WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law announced that Dorian Spence will be promoted as the new Vice President of Strategy and Programs, where he will play a lead role in developing and implementing the organization’s strategic plan, strengthening the organization’s non-litigation programs, and deepening its connections to partners, clients, and community as part of the institutional commitment to advancing racial justice. As the Lawyers’ Committee undergoes a refresh of its mission, core values, and strategic priorities – while remaining committed to using legal advocacy to achieve racial justice both in and outside the courts – this promotion includes coordinating work that cuts across the organization’s projects. Prior to assuming this role, Dorian served as Counsel in the Lawyers’ Committee’s Voting Rights Project and the Fair Housing and Community Development Project, and later as Director of Special Litigation and Advocacy.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Dorian as our new Vice President of Strategy and Programs, ” said Damon Hewitt, the President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee. “Dorian has been an integral part of our organization through his litigation efforts challenging discrimination in voting, his training and strategy efforts to help Black activists exercise the right to peaceful protest, and representing Black farmers who continue to face ongoing discrimination. Through all of these experiences, Dorian has brought the sharp eye of a strong litigator, and the heart of someone who walks closely with the community on each step of the journey to justice. With Dorian as a partner on our executive leadership team, I believe there is no organizational goal the Lawyers’ Committee cannot reach.”
Dorian began his legal career as a Fellow at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. in Washington, D.C. where he worked in the organization’s Political Participation Group, under the supervision of Kristen Clarke, who would go on to become president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee. Prior to joining the Lawyers’ Committee, Dorian served as Counsel at H. Barritt Peterson Jr. and Associates in Baltimore, Maryland. During that time, he represented hundreds of clients in the District and Circuit Courts across the state of Maryland.
