The Washington University Black Law Student’s Association (BLSA) recently held its first annual Alumni Awards Banquet at the downtown Millennium hotel. Honorees included Shirley Padmore of Husch & Eppenberger, Sandra Moore, president of Urban Strategies, and the honorable Judge David Mason of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri.
BLSA is the local chapter of the national organization founded in 1967 to “act as a catalyst of change in the legal system.” Incorporated under Missouri law as a non-profit organization, its function is to orient, assist, and otherwise support African-American law students. The Washington University BLSA chapter offers a variety of academic, professional, educational and social programs.
Padmore was recognized for her outstanding achievement in the private sector. As a member of the General Business Litigation Practice Group in the St. Louis Office of Husch & Eppenberger, she has come to be known as one of the area’s commercial litigators. In 2002, Padmore became the firm’s first African-American hiring partner.
Although she now recognizes the magnitude of her achievements, she said at first becoming one of only a few black partners at large firm in St. Louis just seemed like a “natural progression.” Upon reflection, however, not only did she come to appreciate her accomplishment, but she also resolved to assist other black lawyers in achieving higher levels of success as well.
In addition to her responsibilities with her firm, Padmore serves as on the board of the Women’s Support and Community Services as well as volunteers with African Refuge and Immigrant Services.
Moore was recognized for her outstanding achievements in the public sector. Prior to finding out that she was being recognized by BLSA, she had decided to accept no more awards. However, because the recognition was coming from students, she felt that she had to be present at the ceremony.
As the president of Urban Strategies, a not-for-profit corporation that develops comprehensive revitalization plans and sustainable implementation systems for distressed urban communities, Moore has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others.
Before joining Urban Strategies, Moore served as the CEO of the Missouri Family Investment Trust, a public partnership entity leading Missouri’s multi-system reform efforts. Moore is also the former director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, where she served as a member of Gov. Mel Carnahan’s Cabinet.
Jude Mason was recognized for his outstanding Alumni Relations. Despite the name of the Award, BLSA member and third-year law student Andre Napolez said that Mason is best known for “outstanding student relations.”
Following his graduation from Washington University School of Law in 1983, Mason became an assistant attorney general. In 1985 he was appointed general counsel of the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Although Mason continues to make significant contributions to Washington University as a board member of the Law Alumni Association, he is best known to students as the coach of the law school’s trial advocacy program, which he has led to several national championships. Mason himself was a member of the law school’s 1983 championship team, which won the American College of Trial Lawyers National Trial Competition.
BLSA president and second-year law student Tiffany Haigler said that it was an honor for the organization to recognize African-American alumni that continue to have such a tremendous impact on the St. Louis community.
“As I did research on our honorees, I was amazed at the ongoing accomplishments of these distinguished attorneys,” she said.
“Their fine examples motivate us as African-American law students to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.”
