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During a time when minorities faced many societal barriers, Jim Lemond was a trailblazer. In 1970, he was the first black graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and the first black partner at a major Texas law firm. Mr. Lemond spoke to us about how he dealt with these issues.
"While there were challenges with being the only black student attending the law school at that time," Lemond said. "I didn't let that deter me. I focused first on graduating and, then, on passing the Bar Exam so that I could indeed become a practicing attorney in Texas."
On whether the legal profession currently reflects the diversity of our nation, Mr. Lemond said "There is always more work needing to be done; and while the situation today is far better than it in 1970, we need to continue to expand opportunities for minorities within the legal profession."
