The Honorable Rupert Byrdsong will receive the Bernard S. Jefferson Judge of the Year Award from the John M. Langston Bar Association on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the organization’s 47th Annual Installation and Scholarship Awards Gala at the Beverly Willshire Hotel.
The presentation recognizes Byrdsong’s stellar career as jurist on the Los Angeles Superior Court where he has served since being appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014. Currently, he is assigned to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown L.A. overseeing an inventory of more than 750 cases.
Known for his sharp legal mind and impeccable trial skills, Byrdsong also possesses deep humility and upon learning of the honor, he responded, “It’s a wonderful thing and I’m grateful to receive the award.”
Considering his trailblazing achievements, it’s no surprise that Byrdsong is the recipient of an award from the largest African American bar association in Southern California. He was the first African American judge to have an unlimited civil trials assignment at the Chatsworth Courthouse. In addition, Byrdsong was the first African American assigned to the Complex Civil Department, handling all asbestos cases in Los Angeles County.
In the area of community service, the judge is a lifetime member and past president of the Langston Bar Association. He also holds lifetime memberships in the California Association of Black Lawyers and the California Association of Black Lawyers Judicial Council. Also, he previously served as president of the California Judges Association.
A strong advocate of education, Judge Byrdsong teaches Pre-Trial Litigation Procedure and Legal Research as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles. At Harvard Law School, he is a member of the faculty for the Trial Advocacy Workshop.
On a regular basis, Byrdsong shares his knowledge about the legal profession with high school and college students as well as with young lawyers. Also, he volunteers to interview prospective students for Vanderbilt University Law School.
To African Americans interested in a career in law, the judge advised, “Keep in mind that the law is an industry that touches everything. If you are a lawyer, you have the ability to literally change the world.”
Recalling his words to new Black lawyers when giving them the oath of office, Byrdsong said, “I remind them that it was because of an African American attorney – Thurgood Marshall, who argued Brown v. Board of Education before the United States Supreme Court – that we have the desegregation of schools and the ability for Blacks to get an education the same [quality] as Whites.
“That obviously transforms Black people’s ability to fully enjoy the American dream. It was a Black attorney who made that possible.”
Stressing the importance of consistently turning out a top-notch product, Byrdsong added, “Be excellent, work hard, and know that people are watching. We all have responsibility to be excellent.”
Byrdsong’s commitment to excellence has resulted in many accolades. Ebony Magazine named him to its Power 100 for 2018, KJLH Radio tapped Byrdsong as a “Proven Achiever” in 2019, and the Western Region of the National Black Law Students Association selected him for their Judge of the Year Award in 2020.
Most recently, Byrdsong was presented with the Judicial Excellence Award from the California Association of Black Lawyers Judicial Council in 2022. Last year, L.A. Times Magazine described him as a “diversity visionary” in its issue focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
As for the future, Judge Byrdsong will continue to follow the mantra that’s guided him in life: “Play hard and help somebody along the way. Working hard addresses your economic needs and helping someone along the way addresses your spiritual needs.”
His maxims for those in the field of law is slightly different.
“I have a legal philosophy that I also share in my courtroom. One, litigation is not poker – show your cards,” said the judge.
“Two, try the case you have, not the one you wish you had.”
