Speaker Don Scott Receives Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award from the American Association for Justice
Speaker Don Scott Receives Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award from the American Association for Justice
RICHMOND, VA – Today, the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Minority Caucus presented Virginia House Speaker Don Scott with the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award during its annual convention.
The award, established in 1997, honors attorneys of color who have overcome significant adversity, demonstrated professional excellence, and opened doors for others in the legal field. Speaker Scott joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including U.S. Congressman James Clyburn and the late Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Soaring Eagle Award from the American Association for Justice,” said Speaker Don Scott. “I became a lawyer to fight for people who’ve been counted out and overlooked. Like Johnnie Cochran, I believe the courtroom should be a place where truth matters, where justice is earned, and where every client—no matter their background—deserves someone in their corner. I’m proud to stand with AAJ in the fight to make our legal system more fair, more just, and more accessible for everyone.”
Speaker Don Scott began his legal career after studying for and passing the Virginia Bar Exam while working full-time. In 2015, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by founding the Law Office of Don Scott, PLLC, where he went on to represent thousands of clients in matters ranging from personal injury and civil rights to criminal defense. Today, he is a partner at Breit Biniazan, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, where he has successfully secured multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of his clients.
Speaker Don Scott made history in January 2024 when he was elected the 57th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates—the first Black Speaker in the Commonwealth’s 405-year legislative history. A U.S. Navy veteran, attorney, and Speaker Scott has championed legislation to strengthen Virginia’s economy, expand access to health care, reform the criminal justice system, and protect fundamental freedoms.
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