A Strong, Determined Voice for Balancing the Odds

The second generation of lawyers, committed to making a difference in the lives of African Americans in the Dallas area, Civil Rights Attorney Louis A. Bedford, IV focuses his practice in the areas of Election Law and Voting Rights Law.

Having come up under the tutelage of his father, Louis A. Bedford Ill, and grandfather, Judge Louis A. Bedford II, Louis A. Bedford IV “knows the scales of justice tip in favor of those with power and influence, and he has committed himself to use his knowledge to balance the odds.” He describes himself as “a dedicated advocate who understands that the key to having a true representative democracy is making sure that the people are empowered with the information they need to have control over their own lives, but also making sure people have a voice in a system that actively tries to keep [them] voiceless.”

Because he believes that “poverty and disenfranchisement have crippling and truly traumatic impacts on people who have to endure,” Attorney Louis A Bedford IV “works to bring communities and groups together, as he believes solidarity and community can create a revolutionary change to the world around us.”

Those who work with Louis see his tireless dedication and his desire to do as much as he possibly can to help those around him. Louis’s background as a caregiver has informed how he operates and interacts with the world, and he brings that perspective with him to every case and task.

Louis received his B.S. degree from New York University, and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Before coming to work for the law offices of West & Associates, L.L.P., he worked for the Illinois Collaboration of Youth (2018-2019), an institution that promotes the safety, health, and economic success of Illinois’ children, youth, and families by supporting and strengthening the organizations and systems that serve them. From 2019 – 2020, he worked for the Texas Civil Right Project, a group consisting of” … Texas lawyers and advocates for Texas communities, boldly serving the movement for equality and justice in and out of the courts…[who] envision a Texas where all communities thrive with dignity and justice, and without fear.”

In an interview with the Dallas Examiner, Attorney Bedford stated that “despite the 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments in effect, voter suppression has been an instrument to keep disenfranchised groups from having a voice. For instance, during the times of Jim Crow laws, there were acts of violence, literacy tests, property tests, the grandfather clause, voter roll purges, felony disenfranchisement and poll taxes.”

He warned that “Even though a lot of these may seem as though they are remnants of the past, unfortunately – unfortunately, a lot of them are very much present today.” He further explained, “That is the true history of this country and in order for us to move forward, we have to confront the demons of our past if we want to make sure that we are able to have a more equitable and just society.”

Attorney Bedford is affiliated with African American Lawyers, Individual Rights and Responsibilities, JL. Turner Legal Association, and New Leaders Council-2021 Dallas Chapter.

Because of his strong, determined voice for those who would be denied their most sacred right to vote, we recognize Civil Rights Attorney Louis A. Bedford IV as A Hero of Black Resistance, working to balance the odds.

DALLAS, TX – West & Associates, L.L.P. welcomes Twana W. Allen to the firm as a Partner in its Dallas office. The addition of Twana is a part of the firm’s ongoing growth and commitment to the development of the office. She will be leading the family law section for the firm, which will include custody and divorce matters, as well as adoptions. Allen is also a court-appointed advocate for children in the family courts, and a certified mediator.

“We are pleased to include Ms. Allen in the practice,” said Firm Managing Partner, Royce West. “She is a talented attorney, who will strengthen our firm and provide valuable skills to our clients.”

Twana earned her Juris Doctor degree, in 2001 from Oklahoma City University School of Law. She graduated in 1993 from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Allen is licensed to practice in the State of Texas and the United States District Court-Northern District of Texas and the United States Bankruptcy Court-Northern District of Texas.

She is a member of several professional and civic associations and organizations, including: the State Bar of Texas, Family Law and Computer and Technology Sections; Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section; JL Turner Legal Association; National Association of Counsel for Children, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Volunteer Attorney; Bell Tower Scholarship, Inc. Treasurer; UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter.

Allen believes that clients who need legal representation for family law matters are often experiencing one of the most emotional and life-altering experiences of their lives. “My primary role”, says Allen, “is to decrease the client’s anxiety about what they’re going through. It’s my job to counsel them on the law so they can navigate through the difficult decisions. Sometimes, clients also need a fighter, which means I carry a shield and sword.”

Texas State Representative and West & Associates attorney Nicole Collier recently appeared on the Texas Tribune’s Point of Order podcast. Representative Collier is currently serving a second term as Chairwoman of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and was recently chosen to lead the Black Caucus. She and host Evan Smith share a wide-ranging discussion, touching on topics such as police reforms stemming from the murder of George Floyd, bail reform, public safety funding, marijuana laws, and what the Texas Legislature can realistically get done in the coming months. You can listen to the interview here.