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Email UsThe New Jersey Superior Court Cumberland/Gloucester Salem Vicinage celebrated Black History Month by honoring the life of Salem County’s own John S. Rock, the first African American to be admitted to practice before the bar of the United States Supreme Court. John Rock was an astounding man. In a time when it was still illegal in many states for blacks to read, by the time he was 27 John Rock had already worked as a teacher, dentist, and physician. Later in 1865, just 3 days after the House of Representatives had passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, he was admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.
After the presentation of Mr. Rock’s life, a panel of African Americans in the legal community, including Judges, Prosecutors, and Rosner Law Offices, P.C. associate Chad B. Davis, fielded questions from the audience about their experiences in the legal profession. Why they got into law, their experiences in law school, and what it's like to be an African American attorney in today’s society.
Our society has made great strides toward equality, within the legal community and generally, since the days of John S. Rock. But it is important to continue to build on the progress already made. Striving for diversity in the legal community will ensure that we are better equipped to help those that need justice the most.
John S. Rock, whose accomplishments are often underplayed or overlooked, played an important part in the history of the legal profession. It is important that we remember our history. And we at Rosner Law Offices, P.C. are proud of Mr. Davis’s contribution to this event remembering and honoring Mr. Rock and those like him.