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NEWSLETTER

January 2026

Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence

It is with deep gratitude and unwavering resolve that I serve as the 49th President of the John M. Langston Bar Association. Langston was founded on the belief that excellence in the law carries with it an obligation to serve, to lead, and to uplift both the African American legal community and the African American community at large. Our theme this year, “Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence,” honors that history while calling us forward at a moment when principled legal leadership is not only valuable, but also essential.

As a trial lawyer for nearly three decades, I have seen the law at its most powerful when anchored in integrity, discipline, and purpose. Langston embodies the same ethic. In these challenging times, we must continue to stand as steadfast advocates for civil rights and justice, renewing our legacy not through words alone, but through unity, service, and meaningful action.

I am energized by the work ahead in 2026. We will continue to serve the broader community through legal clinics and outreach. We will continue to support the African American legal community with education programs, networking opportunities, and professional development. And we will continue to be a guiding light in uncertain times, an institution rooted in excellence, committed to justice, and driven by service.

This message is also a call to action. I invite you to support the 2026 Langston Gala by purchasing a ticket or table, or by joining us as a Gala sponsor or donor. Your support strengthens Langston’s ability to provide scholarships, expand community service, and advance our mission of excellence in the law.

We are profoundly grateful to our donors and sponsors whose steadfast commitment makes this work possible.

Onward and upward,

Ludlow B. Creary II, Esq.

President

The John M. Langston Bar Association

Lifetime Member Spotlight

Terrence M. Franklin

Partner, Sacks, Glazier, Franklin, Lodise, McMurtrey & Scheerer, LLP

Terrence M. Franklin brings more than three decades of experience to high-stakes trust, estate and probate litigation throughout California, including trials, disputes and appeals. A formidable advocate in and out of the courtroom, he has argued and won significant cases, including successful published appeals and the landmark Moeller case brought before the California Supreme Court (16 Cal. 4th 1124). Clients, including high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, educational institutions, large and small businesses, and corporate and individual fiduciaries, turn to Mr. Franklin for his skill in navigating complex legal issues and guidance in sensitive matters.

(View Bio)

Lifetime Member Spotlight

Lisa Gilford, Esq.

Partner, Sidley Austin, LLP

Lisa Gilford is a leading complex civil litigator with a practice focused on class actions, multi-district litigation, products liability matters and large scale commercial disputes. She is lead counsel to clients in a wide variety of industries including automotive, pharmaceutical, communications, oil and gas, aerospace and chemical manufacturing, sports and higher education. Clients turn to Lisa for counsel on their most challenging and significant legal issues. Her advocacy skills have played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of numerous class actions and aggregate litigation matters nationwide.

(View Bio)

Bench Officer and Lifetime Member Brunch

Annual Holiday Party

ELC Holiday Mixer

Know Your Rights Legal Clinic

LegallyBlack and the Langston IP workshop

for USC’s Black Pre-Law Association

LegallyBlack and the Langston Bar Association’s IP Committee hosted an engaging and insightful intellectual property workshop for USC’s Black Pre-Law Association. In alignment with LegallyBlack’s mission to empower and enlighten communities of color on the importance of IP protection, the event equipped students with foundational knowledge of trademarks, copyright, and the right of publicity.

During the interactive IP Creation Lab, students applied what they learned by developing brand proposals for a public figure or celebrity of their choice. Their proposals thoughtfully addressed the types of IP protection needed, as well as key marketing and advertising strategies to support the brand’s commercial success.

A highlight of the workshop was the hands-on guidance provided by Langston’s experienced IP attorneys. Their real-world insight helped students understand the practical considerations involved in building and safeguarding a brand, transforming concepts into actionable strategies. The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from attorneys actively practicing in the IP field.

To celebrate their participation and thoughtful contributions, students received Starbucks gift cards and enjoyed refreshments as they connected with peers and professionals. The workshop was not only educational but also an inspiring space for future legal minds to explore the world of intellectual property.

UCLA School of Law

Emmett Institute Fellowship in Environmental Law and Policy 2026-2028

City of Oakland

Deputy City Attorney IV, Senior

SCR Law APLC

Associate Attorney

To empower leadership, advance the professional development of its membership, and promote the administration of justice in the Black community and the community at large.

John M. Langston Bar Association

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