Lawrence Williamson Jr., the lawyer representing female and black officers in discrimination allegations against the Wichita [KA] Police Department, is 27 and little more than a year out of law school.
But already he has taken on City Hall, rejected an offer to join a top local law firm, opened his own law office and earned an acquittal for a white supremacist.
Bearded, pensive and enthusiastic about the law, Williamson -- one of the city's few African-American lawyers -- gained attention three weeks ago when he filed a lawsuit against the Police Department on behalf of four female officers. They are alleging sexual harassment, as well as unequal treatment in pay, assignments and promotions.Two weeks later, he created more headlines when he announced he also was representing 30 to 40 black police officers alleging discrimination. Their charges include racial slurs, a lack of backup from white officers during calls and a lack of promotions. . . .
Dan Monnat, one of the city's most respected criminal defense lawyers, said Williamson is not afraid to take on a high-profile case.
"He's a very smart, absolutely up-to-date, aggressive young lawyer," Monnat said. "He has very impressive academic credentials. He was very well respected by his law school professor. That's why I knew that when he filed that lawsuit, it was filed by somebody who knew what they were doing."
Details here from The Wichita Eagle.