Greenville Attorney's Raise the Bar
- Zarreen Glenn
- Mar 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Greenville, South Carolina is one of the many growing cities of the United States. One of the many valued resources to come from the local city are local attorney's. Not just any legal workers, but black, skilled and secure attorney's.
Greenville County is on the rise for many things as far as economics and population. The Greenville business is growing and booming. With Greenville expanding as fast as it is; you can bet that there are still many issues that have to be handled. Who better to address these issues than the Greenville attorney's themselves. Zandra Johnson and Daren Haley are local attorneys of Greenville, South Carolina who are literally raising the bar for their expectations of the future.
Zandra Johnson of the Z Firm LLC; is also the President of the Black Bar Association of Greenville, South Carolina. Upon receiving her bachelor's in Political Science at South Carolina State University, she completed her law degree at St. John's University in 2003.
After speaking at a Women's History Engagement at Greenville High School, Johnson expressed her hardships and milestones of perusing her legal profession as a black woman. "It becomes a challenge because people already have their perceived notions about black women," Johnson stated. "By being a black woman there a more double standards held against us in a white male dominated profession."
Johnson talked about the lack of resources and access in the local community. "I feel like our community lacks access to healthcare and legal resources," she said. "With that I feel that people are hindered to move forward."
"Many people don't have the proper people representing them. Make sure the person representing you cares about you, because a simple possession crime can turn into a life affecting felony when you don't have the proper attorney willing to do the work to help you.
According to the United States Census Bureau, in the past year the Greenville police have stopped more African-American drivers within the ages of 16-35 without issuing a ticket than white drivers within the same age group.
Daren Haley of the Haley Law Firm, LLC is a well- known attorney in Greenville, South Carolina. He earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University. He earned his Doctorate Degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law. He also has a location in Roanoke, Virginia. He has more the 24 years of experience and is a member of both the Virginia and South Carolina Bar Association.
Haley discussed his passion for law and how he encourages others. "I had a passion for reading and debating. I want to enlighten people more about my field and what a lawyer is," said Haley. "I provide intern ships for student in their law studies so that they are well educated on what really goes on in an attorney's office.
Haley specializes in Criminal defense in Greenville, South Carolina and in Roanoke, Virginia. He also gave his advice for upcoming attonerys' or those interested in studying law.
"Make sure you find a passion for a particular area of law because there is a misconception of what a lawyer is and what we do," he stated.
Haley went on to express the common challenges within the local community. I feel that local police departments have targeted certain parts of the black community," he said.
Both Haley and Johnson agree that the youth in the community can do more to help move the community forward.
"I encourage the youth to get involved and engage," said Johnson. "Don't just show up to the meetings to be there, develop a voice and be active."
"The future starts at home, one they develop respect for authority at home they will know how to respect authority in the real world," Haley finished.
Haley and Johnson are currently doing work with in the community to help educate the public on their rights within the justice system.
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