PRESS RELEASE

The Black Law Students Association at St. John’s University School of Law is scheduled to honor New York State’s first Black Governor and one of the nation’s leading Civil Rights Attorney during a special Black History Month Celebration

(New York, NY) − In 1968, Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper, former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the first Black American Law Students Association “BALSA” at the New York University Law School. In 1983, BALSA revised its name, and the word “American” was deleted to encompass all Blacks, including those not of American nationality. BLSA endeavored to effectuate change in the legal system. In particular, BLSA strives to re-balance, diversify the legal profession increasing the number of black lawyers in various practice areas and ensure the delivery of essential legal services to an otherwise underserved black community.

Alumnus Eric Sanders (Class of 2003), founder of The Sanders Firm, P.C., and one of the nation’s leading Civil Rights Attorney’s; and David Paterson, the first Black Governor and Former Chairperson of the New York Democratic Committee will be saluted for their dedication, service and commitment to the field of Law, according to organizers.

A graduate of the prestigious St. John’s University School of Law, Sanders is an active or past member of several legal professional organizations including the National Employment Lawyer’s Association (NELA), National Employment Lawyer’s Association-New York Chapter (NELA/NY), American Bar Association (ABA), New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He has also served as past General Counsel to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives-New York Chapter (NOBLE/NY). As a retired police officer, he holds or has held memberships with several professional law enforcement organizations including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Sanders is also the Past President of the Guardians Association, Police Department City of New York, and the national’s largest Black police fraternal organization.

Prior to establishing his own law firm, Sanders was the Managing Attorney of another New York City Area law firm.

Sanders began his career as a proud member of the New York City Police Department. He continued his commitment to serving people by embarking on a second career in the field of Law.

In his most recent court victory, Sanders secured a $15 million dollar jury verdict in Brooklyn federal court for an African-American NYPD cop who sued a dozen fellow cops for falsely arresting and beating him at his Queens home.

Sanders appears frequently on local and national media outlets championing civil rights and justice for everyday people. He lectures throughout the U.S., about civil liberties.

“First, I am humbled and deeply honored to be recognized alongside Former Governor Paterson by the St. John’s family particularly our up and coming black lawyers. ” Sanders said. “But more important than ever, every New Yorker and American must continue to fight for fundamental fairness throughout all social institutions particularly, the legal system to ensure that our families and individuals rights are protected and our Democracy remains strong.”

Event

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017
Time: 6:30 P.M.
Place: St. John’s University School of Law 81-50D Utopia Parkway Jamaica, N.Y. 11439 in the Atrium.

There is NO FEE to attend this event, but advance registration is required. Please R.S.V.P. to bryant.gordon15@stjohns.edu

About The Sanders Firm, P.C.

The Sanders Firm, P.C. offers those in the New York City area legal services related and connected to civil rights, civil service rights, criminal law and discrimination. We firmly believe in everyone’s individual rights that are described and guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. We understand that our freedoms and liberties are sacrosanct and that they have been won in many and various hard-fought battles. We are committed in every way to protecting your civil rights.

Contact

Eric Sanders, Esq.
President and Owner, The Sanders Firm, P.C.
Business Phone: 212-808-6515