The list of women admitted to United States Supreme Court Bar begins with Belva Lockwood, who became the first woman admitted to the bar in 1879, and it contains the names of 97 women who joined the ranks of lawyers eligible to argue before the Court through 1920.
Ellen Spencer Mussey, the attorney who founded the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia, who marched March 3, 1913, the day before Woodrow Wilson's presidential inauguration, was on the list. She was admitted to the Bar in 1896.
In Michigan, the first women bar association, the Equity Club, was located on the campus of University of Michigan Law School. The club was founded in 1886 and lasted approximately four years.
In 1918, Judge Mary Belle Grossman and Mary Florence Lathrop became the first two female lawyers admitted to the American Bar Association. In 1986, Julia Donovan Darlow became the first woman president of the State Bar of Michigan. In 1995, Roberta Cooper Ramo of New Mexico became the first woman to serve as president of the ABA.
It has been 134 years since the Equity Club folded and almost four decades since Darlow’s Michigan Bar presidency, and the need for gender diversity and gender inclusion in the legal profession are still important topics. The large number of women who are serving as presidents of local and affinity bar associations in Michigan for 2023-24 is cause for pause and celebration.
These women represent diversity and inspire inclusion. Women are the 2023-24 bar presidents in the DBA (Detroit Bar Association), OCBA (Oakland County Bar Association), WBA (Wolverine Bar Association), Straker Bar (Augustus Straker Bar), WLAM (Women Lawyers Association of Michigan), and BWLAM (Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan).
Additionally, several of the women presidents have made a concerted effort to meet for lunch and dinner this bar year to exchange ideas and to provide support encouragement and build opportunities for collaboration.
Four of them accepted the invitation to share about themselves, their bar association, and their presidency sparked by the desire to encourage other women to pursue leadership opportunities in the legal community.
—————
Tanisha M. Davis
Tanisha M. Davis is the 31st president of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association. Aligned with this year’s theme of “Journeying Together for Justice,” Straker is committed to advocating for the representation of minorities in the legal profession. The association has always been a voice for equality in the legal community and seeks to continue advancing minority lawyers, law students and jurists, through mentoring, scholarship opportunities, and a multitude of resources to carry on the legacy of the organization.
Davis is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. As a lawyer, tech founder, mother, and woman of many hats, she is also a success story born out of humble beginnings. A product of a single mother who valued education, Tanisha has definitively made a seat at tables where no placing was set. Tanisha graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in English, and a minor in African-American studies. While attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Davis served as president of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA, chair of the Job Fair Committee for the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA), and spearheaded a number of initiatives that earmarked the importance of diversity in the legal space. Davis clerked for federal Judge Gerald Rosen of the Eastern District of Michigan and Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly of the Michigan Supreme Court. As a young lawyer, Davis credits her mentor, Marlon B. Evans, a prominent Detroit criminal defense attorney that helped bring out the tenacity in her advocacy.
“Marlon believed that the law had a fine flexibility; if you argued well enough, it would always bend for you,” says Davis.
Davis started her solo law practice, Tanisha M. Davis, Attorney at Law, PLLC, while also working as managing partner of TMD Law Group, PLLC. Although beginning as a general practitioner, Davis’ expertise has morphed into a specialization in family law, business/entertainment law and cannabis law. She is a frequent panelist and speaker at legal conferences around the State of Michigan. She was a 2021 Michigan Chronicle “Women of Excellence” honoree and serves on multiple boards including recording secretary of Black Women Lawyer’s Association of Michigan (President Delicia Taylor Coleman). She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Council, co-chair of Policies & Procedures for the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Constitution & Bylaws Committee of the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and Wolverine Bar Association (President Diane Hutcherson).
D. Augustus Straker Bar Association’s signature programming remains a cornerstone of the organization. Along with the MLK Oral Advocacy Competition that highlights the advocacy skills of high school students, Straker will continue with its Minority Corporate Counsel Breakfast and its premier Trailblazers Awards Event. Straker will also continue with the Stanley DeJongh Minority Bar Passage Program to help level the playing field for future attorneys.
