BLACK PRE-LAW MAGAZINE Third Annual Edition 2013 by Black Pre-Law Magazine

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For law school aspirants serious about success Annual 2013 Edition

Magazine

Spotlight on University of Texas at Austin PreLaw Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association

Charles Hamilton Houston , Esq.: The Man Who Killed Jim Crow

Chaz Arnett, Public Interest Lawyer: An Emerging Force in the Criminal Justice Movement, the New Civil Rights Movement

National Bar Association and IMPACT’s Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice to Future Black Lawyers

Supreme Court Upholds Diversity in Higher Education: Fisher v. The University of Texas Top Ten Tips for African Americans Who Want to Be Prepared to Face the Highly Competitive Law School Admissions Process

Studying Law Abroad in Cape Town, South Africa: An Interview with Howard University School of Law Student Ashley Cloud

(In alphabetical order)

Albany Law School www.albanylaw.edu Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School - www.johnmarshall.edu Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law www.barry.edu/law California Western School of Law - www.cwsl.edu HBCU Connect www.hbcuconnect.com IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law www.kentlaw.iit.edu Duquesne University School of Law - duq.edu/law Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law earlemacklaw.drexel.edu Maurer School of Law Indiana University- www.law.indiana.edu Mercer University School of Law - www.law.mercer.edu National Black Law Students Association Pre-Law Division www.nblsa.org New England Law Boston www.nesl.edu Southwestern Law School www.swlaw.edu Temple University Beasley School of Law www.law.temple.edu The John Marshall Law School www.jmls.edu The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair www.blackprelawconference.com University of Idaho College of Law - www.uidaho.edu/law University of Kansas School of Law - www.law.ku.edu University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth www.umassd.edu/law University of Wisconsin Law School - www.law.wisc.edu Wayne State University Law School - www.law.wayne.edu

Thoughts from the Editor

Thank you for picking up our annual 2013 edition of BLACK PRE-LAW Magazine! I am extraordinarily proud of this year’s edition. For those law school aspirants who are serious about success, this year’s edition will certainly not disappoint and will lead you closer to that road to success. It will encourage and inspire you to strive for excellence, give your all and make a difference. In this edition, we dive right into one of the biggest recent Supreme Court cases involving education in many years that had educational institutions across the nation buzzing – The Fisher v. University of Texas case. Those who are in support of and those who are against using race as one of many factors that a college or university can consider in the admissions process, were waiting to see what the Supreme Court would decide. Surprisingly, they didn’t really make a decision but remanded the case to the lower court and asked that they use another standard of review – the strict scrutiny standard – in determining whether the University of Texas at Austin’s admissions policy was constitutional. For now, those in support of affirmative action have breathed a temporary sigh of relief in learning that race can still be considered and that the 2003 Grutter v. Bollinger decision upholding diversity as a compelling state interest is still the law of the land. Of course, BLACK PRE-LAW Magazine not only provides information on this important case, but we also included the actual Supreme Court decision for you to read for yourself. In addition to that, we went to the University of Texas at Austin to speak with current Black undergraduate students (who are interested in going to law school) about their feelings regarding the decision and the impact that diversity has had on their educational experiences at the university. Even some current UT law students weighed in! Further, we decided to spotlight UT’s pre-law chapter of the National Black Law Students Association and conducted a special interview with their President and Co-Founder, Sarah Odion-Esene, to learn more about their efforts to empower African-American students interested in becoming lawyers on their campus. We also have included some excellent articles that provide amazing advice for the aspiring law student. I share my top tips for African Americans who want to be prepared to face the highly competitive admissions process. Crystal M. Nance, the Assistant Director of Admission and Diversity Initiatives at Drake Law School, provides tips on how students can effectively communicate with admissions officers, Kasia Palm, Director of Student Financial Management at the University of Denver Law School, discusses how aspiring law students can prepare financially for law school, and aspiring law student Derecka Purnell shares her own personal experiences as a recent participant in the Training and Recruitment Initiative for Admission to Leading Law Schools (TRIALS), where she had the opportunity to study at Harvard Law School this past summer. In terms of the actual law school experience, preparation is key, and Kendra Brown, a Vermont and George Washington Law School graduate, gives a look into the Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute at Georgetown University Law School and explains the importance of the program and the impact it has made on her and fellow CHH graduates. While preparing for law school is critical, once a student is in law school, they are provided with some extraordinary opportunities to learn a great deal, stretch themselves and really grow. Second-year Howard University law student Ashley Cloud shares her experiences studying law abroad in Cape Town, South Africa! She gives us an inside view into her incredible summer through breathtaking photographs and explains what she learned about the law in South Africa, the process of becoming a lawyer there, and life in South Africa through the eyes of her South African law student classmates. If that weren’t already enough, this edition includes illuminating, in-depth interviews with two inspiring lawyers dedicated to making a difference and giving back – Ronald C. Green and Chaz Arnett. Ronald C. Green is Houston’s City Controller, a very powerful position in one of the nation’s largest and the most diverse city in the U.S., and he encourages future lawyers to consider public service as a career option. Chaz Arnett is a Harvard-trained public interest lawyer who represents juveniles and works in the trenches every single day to make a difference. He is unselfishly devoted to playing a key role in the Criminal Justice Movement, which he considers to be the new Civil Rights Movement. He plans to devote his entire life and career to this work. This type of devotion to something larger than ourselves for the benefit of others is something we can all learn from. BLACK PRE-LAW is all about giving advice to those who come behind us so that we can pave the way to make things better for them – and the attorneys we’ve featured are all about doing just that. Several attorneys recently honored as among the National Bar Association and IMPACT’s Nation’s Best Advocates have freely given their advice on what they did to prepare for law school and what it takes to be successful in law school and in one’s career. We also included interesting profiles of extremely accomplished pre-law students, law students, and lawyers who share information about themselves and incredible wisdom. Finally, in order to move forward, we must never forget our history. In keeping with that, we have included a special section on the late Charles Hamilton Houston, who is also known as “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow.” Further, The Honorable Willie E.B. Blackmon shares his journey of success as a lawyer and ties his spirit to succeed as a lawyer to the courageous act of the late Madame Josephine DeCuir, a distant relative, whose legal case played a role in the landmark decision of Plessy v. Ferguson, which legally sanctioned “separate but equal.” This same case was the one in which Charles Hamilton Houston strategically worked to set aside so that segregation could be dismantled in American life. As much as we have accomplished in the past decades, a member of the current generation of young people, Isaac Weiler, a law student at the Georgetown University Law Center discusses the significance of the recent 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, and the reasons why we still march in 2013. Wow! What an issue! This is a must-read for all aspiring Black lawyers! I hope it motivates you to be your absolute best and give your best because so many people in these pages have demonstrated the type of excellence, idealism and personal action that proves that each of us can play a significant role in making our society and world better. Enjoy!

Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M. Editor-in-Chief evangeline@blackprelawmagazine.com Annual 2013 Edition

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U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Diversity in Higher Education: Fisher v. The University of Texas

Chaz Arnett, Public Interest Lawyer: An Emerging Force in the Criminal Justice Movement, the New Civil Rights Movement

Thoughts from the Editor ��3 Pre-Law Student Profiles Jayce Victor, Charmika Placide �� 54 Law Student Profiles Cedrick O. Forrest, Gobriella M. Davis �� 58 Lawyer Profiles Patricia Rosier, Vernon G. Baker, Daryl K. Washington, Donise E. Brown, Dr. Walter L. Sutton, David A. Chaumette, Lisa M. Tatum �� 62 Law School Admission Graduating from Student to Professional: Tips on Proper and Effective Communication with Law School Admission Officers �� 82 My Personal Experience with TRIALS �� 84

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For law school aspirants serious about success

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6 Top Ten Tips for African Americans Who Want to Be Prepared to Face the Highly Competitive Law School Admissions Process

departments

National Bar Association and IMPACT’s Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice to Future Black Lawyers

Studying Law Abroad in Cape Town, South Africa: An Interview with Howard University School of Law Student Ashley Cloud

107 Charles Hamilton Houston: The Man Who Killed Jim Crow

Legal Education and the Law School Experience Preparation is the Key to Success: A Look at the Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute at Georgetown University Law Center �� 86

Success Legal Success: A Journey, Not a Destination ��100

A Lawyer’s Life and Work Houston City Controller Ron Green Encourages Future Lawyers to Consider Public Service �� 88

Recommended Reading and Viewing Charles Hamilton Houston, Esq.: The Man Who Killed Jim Crow ��107

Spotlight The University of Texas at Austin’s Pre-Law Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association �� 92 Financial Issues Preparing for Law School Financially �� 96 Mind, Spirit, and Wellness Meditation to De-Stress �� 98

Black Pre-Law Magazine P.O. Box 631234 Houston, Texas 77263 subscribe@blackprelawmagazine.com advertise@blackrpelawmagazine.com

Events, Issues, and Activism Why We (Still) March ��104

Legal History Charles Hamilton Houston, Esq. ��108 First Black State Bar Presidents ��111 Legal Cases Fisher v. University of Texas ��8 University of Texas at Austin Students Weigh In on the Fisher v. University of Texas Decision and the Impact of Diversity on their Educational Experiences �� 14

Evangeline M. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief Prince Ejiofor, Photography Neboysha Dolovacki, Magazine Design On the cover, University of Texas at Austin undergraduate students in front of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue on the campus.

