Paul C. Perkins Bar Association
About Paul C. Perkins Bar Association
Named in honor of pioneering civil rights attorney Paul C. Perkins, Sr., the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association represents over four decades of commitment to justice and community service in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1981 as the Orlando Chapter of the National Bar Association, the organization was renamed in 1986 to honor Perkins, who became Orlando's second African American attorney in 1951 and served as the city's first African American City Prosecutor. Perkins' legacy of advocacy—including his work alongside Thurgood Marshall on landmark civil rights cases—continues to inspire PCPBA's mission today. The association serves as a vital bridge between the legal profession and the Central Florida community, particularly the African American population. PCPBA is dedicated to actively promoting diversity within leadership roles in the legal field while educating residents about their rights within the legal system. The organization values professional development, meaningful camaraderie among members, and genuine service to the community. Through youth outreach, law student mentorship, scholarships, and social engagement, PCPBA creates pathways for the next generation of African American legal professionals. The association also champions legal reform and systemic improvements that advance justice. By maintaining Perkins' vision of civil rights advocacy and community stewardship, PCPBA continues to serve as a beacon of professional excellence and social responsibility in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.