Davis has two beautiful daughters, imoRa and Jhordis.
—————
Delicia Taylor Coleman
Delicia Taylor Coleman has had an active trial practice for over 27 years primarily in Criminal (misdemeanor, felony and federal law), but also Family, Real Estate, Civil, Probate and Juvenile Law. She represents clients as both plaintiff’s and defense counsel. She is a vocal advocate for reform of the criminal justice system to incorporate restorative justice along with equity, equality, and respect for all coming before the court. In seeing disparate treatment for individuals whose financial, racial, or sexual orientation or preference is not considered “mainstream,” she actively seeks programs to bring about fair and just treatment for everyone especially the disenfranchised.
Coleman has actively served in her community as a mentor for the Midnight Golf Program for the last 10 years. Prior to that, she was a board member of BLAC magazine and previously served as an executive board member for Serenity Services. She is a regular career day speaker with the Detroit Board of Education and participates in pro bono legal services through local bar associations. She is currently a member of the Wayne County Criminal Bar Association and is the current president of the Black Women’s Law Association of Michigan.
She is also a member of NBA and NAACP. In 2021, she was privileged to be awarded the State Bar of Michigan’s Unsung Hero award selected for an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. She was also nominated as one of top 10 “Best in Black” attorneys by Michigan Chronicle, in 2017. She is an avid golfer.
She became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Detroit Alumnae Chapter in April 2019, with 102 other amazing women. Since fulfilling that life-long dream, she has joined several committees through DST, dedicated to the service and achievement of her community. Specifically, she was the chair for 2021 DST/DFSI Golf Outing, member of the ROPP Committee, and the true honor to be elected to be a board trustee to MEDF (Minerva Education and Development Foundation). She is the current corresponding secretary. Truly, one of the premier organizations to bring about change and blessings in the black community.
She has had the privilege of being a Spotlight Attorney in August 2020 SADO Criminal Defense Newsletter. She has participated in numerous community/legal panels and moderators for various organizations including BWLAM Flint Water Crisis panel discussion and DABO Speaker series 2023 and upcoming 2024.
The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM) was founded on July 28, 1992 and incorporated on March 25, 1993 out of necessity to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice and to uphold the highest standard of integrity in the legal profession. BWLAM works to accomplish this goal by promoting programs that enhance civic education through law and promotion of scholarship and opportunity for black women at all levels of education.
BWLAM ventures to cultivate a spirit of acceptance, cordiality, fellowship and empowerment among members of the Bar and the community at large. BWLAM focuses on professional advancement, presence in civic and public offices of women lawyers and the cultivation of women’s rights. BWLAM is headquartered in Detroit, MI and is a nonprofit organization under the state laws of Michigan.
As the current BWLAM president, Coleman is specifically seeking to expand and highlight the phenomenal work of its members, who are dedicated to bringing awareness and knowledge to the community with participation in joint ventures with various affiliate Bar Associations and events like Royal Oak High School Diversity Club’s Women in Power Career Fair.
Susan Chalgian
Susan Chalgian is an attorney with Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC where she practices in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning and other probate proceedings. She is an co-author of the ICLE publications: “Advising the Older Client or Client with a Disability” and “Medicaid Planning Handbook.” Susan is the current president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the secretary of the Elder Law & Disability Rights Section of the State Bar, and a council member of the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar.
The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (“WLAM”) strives to secure the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession in furtherance of a just society. This mission is carried out in many ways: educational, charitable, and social. WLAM hosts a state board that advocates on larger issues women face in Michigan and unites the 8 regions. Each WLAM region hosts local events that encourage members to network and support their fellow women lawyers as well as their community.
In this month alone, events include a charity challenge with other affinity bars, a conversational event with Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, a book club meeting, a tea party, a crafting event, a wellness event at a rage room, and a networking event in support of law students. All this in addition to the ongoing advocacy for equal pay, accommodations for parents, and diversity & inclusion for all women.
