Partners Charles Johnson and Kwamina Williford Recognized by the National Bar Association

The organization is the oldest and largest network of minority attorneys and judges.

From HK Today, August 15, 2014

Every year, the National Bar Association (NBA) recognizes noteworthy African-American lawyers and judges at its annual convention. This year's event – the 89th in the NBA's history – was no exception, with Holland & Knight Partners Charles Johnson (ATL) and Kwamina Williford (WAS) among the honorees.

Due to his "personal rich history of meeting the legal, social and personal needs of hundreds," that was noted by the NBA, Charles has been inducted into the NBA's Hall of Fame. He has more than 40 years of professional experience and focuses his practice largely on public policy and complex business disputes.

A seasoned trial lawyer, Charles' commitment to his profession and his peers runs deep. In the late 1970s, he helped create a judicial selection infrastructure for Atlanta's Gate City Bar Association and supported several of Georgia's first elected African-American judges. More recently, he was honored with the State Bar of Georgia's Randolph Thrower Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Charles is also former president of the Gate City Bar Association and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society as well former chair of the Georgia State Board of Bar Examiners, the Atlanta Judicial Commission and Leadership Atlanta.

Meanwhile, the NBA has named Kwamina a recipient of the coveted Trailblazers Under 40 Award, which recognizes rising star attorneys under the age of 40 who have "achieved prominence and distinction in their field of endeavor … and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the goals and mission of the [NBA]." She primarily handles compliance service and enforcement defense matters and stands as the youngest African-American attorney to be named a partner at the firm.

Kwamina has previously served on the NBA's Judicial Selection Committee and the Executive Committee of the commercial law section (both 2012-2013). She also participates in the association's Corporate Leadership Forum and African-American Managing Partner Group.

Founded in 1925, the NBA represents approximately 20,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students, with more than 80 affiliate chapters worldwide.

(pictured from left to right) Sharon E. Strickland, Chair, 2014 NBA Hall of Fame Committee; Charles S. Johnson, Partner, Holland & Knight; Patricia Rosier, President, National Bar Association

2014 Award Recipients - (pictured from left to right): Southern University Law Center Chancellor and retired Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr.; Willie E. Gary, Esq.; Thomas G. Sampson, Esq.; Charles S. Johnson; Shirley A. Henderson, Esq.; George A. Holland, Esq.; Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham; Jo M. Glasco, Esq.; (not pictured): Congressman Sanford Bishop; Former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris; Janice Orr, Esq.