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Value of Diversity in Higher Education By Elizabeth A. Campbell, Esq. On Monday, June 24, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in Fisher v. UT Austin, 133 S. Ct. 2411 (2013). In this case, the Caucasian plaintiff, Abigail Fisher, challenged the admissions program of The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and contended that her denial of admission violated the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. This was a highly watched case and over 70 amicus briefs were filed, most in support of UT’s holistic admissions process which considers an applicant’s race/ethnicity as one of several factors taken into account regarding admission to the school. The case is especially significant for students contemplating applying to law school. While the plaintiff purported not to challenge existing law, there was considerable concern that the high Court might do just that and overrule the Michigan Law School case. In Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003), the United States Supreme Court upheld the Law School’s use of race/ethnicity as one of several “plus factors” in an admissions process that evaluated the overall individual contribution of each candidate for admission. The Court recognized that Michigan had a compelling state interest in achieving the educational benefits of a diverse student body. The Court’s agreement to review the Fisher case so soon after the Grutter decision put the holding of the Michigan case at risk. In its 7-1 opinion, the Court remanded the Fisher case to the Fifth Circuit for consideration under a strict scrutiny standard of review. In short, the Court vacated the favorable decision for UT, which had been appealed by Ms. Fisher, and concluded that the lower court had not followed the correct legal standard.

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Significantly and importantly for law school applicants, the existing precedent established in the Michigan case regarding the importance of diversity in the educational context remains valid.

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The fight to preserve the benefits of a diverse classroom is far from over, but at least for today, the right to try to achieve them remains. As UT’s President Bill Powers stated following the Fisher decision: “We’re encouraged by the Supreme Court’s ruling in this case. We will continue to defend the University’s admission policy on remand in the lower court under the strict standards that the Court first articulated in the Bakke case, reaffirmed in the Grutter case, and laid out again today. We believe the University’s policy fully satisfies those standards. We remain committed to assembling a student body at The University of Texas at Austin that provides the educational benefits of diversity on campus while respecting the rights of all students and acting within the constitutional framework established by the Court.” Though not universal, many academics and law school administrators join diversity and inclusion practitioners in recognizing the value of diversity -- from the classroom to the boardroom. And as the demographics of our country continue to move toward a more ethnically diverse population, we must protect the ability of all students, our future employees and leaders, to derive the benefits of a diverse learning environment. Elizabeth A. Campbell, Esq. is a Partner and Chief Diversity Officer for Andrews Kurth LLP. Along with her partners Gene Locke and Lino Mendiola, Elizabeth filed an amicus brief in the Fisher case on behalf of the Houston Community College System supporting the admissions program of UT. This article is adapted from the original article by Ms. Campbell which was published by True Blue Inclusion on July 8, 2013.

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Fisher v. University of Texas

ABIGAIL NOEL FISHER, PETITIONER, v. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN ET AL. No. 11-345. Supreme Court of the United States. Argued October 10, 2012. Decided June 24, 2013.

JUSTICE KENNEDY, delivered the opinion of the Court.

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The University of Texas at Austin considers race as one of various factors in its undergraduate admissions process. Race is not itself assigned a numerical value for each applicant, but the University has committed itself to increasing racial minority enrollment on campus. It refers to this goal as a “critical mass.” Petitioner, who is Caucasian, sued the University after her application

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was rejected. She contends that the University’s use of race in the admissions process violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The parties asked the Court to review whether the judgment below was consistent with “this Court’s decisions interpreting the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, including Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U. S. 306 (2003).” Pet. for Cert. i. The Court concludes that the Court of Appeals did not hold the University