In her presidency, Chalgian is focusing on shaping the connections members have with those of other affinity bar sections. The WLAM is unique in that its members cover all ages, all backgrounds, and all practice areas. The WLAM can offer other organizations a lot of support while gaining from their insights.
Zenell B. Brown
The Detroit Bar Association’s has the distinction of being of the oldest bar association on Michigan, and probably the nation. The State Bar of Michigan in established in 1935 by the legislature. The Detroit Bar Association was established in 1836 as a forum for lawyers and judges who sought to improve the administration and quality of justice in their community through education, dialogue, and community activities.
The DBA’s first woman president was Carole L. Chiamp in 1982. The DBA has had a number of women leaders after that, and Brown has had the good fortune of knowing several of them. Past presidents Judge Denise Page Hood and Elizabeth Jolliffe have both been instrumental in Brown’s career. Her ascent to leadership and her success as a leader throughout her career have been the result of individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who have taught, mentored, sponsored, and provided her with opportunities.
Brown began her legal career as an associate attorney at the Wayne County Friend of the Court with a Detroit Bar Membership in the late 1990s. Her membership lapsed as she didn’t utilize the benefits. She rejoined around 2015 and became active after asking for the DBA’s support on hosting a mentoring event at Wayne State Law. The sections, committees, and board provided outlets for her to share ideas on how to improve the administration of justice and to build a stronger legal community. Serving as president, Brown continue to have those opportunities as the Detroit Bar Association is in the midst of finalizing its strategic plan and charting its course for the next 3-5 years to address the most pressing concerns of the legal community and optimize conditions to achieve access to justice. The DBA’s new executive director, Tracey Cooley, appreciates the organization’s history and has the strategic foresight to help its board build and expand to realize its vision. Brown is honored and humbled to serve as the DBA president at this time of reexamination and planning.
DBA has activated its Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Rights, and Criminal Section this year. Its Magazine, Pro Bono, and Diversity and Inclusion Committees continue to thrive.
The DBA’s signature event is the Archer’s Awards honoring a member of our profession whose commitment to public service goes above and beyond the call of duty. Membership information and other upcoming events are posted on the DBA’s website: Detroitlawyer.org.
Ellen Spencer Mussey, the attorney who founded the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia, who marched March 3, 1913, the day before Woodrow Wilson's presidential inauguration, was on the list. She was admitted to the Bar in 1896.
In Michigan, the first women bar association, the Equity Club, was located on the campus of University of Michigan Law School. The club was founded in 1886 and lasted approximately four years.
In 1918, Judge Mary Belle Grossman and Mary Florence Lathrop became the first two female lawyers admitted to the American Bar Association. In 1986, Julia Donovan Darlow became the first woman president of the State Bar of Michigan. In 1995, Roberta Cooper Ramo of New Mexico became the first woman to serve as president of the ABA.
It has been 134 years since the Equity Club folded and almost four decades since Darlow’s Michigan Bar presidency, and the need for gender diversity and gender inclusion in the legal profession are still important topics. The large number of women who are serving as presidents of local and affinity bar associations in Michigan for 2023-24 is cause for pause and celebration.
These women represent diversity and inspire inclusion. Women are the 2023-24 bar presidents in the DBA (Detroit Bar Association), OCBA (Oakland County Bar Association), WBA (Wolverine Bar Association), Straker Bar (Augustus Straker Bar), WLAM (Women Lawyers Association of Michigan), and BWLAM (Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan).
Additionally, several of the women presidents have made a concerted effort to meet for lunch and dinner this bar year to exchange ideas and to provide support encouragement and build opportunities for collaboration.
Four of them accepted the invitation to share about themselves, their bar association, and their presidency sparked by the desire to encourage other women to pursue leadership opportunities in the legal community.
—————
Tanisha M. Davis
Tanisha M. Davis is the 31st president of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association. Aligned with this year’s theme of “Journeying Together for Justice,” Straker is committed to advocating for the representation of minorities in the legal profession. The association has always been a voice for equality in the legal community and seeks to continue advancing minority lawyers, law students and jurists, through mentoring, scholarship opportunities, and a multitude of resources to carry on the legacy of the organization.
