The Ground-breaking Life and Career of Big Law's First Black Chair

In 1974, a Harvard Law School grad named John W. Daniels, Jr., returned to his hometown of Milwaukee to join one of the city’s largest law firms, Quarles & Brady. He was the firm’s first Black lawyer in its nearly 100-year history. Thirty-two years later, in 2006, Daniels became the firm’s leader and is widely-regarded by legal industry observers to be the first Black chair of an Am Law 200 firm.
In this video, John Daniels reflects on his ground-breaking life and career. From attending a segregated school as a child, to becoming one of the legal industry’s top real estate lawyers and the country’s first Black chair of a major law firm, to being a civic leader focused on providing education and opportunity for young Black men. He talks about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and in society at large.

[@davekern2759]

I was privileged to work with John throughout my entire 38 year career at Q&B. He was an inspiring leader and one of the brightest and most effective lawyers I worked with. This is a wonderful and well-deserved tribute to John.

[@barelynotmonkeysproduction7510]

Excellent. Thank you Mr. Daniels for your all hard work. Great short doc.

[@reginaldtucker6366]

Truly inspiring. This is how one person can have an individual impact that has a multiplier effect.