[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE LAWRENCE M. LAWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of the Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson and congratulate him 
on his recent retirement as Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge. Judge 
Lawson has served honorably, breaking barriers and serving as an 
example for younger generations.
  Judge Lawson received his undergraduate degree at Bowie State College 
(now Bowie State University) and his Juris Doctor from The Catholic 
University of America Columbus School of Law. Prior to enrolling at The 
Catholic University, Judge Lawson completed the Council in Legal 
Education Opportunity (CLEO) Program and earned a 3-year scholarship 
for law school.
  Judge Lawson's judicial experience began after he graduated from law 
school. In 1972, he worked as a law clerk for the late Honorable Thomas 
L. Yaccarino in Monmouth County, and was the first black law clerk to 
work in the Freehold court house. He was nominated as a Monmouth County 
judge by Governor Tom Kean in 1987 and was appointed to Assignment 
Judge on April 15, 1993, serving as the first black assignment judge. 
Early in his career, Judge Lawson served in the Civil Division and the 
Criminal Division, eventually serving as the Presiding Judge of the 
Criminal Division. With this assignment, Judge Lawson became the first 
black judge of a division of the court system. Judge Lawson retired as 
Assignment Judge on September 1, 2014.
  In addition to his judicial service, Judge Lawson worked for the New 
Jersey Department of Community Affairs State Office of Legal Services, 
held a general law practice in Asbury Park for 12 years, worked as the 
Asbury Park Municipal Prosecutor, the Neptune Township Board of 
Adjustment Attorney and served as a delegate at the 1980 Democratic 
National Convention and the 1984 Democratic National Convention for Ted 
Kennedy and Walter Mondale, respectively. Judge Lawson also served on 
the Neptune Township committee and was elected mayor in 1984, serving 
as the first black mayor of the township.
  Judge Lawson is also an active member of his community. He has 
coached a midnight basketball team, volunteered as a mentor at Second 
Baptist Church and worked with the United Fellowship men's program. 
Through his background and community outreach, Judge Lawson has 
motivated the community's youth to strive for success.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the Honorable Lawrence Lawson on his retirement and 
thanking him for his service. Judge Lawson dedicated nearly 30 years to 
the bench and his contributions and achievements are truly deserving of 
this body's recognition.

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