Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association Honors the late Judge Napoleon Jones, Four Other Judges

June 9, 2011

Thomas Jefferson School of Law was well-represented at an event held by the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association in honor of the late Judge Napoleon Jones.

Judge Jones was a highly respected jurist and an inspiration to so many in the legal profession and the turnout to honor him filled the Presidential Ballroom at the U.S. Grant Hotel on Tuesday, May 24.

Among the TJSL attendees were Admissions Director Tim Spearman, Associate Deans Jeff Joseph and Eric Mitnick, Assistant Admissions Director Justin Cruz, his wife Tiffany, and several students, Kim Carter, Allyson Evans, Noel Heard and Jaraal Wallace.

The keynote speaker was California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who spoke of her parents’ role in the civil rights movement as well as the importance of public interest law.  Harris told the audience: “We must be a voice for the voiceless.” 

Ms. Harris was introduced by TJSL alumna, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and she got a rousing reception.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law trustee, Associate Appeals Court Justice Patricia Benke was one of four judges honored for excellence at the luncheon. The other awardees were Federal Judge John Houston, Administrative Law Judge Vallera Johnson and Superior Court Judge Frederic Link.  Judges Houston and Johnson have close relationships with TJSL and are big supporters of different programs at the law school.