LHR Changes Its Name to LGLA

On October 19, 2002, LHR: The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association held its Twenty-First Annual Dinner and announced that it has adopted a new name: The Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, which will also be known by the abbreviation LGLA. The name change was approved by a vote of the membership to better reflect who the members of the association are and what the association does.

As described by Thomas B. Watson, Co-President of LGLA, the organization was founded in 1979 and went by the name Lawyers for Human Rights in deference to the concerns of the day. According to Mr. Watson, "Even now, in 2002, many gay and lesbian attorneys confront discrimination based on their sexual orientation. So it made sense that twenty-three years ago, the association chose a name that suited the group's goals but did not include the words gay or lesbian."

In the 1990s, the association adopted the name LHR: The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association as a transition from the association's historic name to a more out-of-the-closet name. That transition is now complete.

As Co-President C. Abigail Dees stated, "This momentous decision to change our name did not come easily. The name Lawyers for Human Rights became so much more than what was likely ever envisioned. But we are now, at long last, coming out!"

Today, LGLA continues its mission to advocate for the concerns of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered lawyers through making judicial endorsements, writing amicus briefs, participating in the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the State Bar's Conference of Delegates, and providing education, networking and social opportunities for its members.

LGLA regularly presents educational and social events, including the Annual Dinner, Annual Luncheon, Fourth of July event at the Hollywood Bowl, Summer Associate Reception, Law Student Reception, Annual Holiday Party, meetings with topical speakers, and numerous other events. LGLA is also a State Bar certified Continuing Legal Education Provider and regularly holds CLE events.

In addition, LGLA offers the William J. Clayton Student Mentorship Program to provide mentors to law students. LGLA also administers and raises funds for the Donald L. Snow Scholarship, which it awards to deserving law students each year.