How Lisa Cummings Translated Urban Advocacy into Prosperous Legal Career Helping Blacks
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photo by steed media service
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Attorney
Lisa Cummings was an aspiring actress at the University of Cincinnati
when fate caused a sharp detour on her road to Hollywood. A professor
discerned Cummings’ passionate advocacy for African American issues, a
fighter’s spirit and an extremely quick mind. He recommended Cummings
for a coveted federal grant that enables undergraduates to attend law
school, and a successful legal career of serving urbanites was born.
“They thought that I had compassion to help others and that I worked
very hard,” says Cummings, who graduated from Howard University Law
School. “They thought that I would be an asset to the community. That’s
the bottom line.”
Cummings has spent her 15-year career protecting the rights of African
Americans and indigents. As a law student, Cummings fought legal
battles to keep indigents from being kicked out their homes in
Washington, D.C. She then continued the work as the first minority
female in the public defender’s office in Dayton, Ohio, eventually
being recognized by the Ohio attorney general. Today, in addition to
her work in criminal defense and entertainment, Cummings also works
with the city of Atlanta Community Court Program under Judge Clinton
Deveaux. The program helps young offenders turn their lives around, get
their G.E.D., and helps them clear their criminal records. The Georgia
Bar Association has recognized Cummings for her pro bono work. She
believes her calling as an attorney is much more than just to provide
legal representation.
“I’ve always helped people. I feel like I’ve been given this great
opportunity. I’m almost like Judge Hatchett, where my job is not to
just represent, it is to also to help the individual lead a more
productive life and get back on track,” says Cummings. –terry shropshire
