In 1953, Louis Stokes passed the Ohio bar exam and embarked on his legal career as a day-to-day lawyer. Louis embraced controversial cases and represented many black clients who otherwise had no voice in a racially charged community. He viewed the courtroom as an important arena to advance social change. During the 1950s and 1960s, Louis’s work and commitment to securing civil rights positioned him as a leader in Cleveland’s African American community. Louis’s experiences as a day-to-day lawyer cemented the foundation for his future roles in public office.

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law website: http://www.law.csuohio.edu/

Encylopedia of Clevland History Entry