WASHINGTON, D.C.— January 17, 2025 —Relman Colfax PLLC, a leading civil rights law firm known for its innovative civil rights work, is pleased to announce a transition in leadership. John Relman, the firm’s founder, will step down after 25 years as Managing Partner and turn the reins over to a Management Committee composed of three partners in the firm. John will continue to practice as a Partner at the Firm and contribute to Relman Colfax’s unwavering commitment to fostering justice, equality, and innovation in the firm’s mission-driven work.
Since its inception in 1999, Relman Colfax has established itself as a trusted leader in civil rights advocacy, having achieved monumental victories in fair housing, fair lending, public accommodations, equal employment, and broader anti-discrimination efforts. As the firm grew from four individuals to more than forty lawyers, paralegals and staff, John Relman demonstrated that it was possible to blend the efficiencies of a highly disciplined private law firm with an unmistakable social justice mission.
“My hope in founding Relman Colfax was to create a civil rights law firm built on a shared and unshakeable commitment to justice, unparalleled legal expertise, and a commitment to the communities we serve. I am proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing the firm continue to lead, evolve, and innovate in the pursuit of equity under the talented and committed leadership of the new Management Committee,” said John Relman.
Under his visionary leadership, the firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements in landmark discrimination lawsuits and set a new standard for excellence in civil rights litigation. John Relman’s impact on the legal community and civil rights advocacy is immeasurable. He will remain deeply engaged with the firm, representing clients and mentoring a new generation of attorneys.
The firm is delighted to announce that, effective January 1, 2025, the firm is now led by Co-Managing Partners Reed Colfax, Tara Ramchandani, and Stephen Hayes. Their diverse perspectives and commitment to collaboration will ensure that the firm’s creative approach to civil rights advocacy will continue into its next chapter.
- Reed Colfax has played a leadership role in the Firm’s litigation practice since he joined Relman Colfax in 2004 and has obtained some of the country’s most significant results in housing, public accommodations, and employment discrimination cases through trials, settlements, and appeals.
- Tara Ramchandani joined the firm in 2010 and is one of the firm’s most experienced trial lawyers, having achieved landmark jury verdicts throughout the country. She has built a reputation for successfully combating predatory practices and discrimination in housing, lending, and public accommodations.
- Stephen Hayes leads the firm’s civil rights counseling practice, with a focus on advising institutions, nonprofits, and government entities on fair lending, fair housing, and consumer protection, and assisting with the development of programs designed to increase responsible access to credit and housing for underserved communities.
These Co-Managing Partners bring a wealth of experience, vision, and a steadfast commitment to the fight for equality. “We are profoundly grateful for John’s unparalleled contributions in advancing civil rights and building a firm rooted in justice,” the new leadership team shared in a joint statement. “We are honored to carry forward this legacy and to lead a firm that remains a beacon for fairness, progress, and accountability.”
About Relman Colfax
Relman Colfax PLLC is a preeminent civil rights law firm based in Washington, D.C. Since 1999, the firm has been devoted to advancing equality and justice through litigation, counseling, and advocacy. With a track record of historic victories, Relman Colfax is dedicated to representing individuals, nonprofits, progressive companies, and communities in the fight against discrimination.
For more information, please visit www.relmanlaw.com.