BWLNC

Founders & Presidents

Founder

Honorable Patricia Ann McKinley*

The Honorable Patricia Ann McKinley was born in San Francisco on April 11, 1949 and raised in the City of Richmond. A demonstrated leader at an early age, Judge McKinley entered the University of California at Berkeley in 1967. Embracing her love of travel, Judge McKinley spent a year studying at the University of Bordeaux in France where she became fluent in French. After graduating with a degree in French, Judge McKinley attended Boalt Hall School of Law.

Following her graduation from Boalt in 1971 and her extended travels to North and West Africa, Judge McKinley entered private practice in Oakland, California where she made a name for herself as a civil and criminal attorney. It was in these early years of her career that Judge McKinley became involved in various alumni, civic, and legal organizations. In 1979, Judge McKinley, along with Judge Judith Ford, invited several Black women lawyers to a meeting at Judge Ford’s home to discuss forming an organization to not only combat the discrimination and isolation that many of them faced but also to support one another and to be a catalyst for change for Black women within the legal profession. It was from this historic meeting that Black Women Lawyers Association of Northern California (“BWLNC”) was born.

In 1980, Judge McKinley accepted an offer to join the Richmond City Attorney’s office where she balanced her desire to be an exceptional advisor to the City with her need to be an advocate for the poor, minority, and disenfranchised residents of her hometown. She also continued to travel the globe and added Turkey, Japan, and the South Pacific to her already extensive repertoire of international experiences.

By 1982, Judge McKinley’s legal talents had come to the attention to Governor Jerry Brown who appointed her to the Bay District Municipal Court District. At 33, Judge McKinley was the youngest and first African American woman to be appointed to that court where she presided over civil and criminal cases in Contra Costa County. Judge McKinley admittedly welcomed this challenge because her hometown was within her jurisdiction. After three short years on the bench, Judge McKinley’s colleagues on the bench named her Presiding Judge.

In 1986, after running unopposed and winning her judicial seat in 1984, Judge McKinley tragically lost her battle with cancer at the age of 37, but her legacy lives on. BWLNC celebrates the trailblazing accomplishments of Judge McKinley.

Founder

Honorable Judith Ford**

The Honorable Judith D. Ford (Ret.) is a pioneer in the legal field and in the history of Black Women Lawyers Association of Northern California (“BWLNC”). In 1979, Judge Ford hosted a gathering of Black women who worked in the legal field, and it was there that BWLNC was formed.

A California native and a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Judge Ford graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law in 1974. After graduation, Judge Ford joined the law firm of Petty, Andrews, Tuffs & Jackson as an associate. In 1978, she became an Assistant District Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco. Judge Ford left the District Attorney’s Office in 1980 to join the Federal Trade Commission where she served as Regional Director.
In 1982, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Judge Ford to the Municipal Court for the Oakland-Piedmont-Emeryville Judicial District where she became Presiding Judge in 1987. Judge Ford became an Alameda Superior Court Judge in 1998 upon the unification of the courts, and she served in that capacity until her retirement in 2002.

During her distinguished career, Judge Ford was repeatedly recognized for her work in improving the administration of justice, particularly in the area of courtroom technology. She chaired the state’s Court Technology Advisory Committee in 1998. While leading the panel, Judge Ford helped develop standards for privacy and access to electronic court information and pushed for improved case management systems. She also spearheaded a Tactical Plan for Court Technology to ensure effective management of technology resources in the state’s court system. After leaving the state panel, Judge Ford served as a member of the national Joint Technology Committee and helped develop a Business Process Enhancements Guide and Manual for Courts. In 2002, Judge Ford received he first-ever LexisNexis CourtLink Excellence in Legal Technology award which recognized her for her “leadership, innovation and championing of technology to deliver breakthrough advances in the efficient practice of litigation in the courts.”

The very next year, Judge Ford received the National Center for State Courts’ Distinguished Service Award as a result of her career commitment to improving the justice system.

Despite her many career heights and achievements, Judge Ford has never lost her commitment to BWLNC. Our resident historian and storyteller, Judge Ford has been committed to the members of this organization since its inception, and for her pioneering spirit, mentorship, and support, BWLNC is truly thankful.

BWLNC

Past Presidents

Chambord Benton-Hayes
Megan Lawson
Michelle O. Stewart
Nakeena Taylor
Tiffany Renee Thomas
Candice S. Petty
Robin M. Pearson
Danielle Ochs
Jill Dessalines
Beryl Crumpton Potter
Rosalyn Mitchell*
Phyllis J. Culp
Barbara Phillips
Regina Bryant Fields
Honorable Brenda Harbin-Forte
Honorable Teri L. Jackson
Cheryl E. Amana-Burris
Geraldine L. Chavis*
Honorable Judy Johnson
Clothilde V. Hewlett

*Deceased / **Retired