Jackson Walker partner Chevazz G. Brown has been selected by representatives from the Houston Bar Association’s Diversity & Inclusion, LGBTQ+, and Gender Fairness committees as one of two recipients of the 2021 HBA Diversity Award in the Individual Category. The second recipient is the Hon. Ravi K. Sandill.
Chevazz and Ravi were recognized at the HBA Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s Summer Associate Virtual Luncheon on Tuesday, June 22.
During the luncheon, 2020-21 HBA President Bill Kroger said, “We created the HBA Diversity Awards in 2020 to recognize outstanding achievements by law firms, by corporate law departments, and by individuals in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession and the community. Chevazz has dedicated his career to protecting and advocating for diverse lawyers, improving diversity in the legal profession, and passing along lessons he has learned on his journey. I have known Chevazz for a number of years, he is a first-rate individual, and we are very proud of him.”
Over the course of his career, Chevazz has taken an active role in elevating diversity in the legal profession through his work with the HBA and Jackson Walker’s Diversity, Recruiting, and Mentorship committees. Within the Houston legal community, he has co-chaired the HBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee—formerly known as the Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession Committee (MOILP)—the Juvenile Consequences Partnership Committee, the Communities in Schools Committee, and the Fun Run Committee. He also co-founded in 2017 the Coalition of Houston Diverse Bar Associations, an organization dedicated to encouraging better coordination among the seven affinity bar associations and advancing the cause of diversity and inclusion in the Houston area. Beyond the Houston community, Chevazz founded DiversePro, a nationwide community focused lawyer directory that helps legal consumers find top diverse lawyers who have specific cultures, speak specific languages, and who have had unique life experiences.
Chevazz also has been active at his law school alma mater, Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL), one of the most diverse law schools in the country with a proud legacy as a historically black institution. He frequently speaks and mentors students and has held leadership positions on numerous committees at the school, including as a member of the Alumni Association and a co-chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Professional Identity. In 2017 and in subsequent years, he helped organize and implement TMSL corporate counsel alumni networking reception.
In recognition of his commitment to service, Chevazz was honored with the Texas Minority Council Program’s Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2019 and with the HBA President’s Award and the National Diversity Council’s Top 50 Multicultural Lawyers Award in 2017.
Jackson Walker proudly celebrates Chevazz’s contributions and his sense of purpose both in his legal career and in his community involvement. To explore the impact of attorneys like Chevazz who dedicate their time and resources to serve the community, visit our Diversity & Inclusion page.
