Floyd Skinner
Bar Association

The FSBA was founded in 1984 by African‑American attorneys in Grand Rapids.  It was named in honor of Floyd Skinner, a local attorney and Grand Rapids civil rights leader, with the goal of continuing his legacy of social justice, legal advocacy, and support for Black lawyers in West Michigan. Today, the FSBA focuses on creating a professional community for Black legal practitioners, including mentorship, networking, and supporting younger attorneys and law students.  One of its signature programs is the “Minority Clerkship Program,” which connects law students of color with internships or clerkship opportunities in law firms and corporate legal offices across West Michigan. FSBA also hosts an annual reception to highlight member accomplishments and present scholarship awards to current law students who hope to practice in West Michigan. By focusing on these pipelines (clerkships), mentorship, community, and recognition (scholarships, awards), FSBA addresses structural barriers that have historically prevented equal access and representation in the legal profession.