Candidate's Statement:

After much prayer and consultation with esteemed brothers whose opinions matter deeply to me, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the office of International General Counsel

DONALD AQUINAS LANCASTER, JR.

A NEW VISION FOR THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNSEL:

PROTECTING THE BROTHERHOOD, THE BRAND AND SIGMA

PROTECTING THE Σ BROTHERHOOD

Establish an International Sigma Response team to assist ungraduates facing IX discipline proceedings
Advise alumni chapters to properly form corporate entities for compliant chapter management
Develop an International Sigma Legal Resource Directory
Professional legal mentorship for Program Sigma Undergraduates, and Law Students

PROTECTING THE Σ BRAND

Address misuse or abuse the Phi Beta Sigma Brand Standards
Ensure Copyright and Trademark Protections for
Phi Beta Sigma Intellectual Property
Strengthen Licensing
Requirements for Brand use `

PROTECTING Σ

Select suitable counsel that values D9 culture
Manage and mitigate litigation costs
Institute arbitration, indemnification and expulsion policies at the constitutional level
Ensuring the effective execution of IHQ’s Tax Credit Project

With a proven track record of navigating complex legal landscapes, I am eager to bring my expertise to our organization and safely advance our commitment to brotherhood, scholarship and service.

The legal challenges ahead for Phi Beta Sigma are unprecedented and require the legal acumen of a seasoned jurist. I am ready to rise to the occasion, leveraging the experience of my 30+ year career in law, managing intricate legal matters and ensuring regulatory compliance. Throughout my career, I have tackled complex legal issues head-on, exercising forward-thinking jurisprudence. These experiences have honed my ability to craft innovative solutions and guide organizations through evolving legal landscapes.

Phi Beta Sigma stands at a critical juncture where strategic legal guidance will be vital. The fraternity’s mission of empowering communities and fostering educational excellence aligns perfectly with my professional values. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Phi Beta Sigma’s legacy of excellence by ensuring that our legal framework supports and advances the fraternity’s goals amidst new and ever-changing challenges.

The Lancaster Law Group, APC | Alameda, CA Jan. 2009 – Present

Managing Partner

The Lancaster Law Group, APC | Alameda, CA Jan. 2009 – Present

Σ: Managing Partner

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) | Los Angeles, CA Apr. 2005 – Jul. 2009

Σ Government Affairs Manager/Special Assistant to the Regional Development Manager

– Facilities Services Division

City of Los Angeles-The Great Ninth District | Los Angeles, CA Sept. 2001 – Apr. 2005

Σ Planning Deputy/District Director

Fortieth Senatorial District | La Mesa, CA Mar. 1995 – Mar. 1998

Oct. 1999 – Mar. 2000

Fortieth Senatorial District | La Mesa, CA Mar. 1995 –Mar. 2000

Σ: District Representative

Mt. San Jacinto College | Hemet, CA Sept. 2020 –Present

Adjunct Professor of Paralegal Studies

East Los Angeles College | Monterey Park, CA Jan. 2002 –Jan. 2017

Adjunct Professor of Political Science

On A Personal Level

Donald Aquinas Lancaster, Jr., MPA, Esq.

A California native, Brother Lancaster is an alumnus of San Diego State University (“SDSU”) and pledge Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Lambda Iota Chapter Spring 1991.

Brother Lancaster graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice Administration as well as Master of Science in Public Administration. Brother Lancaster also graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California and, while in his third year of law school published The Alchemy and Legacy of the United States of America’s Sanction of Slavery and Segregation: A Property Law and Equitable Remedy Analysis of African American Reparations, 43-2 How. L.J. 171 (2000) in the Howard Law Journal.

Donald commenced his career working for the California State Senate, the Los Angeles City Council and the Los Angeles Unified School District. He opened his law firm, The Lancaster Law Group, in January 20^th, 2009.

Publications

The Alchemy and Legacy of the United States of America’s Sanction of Slavery and Segregation: A Property Law and Equitable Remedy Analysis of African American Reparations, 43-2 How. L.J. 171 (2000)

Professional Licenses