JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It was a historic day for Jacksonville's law community, as the local Bar Association welcomed its first African-American president.

Attorney Reginald Luster (pictured, left), a Jacksonville native, was sworn in as the bar's president Thursday. He said as president, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on the local community.

"We have an obligation to make sure that the poor have access to the judicial system, so I will be an advocate and I will be a drum major for that obligation," explained Luster. "I get to serve lawyers, but I also get to serve the community."

Luster has taken many civil cases and malpractice lawsuits. He also recently won his first murder case.

Defendant Charles Arline was accused of first-degree murder in the death of an infant, but Luster's partner was convinced the man was innocent.

"He told me he didn't want to take the case because he couldn't live with himself if the person was convicted, and I asked him did he think he was innocent. ... He said, 'Sure, but the State of Florida is going to call five medical experts,'" Luster recalled.

Luster's medical experience proved invaluable in court, and his testimony, along with other evidence, exonerated Arline.

"It was a moment of ecstasy. I mean, we were absolutely delighted," Luster said.

For the past year, Luster has been the president elect of the Bar Association.

While embarking on his new post, he'll continue to represent Arline in a suit against the city.