School Honors Williams & Connolly Support

A public charter school dedicated one of its classrooms to Williams & Connolly in recognition of the firm’s support.

Thurgood Marshall Academy, which describes itself as a “law-related” school, today named one of its classrooms after Charles Hamilton Houston in memory of one of William & Connolly’s founding partners, Edward Williams. Houston was a pioneer in the civil rights movement, and Williams was also active in the movement, according to the firm. The school’s classrooms are named for prominent black figures.

Joshua Kern, the school’s president and one of its founders, said Williams & Connolly has donated 585 hours of time to the school and its students in the past year, as well as more than $100,000 in the past six years. This year, the firm became one of TMA’s mentoring firms, hosting a group of 15 students every Tuesday night for dinner, tutoring, and mentoring.

Jessica Sher, the school’s director of programs, says Williams & Connolly went “above and beyond” in its mentoring duties. At the end of the school year, tutors took the students to a National’s baseball game.

Darryl Tibbs, who graduated from TMA this spring, spoke at the dedication about his experience with Williams & Connolly. “I made relationships that I still keep today with my two law firm mentors,” Tibbs says. “Tutors and students alike worked diligently during their time together.”

Issa Ford, who will be a senior at TMA, also worked with Williams & Connolly this past year and says he was surprised at how helpful the lawyers were with work in all subjects. “It was pretty fun, actually,” he says. “It’s a lot of people and food, and you learned a lot, not just about doing work and school. I asked things that I didn’t think they would know about, but they know lots more than I do.”

Several students at the dedication said they were interested in law careers. Williams & Connolly partner Kevin Downey, one of two firm partners to serve on TMA’s board of trustees, says it is the belief that everyone deserves a chance that unites the school and the firm.

Williams & Connolly partners Kevin Downey and Christopher Manning unveil the plaque.

Darryl Tibbs describes his experience with Williams & Connolly.

TMA students Issa Ford, Donaei Harris, and Joshua Coleman.