Wiley Manuel

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Wiley W. Manuel (1927 – 1981) was an associate justice on the Supreme Court of California from 1977 – 1981 and the first African American to serve on the high court. Governor Jerry Brown appointed Justice Manuel on February 12, 1977. Justice Manuel had served on the court for only four years before he succumbed to stomach cancer. Justice Manuel was known for his dedication to pro bono work. There is a pro bono award named after him awarded by the State Bar of California each year (recent recipients include several Hanson Bridgett attorneys).