In June 1964, Julius L. Chambers opened the first integrated law practice in Charlotte, in a cold-water walk-up on East Trade Street. A legal trailblazer, Chambers graduated first in his class from UNC School of Law and became the school’s first Black editor-in-chief of the Law Review.

Alongside partners James E. Ferguson II and Adam Stein, and often working with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Chambers dedicated his practice to serving Black communities and challenging racial injustice. His work helped shape landmark cases like Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Griggs v. Duke Power and Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody – decisions that transformed public education and employment rights across the nation.

Despite facing unimaginable violence, including the bombing and burning of his home and law office, Chambers never wavered. His legacy is one of service, courage and conviction.

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