Assistant Dean Elizabeth McGriff ’96 and civil rights attorney Adanté Pointer ’03 discuss the legacy of Black attorneys and the ongoing fight for justice. Pointer encouraged students to use their legal education to drive change.

The Impact of Black Lawyers in the United States
Civil rights attorney Adanté Pointer ’03, a prominent figure in the fight against police violence and systemic injustice, recently shared his insights with students at UC Law San Francisco. Pointer, recognized as one of the Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers in 2024, has secured multimillion-dollar settlements for families of victims, including the family of Oscar Grant, whose tragic death was depicted in the film “Fruitvale Station.”
Pointer joined Assistant Dean Elizabeth McGriff ’96, who leads UC Law SF’s Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP), for a discussion organized by the campus Black Law Students Association during UC Law SF’s second annual Diversity Week. The event, titled “Black Excellence: The History and Impact of Black Lawyers on the Legal System,” emphasized the pivotal role of Black attorneys in shaping the legal landscape and inspiring future generations.

“You have an ability—through the uniqueness of the degree and the education you’re going to get—to continue those fights,” Pointer said.
Adanté Pointer

McGriff and Pointer traced the legacy of Black attorneys from Macon Bolling Allen, the first Black lawyer in the U.S., to civil rights icons like Thurgood Marshall and Pauli Murray. They highlighted how history is still being written and encouraged students to play an active role in shaping it.

Pivotal Moments in Civil Rights Law
The discussion delved into key moments in civil rights law, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which struck down racial segregation in schools in 1954. Pointer and McGriff also highlighted the work of trailblazing attorneys like Charles Hamilton Houston, whom Pointer described as the “architect of litigation” during the Civil Rights Movement.
Houston strategically challenged Jim Crow laws in the Deep South, often arguing before all-white juries openly hostile to Black lawyers and their cause. McGriff noted, “You had to have tremendous courage to take on some of the battles Black lawyers were taking at that time in American history.”

Defining Moments in Pointer’s Career
Pointer, an Oakland native and LEOP alumnus, shared defining moments from his career, including his first oral argument before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite his nerves, his passion for justice carried him through, and the court ruled in his client’s favor—setting a legal precedent in a case alleging excessive police force against a UC Davis student.
He also spoke of cases he took when others wouldn’t, like securing a $2.4 million settlement for the family of an Oakland man killed by a menacing neighbor after police ignored repeated warnings about violent threats and behavior. “No one wanted to take the case because precedent said you can’t sue the police for not doing their job,” Pointer explained. “But by digging deeper, we found a way forward.”

The Call to Action
Pointer urged students to use their law degrees for more than just a career, emphasizing the potential for significant societal impact. He left them with a call to action: “You yourself can be a warrior within the legal profession and change society.”
Pointer’s message resonates with the broader call for social justice in the U.S., where issues like police brutality, systemic racism, and inequitable legal representation continue to be pressing concerns. Recent high-profile cases, such as the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, have highlighted the urgent need for legal professionals to advocate for change.
Critics may argue that the legal system is inherently flawed and that individual efforts, no matter how passionate, cannot overcome systemic issues. However, Pointer’s career demonstrates that dedicated legal advocates can make a tangible difference. His work on behalf of victims of police violence and systemic injustice serves as a testament to the power of legal activism.

Recent Developments and Future Directions
The legal landscape is evolving, with increasing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Initiatives like UC Law SF’s LEOP aim to provide opportunities for underrepresented students, fostering a more diverse and inclusive legal community.
Pointer’s advocacy for justice extends beyond individual cases. He has been involved in legislative efforts to reform policing practices and improve accountability. His work aligns with broader movements advocating for criminal justice reform, including calls for independent oversight of police departments and the implementation of body cameras.
Looking ahead, the future of the legal profession will likely see continued efforts to address systemic injustices. Legal educators and practitioners must continue to encourage and support students who are committed to using their legal education to drive change. As Pointer noted, “You have an ability—through the uniqueness of the degree and the education you’re going to get—to continue those fights.”

Conclusion
The legacy of Black lawyers in the U.S. is one of courage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice. From Macon Bolling Allen to Adanté Pointer, these attorneys have played a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape and inspiring future generations. As the fight for justice continues, the call to action for current and future legal professionals is clear: use your education and skills to drive meaningful change.
Pointer’s message to students is a powerful reminder that the legal profession has the potential to be a force for good. By embracing this responsibility, legal professionals can help create a more just and equitable society for all.