journaling, food, and wine pairings, attending church at Friendship West Baptist Church, and caring for her 15-year-old Shi Tzu Nanna, A.K.A “Big Nann.” Skyler hopes to one day inspire and mentor future Black law students and attorneys to further advance diversity and inclusion in the profession and preserve the Black community’s access to justice.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Tiffany Daniels Tiffany Daniels is a 2L at Texas A&M School of Law. A graduate of Liberty University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Tiffany is dedicated to Public Interest Law, specifically, police and prison reform. She is currently an Intern for the City of Fort Worth Police Oversight Monitor’s Office, where she assists with addressing community concerns regarding racial disparities in policing. Tiffany was recognized for her commitment to Public interest law when she was selected as one of Texas A&M’s Public Interest Fellows. Over the summer, Tiffany started working for the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, where she assisted undocumented migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Due to her impeccable work she was asked to continue working at the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic throughout the Fall semester. Tiffany is currently preparing for, and will be arguing her first Merits Hearing before an Immigration judge in Jena, Louisiana this month
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
ard, Amber
JLTLA Foundation Scholarship Application
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Amber Ward Amber Ward was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She graduated from Booker T. Washington HSPVA in 2015. Then, in 2019, Amber graduated Magna Cum Laude from the illustrious Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. It was there where she cemented her commitment to giving back to her community. Currently, Amber is a 2L at SMU Dedman School of Law, where her primary areas of interest of criminal and public interest law. Amber has aspirations to become a criminal defense attorney and eventually, successfully run for a judgeship in Dallas County.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Biography
Amber Ward was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She graduated from Booker T. ashington HSPVA in 2015. Then, in 2019, Amber graduated Magna Cum Laude from the ustrious Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. It was there where she mented her commitment to giving back to her community. Currently, Amber is a 2L at SMU Washington is Barri edman School of Law, where her primary areas of interest of criminal and public interest law. University Dedman mber has aspirations to become a criminal defense attorney and eventually, successfully run for judgeship in Dallas County.
3
Barri Washington
a 3L student at Southern Methodist School of Law. Barri is the current President of the Immigration Law Students Association, and is involved in many organizations on campus including the Black Law Students Association, Corporate Law Association and Women-in Law. Additionally, Barri has worked as a legal intern at the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Children’s Program, and the International Rescue Committee, Children’s Asylum Program. Barri interned at Berry, Appleman and Leiden in Spring 2020, and received her Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Legal Studies from the University of North Texas in 2017.
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Artichala Wise Artichala Wise is a 2L at UNT Dallas College of Law. A first-generation law student she has a BA from Iowa State University in Criminal Justice and Sociology and a MS in Juvenile Justice at Prairie View A & M University. She has a background of working in juvenile justice and child protective services including working for CPS in Dallas County, TX. Artichala is a DAYL Board Law Student Representative, Career Peer for UNT Dallas College of Law Office of Career and Professional Development, UNT Community Engagement Ambassador and Black Law Student Association Secretary. Artichala and her partner recently won first place in the Thompson & Knight Intramural Moot Court Competition.
S CONGRATULATIONS JLTLA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ... AND PROBLEM
from Paul K. Stafford | STAFFORD LAW FIRM, P.C. President (2002)
J.L. Turner Legal Association
President (2012)
Dallas Bar Association
Director (Incoming)
J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation
Member
State Bar of Texas, Diversity in the Profession Committee
Chair Elect
State Bar of Texas, African American Lawyers Section
STAFFORD LAW FIRM, P.C. DALLAS, TEXAS WWW.STAFFORDLAWFIRMPC.COM | 214-649-3405
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE VICKI D. BLANTON
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The J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the following supporters of this year's Scholarship & Awards Gala:
Premier SPONSORS
AT&T BRACEWELL LLP LOCKE LORD LLP THOMPSON COBURN LLP
Principal SPONSORS DALLAS TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION PASSMAN & JONES P.C.
Friend SPONSORS
JOEL & TERILYN WINFUL DALLAS BAR ASSOCIATION, FAMILY LAW SECTION SCHEEF & STONE SMU DEDMAN SCHOOL OF LAW THE STAFFORD LAW FIRM, P.C. THOMPSON & KNIGHT, LLP WEST & ASSOCIATES LLP
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Special Thanks to the Following:
WILKINS FINSTON FRIEDMaN LaW GROUP, LLP (Capt. Richard Stewart, JAG Corp. U.S. Navy (Ret.) Legal Education Scholarship)
CaLDWELL CREaTIVE:Marketing & Design Concord Church HONORaBLE AuDREY MOOREHEaD House of Haute Step into Royalty
State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section
VILLa KOOLa Media
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2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS E. Steve Bolden II, Chair Tatiana Alexander, Vice-Chair Vicki D. Blanton, Immediate Past Chair Ray Palmer, Treasurer Marissa Hatchett, Director Nakisha Lewis, Director Cortney Parker, Director LaVonda Russell, Director KoiEles Spurlock, Director
2020 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Kandace Walter, Chair Alfred Blue, III, Member Greg Franklin, Member
Justice Erin Nowell, Member Jasmine Tobias, Member
2020 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS KoiEles L. Spurlock, President Marissa Hatchett, President-Elect Tawanna Franklin, Vice President Cortney Parker, Treasurer Kila Bobier, Recording Secretary Avvennett Gezahan, Corr. Secretary Trerod Hall, Parliamentarian Matthew McDougal, Director Kita McCray, Director
2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marissa Hatchett, President Ashlei Gradney, President-Elect Amber Gregg, Vice-President Cortney Parker, Treasurer Kila Bobier, Recording Secretary
Kandace Walter, Corr. Secretary Trerod Hall, Parliamentarian Lauren Black, Director Tawanna Franklin, Director
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