Lawyers of Color is proud to present our list of the ten most influential Black lawyers of the decade. We are honored to salute these innovators, public figures, and change agents. In ranking the ten most influential Black lawyers, we considered each honoree’s media reach, pipeline influence, policy impact, and the extent to which each inspires those in the legal profession and beyond.
Ben Crump
President & Founder, Ben Crump Law
Crump inspired a movement by demanding justice for Trayvon Martin and other unarmed victims.
Sherrilyn Ifill
7th President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Ifill works to advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.
Matthew Johnson
Partner, Ziffren Brittenham LLP
Johnson has been one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 Power Lawyers in the Entertainment Industry since 2008.
Eric Holder, Jr.
Partner, Covington & Burling LLP
Holder was the first African American to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General.
Elie Mystal
Justice Correspondent, The Nation
The erudite legal industry reporter brings his fervor to the justice beat.
April Reign
Equity Advisor, Culture Commentator, Diversity & Inclusion Advocate
Her #OscarsSoWhite campaign led to more diversity in the Academy of Motion Pictures.
Laurie Robinson Haden
Founder, President & CEO, Corporate Counsel Women of Color
Haden’s revolutionary vision galvanized 4500 women to build relationships and business.
Benjamin F. Wilson
Chairman, Beveridge & Diamond PC
Wilson created networking organizations to support executive- and senior-level black attorneys.
Hezekiah Sistrunk, Jr.
National Partner and President, The Cochran Firm
Sistrunk honors the legacy of the firm’s founder by carrying the torch for social justice.
Evangeline Mitchell
Founder, National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair
Mitchell has hosted over 300 mock law school classes, workshops, panels, and clinics for over 8,000 prospective minority law students.