Future Lawyers Support Fund
Empowering Future
Civil Rights Leaders:
Kermit Coleman’s Legacy
The Future Lawyer's Support Fund is a testament to the enduring legacy of civil rights attorney Kermit Coleman and the vision of his daughter, Dr. Karen Carradine, and grandchildren, Ashley Coleman and Lauren Green.
Inspired by his transformative impact on the civil rights movement in Chicago and the United States, this fund aims to support disadvantaged students pursuing careers in law.
About Kermit Coleman
Kermit Coleman's tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice for Blacks in America during the 1960s and 70s, reverberated far beyond the courtroom.
His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for progress in the fight for equality and civil rights. Through his activism and legal expertise, Mr. Coleman not only paved the way for future generations of advocates to continue a legacy of change, his legal support transformed the landscape of Black representation in the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, the legal profession and more.
Black Panther Bobby Rush, left, and Panther attorney Kermit Coleman at a news conference, circa May 1970. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Tribune / Carl Hugare.
Kermit Coleman Biography
Kermit Coleman served as general counsel for the Afro‐Americap Police League and as co‐director of the Cook County Bar Association Free Legal Clinic and director of the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation.
In 1968, Mr. Coleman became the first Black staff lawyer of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois (ACLU) and served as director of the ACLU’s Ghetto Project. During his tenure with the ACLU, Mr. Coleman took on more than 600 civil rights cases.
That same year, Mr. Coleman represented survivors of two members of the Black Panther Party killed in a police raid, including then Black Panther member and later congressman, Bobby Rush.
The survivors filed a $47.7 million civil damage claim against the city of Chicago that was dismissed by a Federal district judge on April 16, 1977.
In 1972, Mr. Coleman also served as general counsel for the congressional Blue Ribbon Panel on misuse of police authority in Chicago. He was also instrumental in advocating for Blacks to join the Chicago police department.
Mr. Coleman was born in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Mr. Coleman received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his juris doctorate from the John Marshall Law School, graduating with honors. In 1972, the University of Chicago bestowed Mr. Coleman the distinguished alumni award for public service.
“When ghetto residents face the awesome weight of what’s called justice in America ... the accused’s first words are likely to be ‘Get Kermit’.”
Unlock your path to a legal career.
In honor of Kermit Coleman's legacy, the Carradine-Coleman Foundation supports aspiring lawyers from underserved backgrounds.
Our fund covers a range of expenses associated with the law school application process, including LSAT fees, LSAT prep courses, application fees, credential assembly service fees, and law school interview costs.
Financial barriers should never hinder someone's ability to pursue their passion for law and advocacy. By alleviating the financial burden of applying to law school, we empower disadvantaged students to pursue their dreams and contribute to advancing justice in our society.
Join us in honoring Kermit Coleman's legacy and empowering the next generation of legal advocates. Together, we can create a future where opportunity knows no bounds, and justice is accessible to all.
Contact us today and embark on your journey to make a difference.