Nolan Atkinson, Jr., Duane Morris' Chief Diversity Officer and partner in the Trial Practice Group in the firm's Philadelphia office, is quoted extensively regarding the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's posthumous admittance of George B. Vashon, Atkinson's great-grandfather, to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In a ceremony held October 20, 2010 at the City-County Building in Pittsburgh, the court officially admitted Vashon to the Pennsylvania bar. Vashon sought admission to practice law in Allegheny County in 1847 and 1868, but was rejected in both cases because of his race. The piece provides an in-depth discussion of Vashon’s life and career, as well as the key events and players that led to his admittance.

Atkinson and Duane Morris associate Leslie Carter in Philadelphia played a major role in petitioning the state's highest court on behalf of Vashon's family to recognize his qualifications for admission to the bar.

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