Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
1401 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005

For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Kim Alton
(202) 662-8600
July 03, 2007

Lawyers’ Committee Honors
Judge Horace Ward for Distinguished Career and Dedication to Civil Rights

(Atlanta, GA) – On August 2, 2007, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will recognize U.S. District Court Judge Horace Ward during the National Bar Association’s 82nd annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Over a distinguished career spanning five decades, Judge Ward has been a strong advocate for equal access and opportunities for all Americans.

“Judge Ward is a trailblazer whose tireless efforts have opened doors for many Americans. We look forward to honoring his many significant achievements at the NBA Convention,” said Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee.

One of Judge Ward’s greatest contributions to the civil rights movement came in 1961, when he and several other attorneys handled the case that successfully desegregated the University of Georgia. Following that landmark achievement, voters elected Ward to the State Senate, where he served until 1974.

During the same period of time, then-Senator Ward worked as a partner in the law firm of Hollowell, Ward, Moore, and Alexander, which handled numerous important civil rights cases. He was also the Deputy City Attorney of Atlanta and the Assistant Fulton County Attorney.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed Judge Ward to the U.S. District Court in Atlanta. He has served in that position for nearly thirty years and is now on senior status.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Judge Ward sued the University of Georgia School of Law over the school’s admissions policies which prevented him from enrolling because of his race.

Judge Ward is a graduate of Morehouse College, Atlanta University, and Northwestern University School of Law. He has received honorary doctorate of law degrees from Morehouse College and LaGrange College.

The Lawyers’ Committee is pleased to recognize Judge Ward’s illustrious career of service by presenting him with the Distinguished Civil Rights AdvocateAward at the 82nd annual convention of the National Bar Association on August 2, 2007.

The Lawyers' Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights legal organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to provide legal services to address racial discrimination.

For more information on the Lawyers' Committee, visit us at www.lawyerscommittee.org



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