Bio
Attorney · Civil Rights Advocate · Community Leader
Waukeen Q. McCoy
A Legacy of Justice & Leadership
Landmark litigation, decades of public service, and a lasting commitment to civil rights.
September 10, 2026 · San Francisco, California
Honors & Recognition
Waukeen Q. McCoy was honored as a 2026 Sun-Reporter Changemaker and received two Certificates of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco, recognizing his decades of leadership in civil rights, employment law, and service to the community.
Certificate of Honor — Mayor Daniel Lurie
City and County of San Francisco · September 10, 2026
Certificate of Honor — Board of Supervisors
Presented by Supervisor Shamann Walton · September 10, 2026
Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Certificate of Honor recognizes McCoy’s extraordinary legal career, commitment to civil rights, and lasting contributions to San Francisco and communities throughout California. It highlights his advocacy before the California Supreme Court and his leadership as founder and longtime President and CEO of The McCoy Law Firm.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Certificate of Honor, signed by Supervisor Shamann Walton, celebrates McCoy’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to strengthening Bay Area communities through equity, opportunity, and public service.
These recognitions add to a history of honors that includes the Bayard Rustin Coalition’s Champions of Justice and Equality Award, a Lawyer of the Year nomination from the Charles Houston Bar Association, and the City’s proclamation of September 1 as Waukeen McCoy Day in 2000.
Landmark Civil Rights Cases
Napa Valley Wine Train — #LaughingWhileBlack
2015–2016 · Settled, $11 million sought
McCoy represented eleven women of the “Sistahs on the Reading Edge” book club after they were removed from the Napa Valley Wine Train and falsely accused of disruptive behavior. The case drew national coverage from the New York Times, USA Today, and The Guardian, and became a widely cited example of racial profiling in hospitality.
CrossFit, Inc. — Transgender Athlete Rights
2014 · Discrimination suit, $2.5 million sought
McCoy represented Chloie Jonsson, a transgender athlete barred from competing in the women’s division of the CrossFit Games. The case, covered by CNN, NBC, and Fox News, pushed for transgender athletes to compete under the gender they legally and medically identify with.
B. Scott v. BET/Viacom — Gender Expression Discrimination
2013–2015 · Settled
McCoy represented media personality B. Scott in a discrimination suit against BET after the network forced a wardrobe change during a televised red carpet event. The case was resolved through a settlement in 2015 following national media attention.
In re Marriage Cases
2008 · California Supreme Court
McCoy argued before the California Supreme Court in the landmark case that led to California becoming the second state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.
Wonder Bread Discrimination Verdict
2000 · $132 million jury verdict
McCoy was part of the legal team that secured one of the largest discrimination verdicts in U.S. history against the parent company of Wonder Bread, on behalf of Black employees who faced racial discrimination.
Biography & Career
Waukeen Q. McCoy serves on the Board of Trustees at UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), bringing decades of legal experience, business leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice.
A native of Tatum, Texas, McCoy graduated from Tatum High School before earning his B.A. in Political Science from San Francisco State University in 1988. He received his J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law in 1992.
McCoy’s legal career began with early roles at Mullen & Filipi and as a law clerk for Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. He also served as a procedural motions deputy clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, under Judges Joseph T. Sneed and James Browning.
In 1993, McCoy founded The McCoy Law Firm in San Francisco, where he continues to serve as President and CEO. The firm has earned national recognition for employment and civil rights litigation. In In re Marriage Cases (2008), McCoy argued before the California Supreme Court in a landmark case that led to California becoming the second state to legalize same-sex marriage.
He also secured a historic $132 million discrimination verdict against the parent company of Wonder Bread, one of the largest verdicts of its kind in the United States.
His dedication to public service includes a four-year term on the San Francisco Ethics Commission (2002–2006), following his appointment by Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. In 2000, Mayor Brown declared September 1 Waukeen McCoy Day in San Francisco.
His honors include the Champions of Justice and Equality Award from the Bayard Rustin Coalition and a Lawyer of the Year nomination from the Charles Houston Bar Association.
Beyond his legal work, McCoy is active in sports and entertainment. He serves as President and CFO of Overtime Sports Management Group and is founder and CEO of Genuine Sports Group, a talent agency representing clients across professional sports, music, and film.
A dedicated community advocate, McCoy has served on the board of the YMCA of San Francisco’s Urban Services branch and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom. He serves on the advisory board for the University of San Francisco’s Sports Management Master’s Program and is a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association.