The First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce the election of two California attorneys to its board of directors. Carl Douglas of Los Angeles and Abenicio Cisneros of Oakland, both lawyers in private practice, join the nonprofit’s board, made up of fellow leaders in business, law and journalism.
“Carl and Abenicio are joining FAC at a crucial time as we continue to expand our impact across California, and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have their expertise and energy as FAC continues to grow to meet new challenges,” said FAC Executive Director David Snyder.
Carl Douglas, of Douglas / Hicks Law, has practiced for more than four decades. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including personal injury and civil rights cases, and he currently represents numerous families across the country in brutality or wrongful death cases against law enforcement. Before opening his own practice, Douglas was the managing attorney at the Law Offices of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., where he coordinated O.J. Simpson’s defense. He started his career in government service, working first with the Federal Communications Commission and then as a federal public defender in L.A. Douglas earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law.
Abenicio Cisneros, of the Law Office of Abenicio Cisneros, is an attorney in private practice with a focus on litigating to advance government transparency under the California Public Records Act. He has represented clients – including activists, journalists, attorneys, whistleblowers, and major media companies – in counties across the state and practices at both the superior and appellate court levels. He has conducted trainings for organizations on how to use the Public Records Act as part of their advocacy and advises at an open records clinic at UC Hastings School of Law. Cisneros obtained his law degree from UC Davis School of Law.
ABOUT FAC
The First Amendment Coalition protects and promotes a free press, freedom of expression and the people’s right to know. Nonpartisan and nonprofit, FAC believes that the broadest range of engaged and informed communities is essential to the health of our democracy – that the values expressed by the First Amendment provide a blueprint for an inclusive, equitable society and a responsive, accountable government. To that end, FAC educates, advocates and litigates to advance government transparency and First Amendment protections for all.
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