Demetrius D. Shelton was named 68th president of the National Bar Association (NBA) at the organization’s annual convention Aug. 12.
In his inaugural address, Shelton stated that one of his goals was to “expand the pipeline into the legal field” for minorities.
“We will build up the pool of leaders, future Supreme Court nominees and future members of the NBA who will help us to maintain our rightful place as the conscious of the nation,” he said.
Since 1998, Shelton has served on the NBA’s board of directors. Prior to becoming president, he served as vice president of the NBA over regions and affiliates. He has also previously served the association as special advisor to the president, board member-at-large, member of the executive committee, regional (IX) director, sergeant at arms and chair of the government lawyers division. In 2005-2006, he also served as vice president of the California State Bar Association.
Shelton currently works as an administrative hearing officer in Oakland, Calif. in addition to running his own law practice there as well. In 2003, he became the first African-American named to represent the 3rd district for the state bar.
Among the awards Shelton has received are 2008 Bar Leader of the Year by the State Bar of California, the Alameda County Bar Association’s 2008 Distinguished Service Award, the Charles Houston Bar Association’s Clinton White Advocacy Award and in 2007 named one of the “101+ Men Making a Difference in Our Community” by Black Expo. Ltd. In the 50th Anniversary Issue of Ebony magazine he was named as one of the 30 leaders of the future for his many contributions to the community.