Langston Bar Association announces $85K in new scholarship commitments

The John M. Langston Bar Association announced $85,000 in multi-year scholarship commitments as part of its giving campaign to support aspiring Black attorneys.

Var Fox, executive vice president and co-founder of Judicate West, pledged $75,000 over three years. Lisa M. Gilford, the association's 2025 Lawyer of the Year, and her husband, Andrew Gilford, committed $10,000 over two years to honor their ancestors, Isabel Ellis and Donald Gilford.

"It is a privilege to support the John M. Langston Bar Association's commitment to empowering the next generation of aspiring lawyers," Fox said. "Moments like this remind me of how fortunate we are and how important it is to invest in others. Beyond grateful for the chance to contribute to an organization whose leadership and service strengthen both our legal community and the broader communities we serve."

Lisa Gilford, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, said she and her husband were moved by the scholarship recipients at the 2025 gala.

"Both of our ancestors were believers in the power of education to uplift and empower, and both were dedicated to the mission of racial equity and justice... Andy and I thought it a fitting way to honor their impactful legacies by supporting Langston scholarships to deserving law students."

Langston president Ludlow B. Creary II said Tuesday that a main goal of their fundraising is to provide scholarships for deserving law students.

"These sponsorships and donations fund Langston's diverse programming, which includes community legal clinics, youth outreach, and essential education and support for the African American legal community," Creary said.  

The association will award scholarships on Feb. 21 at its 49th Annual Installation & Awards Gala.