Fisher v. University of Texas

I A Located in Austin, Texas, on the most renowned campus of the Texas state university system, the University is one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Nation. Admission is prized and competitive. In 2008, when petitioner sought admission to the University’s entering class, she was 1 of 29,501 applicants. From this group 12,843 were admitted, and 6,715 accepted and enrolled. Petitioner was denied admission. In recent years the University has used three different programs to evaluate candidates for admission. The first is the program it used for some years before 1997, when the University considered two factors: a numerical score reflecting an applicant’s test scores and academic performance in high school (Academic Index or AI), and the applicant’s race. In 1996, this system was held unconstitutional by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. It ruled the University’s consideration of race violated the Equal Protection Clause because it did not further any compelling government interest. Hopwood v. Texas, 78 F. 3d 932, 955 (1996). The second program was adopted to comply with the Hopwood decision. The University stopped considering race in admissions and substituted instead a new holistic metric of a candidate’s potential contribution to the University, to be used in conjunction with the Academic Index. This “Personal Achievement Index” (PAI) measures a student’s leadership and work experience, awards, extra-curricular activities, community service, and other special circumstances that give insight into a student’s background. These included growing up in a single-parent home, speaking a language other than English at home, significant family responsibilities assumed by the applicant, and the general socioeconomic condition of the student’s family. Seeking to address the decline in minority enrollment after Hopwood, the University

also expanded its outreach programs. The Texas State Legislature also responded to the Hopwood decision. It enacted a measure known as the Top Ten Percent Law, codified at Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §51.803 (West 2009). Also referred to as H. B. 588, the Top Ten Percent Law grants automatic admission to any public state college, including the University, to all students in the top 10% of their class at high schools in Texas that comply with certain standards. The University’s revised admissions process, coupled with the operation of the Top Ten Percent Law, resulted in a more racially diverse environment at the University. Before the admissions program at issue in this case, in the last year under the post-Hopwood AI/PAI system that did not consider race, the entering class was 4.5% African-American and 16.9% Hispanic. This is in contrast with the 1996 pre-Hopwood and Top Ten Percent regime, when race was explicitly considered, and the University’s entering freshman class was 4.1% AfricanAmerican and 14.5% Hispanic. Following this Court’s decisions in Grutter v. Bollinger, supra, and Gratz v. Bollinger, 539 U. S. 244 (2003), the University adopted a third admissions program, the 2004 program in which the University reverted to explicit consideration of race. This is the program here at issue. In Grutter, the Court upheld the use of race as one of many “plus factors” in an admissions program that considered the overall individual contribution of each candidate. In Gratz, by contrast, the Court held unconstitutional Michigan’s undergraduate admissions program, which automatically awarded points to applicants from certain racial minorities. The University’s plan to resume race-conscious admissions was given formal expression in June 2004 in an internal document entitled Proposal to Consider Race and Ethnicity in Admissions (Proposal). Supp. App. 1a. The Proposal relied in substantial part on a study of a subset of undergraduate classes containing between 5 and 24 students. It showed that few of these classes had significant enrollment by members of racial minorities. In addition the Proposal relied on what it called “anecdotal” reports from students regarding their “interaction in the classroom.” The Proposal concluded that the University lacked a “critical mass” of minority students and that to remedy the deficiency it was necessary to give explicit consideration Annual 2013 Edition

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to the demanding burden of strict scrutiny articulated in Grutter and Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Bakke, 438 U. S. 265, 305 (1978) (opinion of Powell, J.). Because the Court of Appeals did not apply the correct standard of strict scrutiny, its decision affirming the District Court’s grant of summary judgment to the University was incorrect. That decision is vacated, and the case is remanded for further proceedings.

Fisher v. University of Texas to race in the undergraduate admissions program. To implement the Proposal the University included a student’s race as a component of the PAI score, beginning with applicants in the fall of 2004. The University asks students to classify themselves from among five predefined racial categories on the application. Race is not assigned an explicit numerical value, but it is undisputed that race is a meaningful factor. Once applications have been scored, they are plotted on a grid with the Academic Index on the x-axis and the Personal Achievement Index on the y-axis. On that grid students are assigned to so-called cells based on their individual scores. All students in the cells falling above a certain line are admitted. All students below the line are not. Each college—such as Liberal Arts or Engineering— admits students separately. So a student is considered initially for her first-choice college, then for her second choice, and finally for general admission as an undeclared major. Petitioner applied for admission to the University’s 2008 entering class and was rejected. She sued the University and various University officials in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. She alleged that the University’s consideration of race in admissions violated the Equal Protection Clause. The parties cross-moved for summary judgment. The District Court granted summary judgment to the University. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed. It held that Grutter required courts to give substantial deference to the University, both in the definition of the compelling interest in diversity’s benefits and in deciding whether its specific plan was narrowly tailored to achieve its stated goal. Applying that standard, the court upheld the University’s admissions plan. 631 F. 3d 213, 217-218 (2011). Over the dissent of seven judges, the Court of Appeals denied petitioner’s request for rehearing en banc. See 644 F. 3d 301, 303 (CA5 2011) (per curiam). Petitioner sought a writ of certiorari. The writ was granted. 565 U. S. ___ (2012). B