Davis is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. As a lawyer, tech founder, mother, and woman of many hats, she is also a success story born out of humble beginnings. A product of a single mother who valued education, Tanisha has definitively made a seat at tables where no placing was set. Tanisha graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in English, and a minor in African-American studies. While attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Davis served as president of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA, chair of the Job Fair Committee for the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA), and spearheaded a number of initiatives that earmarked the importance of diversity in the legal space. Davis clerked for federal Judge Gerald Rosen of the Eastern District of Michigan and Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly of the Michigan Supreme Court. As a young lawyer, Davis credits her mentor, Marlon B. Evans, a prominent Detroit criminal defense attorney that helped bring out the tenacity in her advocacy.
“Marlon believed that the law had a fine flexibility; if you argued well enough, it would always bend for you,” says Davis.
Davis started her solo law practice, Tanisha M. Davis, Attorney at Law, PLLC, while also working as managing partner of TMD Law Group, PLLC. Although beginning as a general practitioner, Davis’ expertise has morphed into a specialization in family law, business/entertainment law and cannabis law. She is a frequent panelist and speaker at legal conferences around the State of Michigan. She was a 2021 Michigan Chronicle “Women of Excellence” honoree and serves on multiple boards including recording secretary of Black Women Lawyer’s Association of Michigan (President Delicia Taylor Coleman). She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Council, co-chair of Policies & Procedures for the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Constitution & Bylaws Committee of the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and Wolverine Bar Association (President Diane Hutcherson).
D. Augustus Straker Bar Association’s signature programming remains a cornerstone of the organization. Along with the MLK Oral Advocacy Competition that highlights the advocacy skills of high school students, Straker will continue with its Minority Corporate Counsel Breakfast and its premier Trailblazers Awards Event. Straker will also continue with the Stanley DeJongh Minority Bar Passage Program to help level the playing field for future attorneys.
Davis has two beautiful daughters, imoRa and Jhordis.
—————
Delicia Taylor Coleman
Delicia Taylor Coleman has had an active trial practice for over 27 years primarily in Criminal (misdemeanor, felony and federal law), but also Family, Real Estate, Civil, Probate and Juvenile Law. She represents clients as both plaintiff’s and defense counsel. She is a vocal advocate for reform of the criminal justice system to incorporate restorative justice along with equity, equality, and respect for all coming before the court. In seeing disparate treatment for individuals whose financial, racial, or sexual orientation or preference is not considered “mainstream,” she actively seeks programs to bring about fair and just treatment for everyone especially the disenfranchised.
Coleman has actively served in her community as a mentor for the Midnight Golf Program for the last 10 years. Prior to that, she was a board member of BLAC magazine and previously served as an executive board member for Serenity Services. She is a regular career day speaker with the Detroit Board of Education and participates in pro bono legal services through local bar associations. She is currently a member of the Wayne County Criminal Bar Association and is the current president of the Black Women’s Law Association of Michigan.
She is also a member of NBA and NAACP. In 2021, she was privileged to be awarded the State Bar of Michigan’s Unsung Hero award selected for an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. She was also nominated as one of top 10 “Best in Black” attorneys by Michigan Chronicle, in 2017. She is an avid golfer.
She became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Detroit Alumnae Chapter in April 2019, with 102 other amazing women. Since fulfilling that life-long dream, she has joined several committees through DST, dedicated to the service and achievement of her community. Specifically, she was the chair for 2021 DST/DFSI Golf Outing, member of the ROPP Committee, and the true honor to be elected to be a board trustee to MEDF (Minerva Education and Development Foundation). She is the current corresponding secretary. Truly, one of the premier organizations to bring about change and blessings in the black community.
She has had the privilege of being a Spotlight Attorney in August 2020 SADO Criminal Defense Newsletter. She has participated in numerous community/legal panels and moderators for various organizations including BWLAM Flint Water Crisis panel discussion and DABO Speaker series 2023 and upcoming 2024.
