Prominent N.J. attorney, civil-rights leader Ray Brown dies at age 94
Ray Brown's client list reads like a Who’s Who of historical New Jersey figures: Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Mario “Dr. X” Jascalevich, bookmaker Joseph ”News boy’’ Moriarty and cop-killer Joanne Chesimard.
During a 59-year law career that began with a defense of civil rights workers and progressed to include some of New Jersey’s highest profile cases, Brown became known for his unflagging work ethic and dominating courtroom presence. He also inspired a generation of African-American attorneys.
“He was not just a great lawyer, but a great man and a great leader,” said his son and law partner Ray Brown Jr.
Brown, of Montclair, died Friday from pulmonary disease. He was 94.
According to his family and the lawyers that worked with him, Brown’s high-profile cases were only one aspect of a pioneering legal career that was consistently fueled by a desire to defend the defenseless.
“He represented so many ordinary people,” his son said, “People who were drug addicts, people who were down on their luck, people who had done dumb things.”
Born in 1915, Brown moved from Florida with his parents and grew up in Jersey City. After fighting in World War II, he became one of the first black officers in President Truman’s desegregated army. When he retired from the National Guard in the 1970s he had reached the full rank of colonel.
After returning from the war, Brown used the G.I. Bill to attend Fordham Law School while working a dock job during the day. Unable to find a sponsor after law school, Brown was given a clerkship by Jersey City lawyer Ray Chasen, and was one of few African Americans to be admitted to the state bar in 1950.
From that time on, Brown never shrank from a fight, his family and friends said....
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During a 59-year law career that began with a defense of civil rights workers and progressed to include some of New Jersey’s highest profile cases, Brown became known for his unflagging work ethic and dominating courtroom presence. He also inspired a generation of African-American attorneys.
“He was not just a great lawyer, but a great man and a great leader,” said his son and law partner Ray Brown Jr.
Brown, of Montclair, died Friday from pulmonary disease. He was 94.
According to his family and the lawyers that worked with him, Brown’s high-profile cases were only one aspect of a pioneering legal career that was consistently fueled by a desire to defend the defenseless.
“He represented so many ordinary people,” his son said, “People who were drug addicts, people who were down on their luck, people who had done dumb things.”
Born in 1915, Brown moved from Florida with his parents and grew up in Jersey City. After fighting in World War II, he became one of the first black officers in President Truman’s desegregated army. When he retired from the National Guard in the 1970s he had reached the full rank of colonel.
After returning from the war, Brown used the G.I. Bill to attend Fordham Law School while working a dock job during the day. Unable to find a sponsor after law school, Brown was given a clerkship by Jersey City lawyer Ray Chasen, and was one of few African Americans to be admitted to the state bar in 1950.
From that time on, Brown never shrank from a fight, his family and friends said....