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.

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.