OUR HISTORY
The law firm known today as Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt was founded in the city of Los Angeles in 1943 with the establishment of the law office of Earl C. Broady, Sr. Earl C. Broady's impressive legal career included opening historically closed doors such as being the first African American to serve in the Los Angeles District Attorney's office in top level management. In 1965, Earl C. Broady was appointed as a judge to the Superior Court. Judge Broady was known as a man of great strength and character; two qualities which helped create the foundation for the continued growth, transition and success of the firm.
The firm's tradition and commitment to the community continued with the addition of Washington University Law School graduate Charles R. Scarlett who joined the firm in 1953 and expanded the areas of practice with Family Law and General Litigation. Charles Scarlett's litigation experience and no nonsense approach to handling cases propelled the firm's reputation as providers of outstanding legal services. Moreover, when USC Law School graduate Robert L. Roberson, Jr. joined the firm in 1962 and helped entrench the firm's reputation as a top criminal defense and civil litigation firm. After Judge Broady accepted his appointment, the law firm of Scarlett & Roberson was born.
Two new additions to the law firm of Scarlett & Roberson would prove to be the most valuable investments for the firm. Rickey Ivie, UCLA Law School graduate began working at the firm and quickly embraced the tradition of hard work and commitment to excellence. Robert H. McNeill, Jr., Southwestern School of Law graduate, brought his experience as a former City Attorney, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, and Los Angeles County Deputy County Assessor to the firm which added to the firm's depth of knowledge and areas of practice.
After both Charles R. Scarlett and Robert L. Roberson, Jr. were appointed as Superior Court judges they passed the firm legacy to Rickey Ivie and Robert H. McNeill, Jr., and the firm name was changed to Ivie & McNeill. The firm continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to integrity and service to the community. Their hard work ethic and commitment to quality service were further enhanced when W. Keith Wyatt, UCLA graduate and former associate in the Greater Watts Criminal Justice Center, joined the firm. W. Keith Wyatt later became a partner in the firm which resulted in the firm we know today as Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt.
Throughout the growth of the firm, a desire to obtain justice for our clients has been our mission. Success, strength, and efficiency define our legacy. Dedication to client service continues to lead our firm and shape our future.
Timeline
1943
- Earl C. Broady, Sr., former Lieutenant of L.A.P.D., becomes an attorney and establishes Law Office of Earl C. Broady
1953
- Charles R. Scarlett joins the firm
1962
- Robert L. Roberson joins the firm
1965
- Earl C. Broady, Sr. is hand selected and appointed Superior Court judge
1965
- Robert L. Roberson becomes partner
- Firm name changed to Law Offices of Scarlett & Roberson
1976
- Robert L. Roberson establishes California Association of Black Lawyers and the Minority Bar Association
- Robert L. Roberson becomes president of Langston Bar Association
1977
- Rickey Ivie joins the firm
1979
- Robert L. Roberson, Jr. appointed as Superior Court judge
1979
- Robert H. McNeill, Jr., former City Attorney, joins the firm
1980
- Charles R. Scarlett appointed as Superior Court judge
1980
- Firm name changed to Ivie & McNeill
1981
- W. Keith Wyatt joins the firm
1986
- W. Keith Wyatt becomes partner
1986
- Eulanda L. Matthews joins the firm
1991
- Firm name changed to Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt
- Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt move to downtown Los Angeles
- Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt ranked 48th largest law firm in Los Angeles
1994
- Byron Michael Purcell joins the firm
- Rupert Byrdsong joins the firm
1995
- Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt change the law with a landmark $14 million dollar
class action sex discrimination lawsuit against major health insurance
carrier
2000
- Eulanda L. Matthews becomes partner in firm
- Byron Michael Purcell becomes partner in firm
- Rupert Byrdsong becomes partner in firm
2000
- Eulanda L. Matthews elected president of Black Women Lawyers
2002
- Eulanda L. Matthews elected president of California Association of Black Lawyers
2005
- Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt celebrates it's 25th anniversary
2005
- Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt receive the Minority Owned Law Firm Client Service Award from the Corporate Minority Counsel Program for demonstration of outstanding client service
- Eulanda L. Matthews elected president of Langston Bar Association
2005
- Rupert Byrdsong elected president of Langston Bar Association
- Rupert Byrdsong recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Star for 3 consecutive years (2005- 2008)
2006
- Robert H. McNeill, Jr. nominated as Top 100 Lawyers in California
