Eight decades of outstanding service is not easy to achieve, but IMW Law marked that pinnacle in 2023. The heralded firm, known as Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest and largest African American-owned law firms in the nation.
Throughout its history, IMW has provided a superior level of professional legal service in 15 areas including banking and finance, civil rights litigation, product liability, and sports and entertainment. Also, the company has offices in the downtown L.A. and the city’s Crenshaw district as well as in Ontario, Oakland and Las Vegas.
“We consider IMW as the go-to firm for the community. We are a one stop shop – the firm for everybody in this community who needs legal service,” said Rickey Ivie, the company’s longest-tenured member who began with the company in 1975.
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“Judge Earl C. Broady organized our firm in 1943. At the time, he was a very successful criminal defense attorney and well regarded in the community,” noted Ivie. “Later, he joined with Charles Scarlett and Robert Roberson and together, they made an excellent team!”
Not only were the three men highly successful lawyers, but they also were elevated to judgeships on the Los Angeles Superior Court. Broady was appointed by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Sr. in 1965. Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. named Roberson to the bench in 1979 and Scarlett in 1980.
IMW attorneys are still being appointed to judge positions. In fact, seven associates have been named to the bench over the last few years. Also, Judge Rupert Byrdsong, who served as president of the California Judges Association, started his career as a law clerk for Ivie.
What began as the law firm of Earl C. Broady Sr. evolved into Broady, Scarlett & Brody and later, Scarlett & Roberson. In 1991, the firm became Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt and 18 years later, the name was changed to Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs.
While the name has varied over the years, the mission remains the same – to be a major law firm providing superior services to clients and leadership to the community, according to partner Rodney S. Diggs.
“If you want great work and a great product from great attorneys who treats each client respectfully and handles their case with love and care, then you want to come to Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs,” insisted the seasoned lawyer.
“We’re going to fight for you and make sure that you get the best result possible. We’re very candid and will let you know whether or not you have a good case, or it’s a bad case,” Diggs said.
“I think just being around for 80 years just shows the community the type of work products and attorneys that we have. Within the legal field, we produce great attorneys!”
IMW Law has also produced a great team of dedicated employees. All staff – attorneys, law clerks, administrators – express commitment to delivering the best legal service possible, said paralegal Lakwanza Dixon, who joined the firm in 1995.
“When I first started, I didn’t have a ton of experience. But this firm gave me the full opportunity to develop my potential,” Dixon said.
“That’s the one thing that is unique about the firm, and they’ve maintained that consistency since I’ve been working here. I have been able to get involved and work with clients. They encourage you to learn as much as you can, so that you can turn out to be an excellent litigator.”
As for the future, IMW Law plans to continue operating with that high level of professionalism, said Ivie and Diggs.
“We would like to see the firm become providers of legal services on an international basis while at the same time maintaining our strong roots and connection with the community,” Ivie said.
“We’re not going anywhere. We’re getting bigger and we’re growing stronger,” said Diggs. “We’re going be around for another 80 years to continue doing what we’re doing on behalf of all of our clients.”
To learn more, visit imwlaw.com.
