Lillian
Johnson
Nominated by Sharon Sergent on behalf of Community Legal Services (AZ)
"Lillian O. Johnson was born and raised in Oklahoma. She took her first steps towards her life-long dream of becoming a champion for justice as an attorney when she graduated from Howard University and received her law degree from the University of Chicago. During her time at law school, Lillian demonstrated her determination to work with legal aid. Although not selected initially, Lillian showed up on the first day to intern at the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic. This was an opportunity she would not let bypass her. Her commitment and take charge efforts paid off and she joined the clinic.
After graduation in 1975, Lillian became a staff attorney and managing attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago. There, she learned not only how to advocate effectively for those she served, but also for those with whom she worked. Lillian rounded out this experience as assistant to the director/regional training coordinator of the Chicago Regional Office of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). At LSC, Lillian promoted the delivery of legal services programs and participated in activities to promote the provision of technical assistance to legal services programs.
In 1982, she accepted the position of executive director of Community Legal Services (CLS) in Arizona. Lillian did not rest on her laurels. She led CLS’s expansion and innovation of legal services to Arizona communities. Lillian promoted the use of technology to support advocates and better serve applicants and clients.
Lillian served on many boards, including the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, the National Equal Justice Library and was the liaison to the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants. She tirelessly advocated to ensure the client voice was heard and acted upon on the local and national level. Lillian strongly believes that legal aid programs must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. She put that into action by becoming a founding member of the African American Project Directors Association (AAPDA). Through AAPDA and legal services generally, Lillian has recruited and mentors Executive Directors. She is a trusted sounding board and never fails to give kind, straightforward feedback.
Lillian has received many honors over her storied career. In 2011, Lillian was honored as a White House Champion of Change as part of President Barack Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative; wherein they highlighted her everlasting commitment to access to justice throughout her career. In 2022, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education established the Lillian Johnson Career Achievement Award presented to advocates who have spent much of their career dedicated to access to justice. The award recognizes advocates who have impacted not only individual clients in need, but also the system of justice.
After 40 years leading CLS through victories and challenges, Lillian retired as the executive director. She remains an ardent defender of the rights of individuals and families with low incomes and continues to support the fight for access to justice in Arizona and nationally. Lillian’s commitment to legal services and those we serve is unsurpassed."