The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM) was founded on July 28, 1992 and incorporated on March 25, 1993 out of necessity to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice and to uphold the highest standard of integrity in the legal profession. BWLAM works to accomplish this goal by promoting programs that enhance civic education through law and promotion of scholarship and opportunity for black women at all levels of education.
BWLAM ventures to cultivate a spirit of acceptance, cordiality, fellowship and empowerment among members of the Bar and the community at large. BWLAM focuses on professional advancement, presence in civic and public offices of women lawyers and the cultivation of women’s rights. BWLAM is headquartered in Detroit, MI and is a nonprofit organization under the state laws of Michigan.
As the current BWLAM president, Coleman is specifically seeking to expand and highlight the phenomenal work of its members, who are dedicated to bringing awareness and knowledge to the community with participation in joint ventures with various affiliate Bar Associations and events like Royal Oak High School Diversity Club’s Women in Power Career Fair.
Susan Chalgian
Susan Chalgian is an attorney with Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC where she practices in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning and other probate proceedings. She is an co-author of the ICLE publications: “Advising the Older Client or Client with a Disability” and “Medicaid Planning Handbook.” Susan is the current president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the secretary of the Elder Law & Disability Rights Section of the State Bar, and a council member of the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar.
The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (“WLAM”) strives to secure the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession in furtherance of a just society. This mission is carried out in many ways: educational, charitable, and social. WLAM hosts a state board that advocates on larger issues women face in Michigan and unites the 8 regions. Each WLAM region hosts local events that encourage members to network and support their fellow women lawyers as well as their community.
In this month alone, events include a charity challenge with other affinity bars, a conversational event with Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, a book club meeting, a tea party, a crafting event, a wellness event at a rage room, and a networking event in support of law students. All this in addition to the ongoing advocacy for equal pay, accommodations for parents, and diversity & inclusion for all women.
In her presidency, Chalgian is focusing on shaping the connections members have with those of other affinity bar sections. The WLAM is unique in that its members cover all ages, all backgrounds, and all practice areas. The WLAM can offer other organizations a lot of support while gaining from their insights.
Zenell B. Brown
The Detroit Bar Association’s has the distinction of being of the oldest bar association on Michigan, and probably the nation. The State Bar of Michigan in established in 1935 by the legislature. The Detroit Bar Association was established in 1836 as a forum for lawyers and judges who sought to improve the administration and quality of justice in their community through education, dialogue, and community activities.
The DBA’s first woman president was Carole L. Chiamp in 1982. The DBA has had a number of women leaders after that, and Brown has had the good fortune of knowing several of them. Past presidents Judge Denise Page Hood and Elizabeth Jolliffe have both been instrumental in Brown’s career. Her ascent to leadership and her success as a leader throughout her career have been the result of individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who have taught, mentored, sponsored, and provided her with opportunities.
Brown began her legal career as an associate attorney at the Wayne County Friend of the Court with a Detroit Bar Membership in the late 1990s. Her membership lapsed as she didn’t utilize the benefits. She rejoined around 2015 and became active after asking for the DBA’s support on hosting a mentoring event at Wayne State Law. The sections, committees, and board provided outlets for her to share ideas on how to improve the administration of justice and to build a stronger legal community. Serving as president, Brown continue to have those opportunities as the Detroit Bar Association is in the midst of finalizing its strategic plan and charting its course for the next 3-5 years to address the most pressing concerns of the legal community and optimize conditions to achieve access to justice. The DBA’s new executive director, Tracey Cooley, appreciates the organization’s history and has the strategic foresight to help its board build and expand to realize its vision. Brown is honored and humbled to serve as the DBA president at this time of reexamination and planning.
DBA has activated its Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Rights, and Criminal Section this year. Its Magazine, Pro Bono, and Diversity and Inclusion Committees continue to thrive.
The DBA’s signature event is the Archer’s Awards honoring a member of our profession whose commitment to public service goes above and beyond the call of duty. Membership information and other upcoming events are posted on the DBA’s website: Detroitlawyer.org.
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