WELCOME

The African American Legal Community
Is A Powerful And Underused Tool

A tool that many members of our legal community do not even know exists. Our goal is to seek to improve our connection to the community by showing a stronger presence. We strengthen our ties with local lawyers and judges by offering Continuing Legal Education classes, judicial mixers, and regular meetings.

We are an organization that is invested in the success of our local youth. We host an annual career preparation workshop at La Verne Law School where law students can network with our attorneys and participate in mock interviews as well as receive assistance with fine-tuning their resumes.

We also provide bar study scholarships to law students, technology to college students, and donations to programs supporting high school students.

Our Motto is:

Unity in Service

OUR MISSION

REPRESENT

Our Mission

The Richard T. Fields Bar Association represents the interests of African-American attorneys in the Inland Empire. As the local affiliate of the National Bar Association and the California Association of Black Lawyers, it seeks to promote initiatives to increase the number of youth of color who pursue careers in law and to promote justice for communities of color in the Inland Empire.

We Represent

The interests of African-American attorneys in the Inland Empire (From West Covina to Indio), promoting pipeline initiatives to increase the number of youth of color in the I.E. in pursuing careers in law; promoting justice for communities of color in the I.E.

PRESIDENT

President for this Term 2025-2026

Channing Hawkins

President

It is an honor to serve as President of the Richard T. Fields Bar Association. As we continue our work, I am inspired by the dedication of our past leaders, the energy of our volunteers, and the commitment of our members who make this Association a vibrant and meaningful part of our community.

This year, our theme,“Elevate: Advancing Equity, Justice, and Leadership,” reminds us that progress is never achieved alone. True elevation happens when we lift each other up, support our communities, and expand opportunities for the next generation. From our SOAR initiative, which equips young people and communities with tools to navigate interactions with law enforcement, to our scholarship and mentorship programs for aspiring law students, we are committed to fostering growth, fairness, and inclusion.

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