Morehouse College celebrates alumnus Juan R. Thomas ’92, Of Counsel at Clifford Law Offices, on his historic ascension to two of the legal profession’s most prestigious leadership positions. Recently, Thomas was sworn in as President of the Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) during the Illinois State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in St. Louis. His appointment marks a historic milestone, as he becomes only the second African American to serve as president in the organization’s 75-year history.
Adding to this remarkable achievement, Thomas will also be sworn in as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents during its Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Meeting from July 30–August 4. It is believed to be the first time a lawyer has simultaneously held the presidencies of two major legal organizations in the same year.
Photo courtesy of the Illinois Bar Foundation shows Juan Thomas being sworn in by the Hon. Tamika Walker of Winnebago County, 17th Circuit of Illinois.
A distinguished attorney, educator, minister, and leader, Thomas has built a career defined by service, scholarship, and advocacy. Throughout his professional journey, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the legal profession and the broader community, including the ABA Spirit of Excellence Award and recognition among the National Black Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He currently serves on the ABA Board of Governors and previously served as President of the National Bar Association.
Thomas’ commitment to leadership and lifelong learning reflects the values cultivated at Morehouse College. After graduating from Morehouse in 1992, he continued an impressive academic path, earning a Master of Education in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois College of Education at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Chicago Theological Seminary.
In addition to his legal practice, Thomas serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Law, where he teaches “The History of the African American Lawyer in the United States,” helping to educate and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
Morehouse College congratulates Juan R. Thomas ’92 on this historic achievement and celebrates the continued impact of his leadership across the legal profession.