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Among the Court’s cases involving racial classifications in education, there are three decisions that directly address the question of considering racial minority status as a positive or favorable factor in a university’s admissions process, with the goal of achieving the educaAnnual 2013 Edition

tional benefits of a more diverse student body: Bakke, 438 U. S. 265; Gratz, supra; and Grutter, 539 U. S. 306. We take those cases as given for purposes of deciding this case. We begin with the principal opinion authored by Justice Powell in Bakke, supra. In Bakke, the Court considered a system used by the medical school of the University of California at Davis. From an entering class of 100 students the school had set aside 16 seats for minority applicants. In holding this program impermissible under the Equal Protection Clause Justice Powell’s opinion stated certain basic premises. First, “decisions based on race or ethnic origin by faculties and administrations of state universities are reviewable under the Fourteenth Amendment.” Id., at 287 (separate opinion). The principle of equal protection admits no “artificial line of a ’two-class theory’ that “permits the recognition of special wards entitled to a degree of protection greater than that accorded others.” Id., at 295. It is therefore irrelevant that a system of racial preferences in admissions may seem benign. Any racial classification must meet strict scrutiny, for when government decisions “touch upon an individual’s race or ethnic background, he is entitled to a judicial determination that the burden he is asked to bear on that basis is precisely tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest.” Id., at 299. Next, Justice Powell identified one compelling interest that could justify the consideration of race: the interest in the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body. Redressing past discrimination could not serve as a compelling interest, because a university’s “broad mission [of] education” is incompatible with making the “judicial, legislative, or administrative findings of constitutional or statutory violations” necessary to justify remedial racial classification. Id., at 307-309. The attainment of a diverse student body, by contrast, serves values beyond race alone, including enhanced classroom dialogue and the lessening of racial isolation and stereotypes. The academic mission of a university is “a special concern of the First Amendment.” Id., at 312. Part of ’the business of a university [is] to provide that atmosphere which is most conducive to speculation, experiment, and creation,’ and this in turn leads to the question of ’who may be admitted to study.’ Sweezy v. New Hampshire, 354 U. S. 234, 263 (1957) (Frankfurter, J., concurring in judgment). Justice Powell’s central point, however, was that this interest in securing diversity’s benefits, although a per-

Fisher v. University of Texas missible objective, is complex. “It is not an interest in simple ethnic diversity, in which a specified percentage of the student body is in effect guaranteed to be members of selected ethnic groups, with the remaining percentage an undifferentiated aggregation of students. The diversity that furthers a compelling state interest encompasses a far broader array of qualifications and characteristics of which racial or ethnic origin is but a single though important element.” Bakke, 438 U. S., at 315 (separate opinion). In Gratz, 539 U. S. 244, and Grutter, supra, the Court endorsed the precepts stated by Justice Powell. In Grutter, the Court reaffirmed his conclusion that obtaining the educational benefits of “student body diversity is a compelling state interest that can justify the use of race in university admissions.” Id., at 325. As Gratz and Grutter observed, however, this follows only if a clear precondition is met: The particular admissions process used for this objective is subject to judicial review. Race may not be considered unless the admissions process can withstand strict scrutiny. “Nothing in Justice Powell’s opinion in Bakke signaled that a university may employ whatever means it desires to achieve the stated goal of diversity without regard to the limits imposed by our strict scrutiny analysis.” Gratz, supra, at 275. “To be narrowly tailored, a race-conscious admis-

sions program cannot use a quota system,” Grutter, 539 U. S., at 334, but instead must “remain flexible enough to ensure that each applicant is evaluated as an individual and not in a way that makes an applicant’s race or ethnicity the defining feature of his or her application,” id., at 337. Strict scrutiny requires the university to demonstrate with clarity that its “purpose or interest is both constitutionally permissible and substantial, and that its use of the classification is necessary . . . to the accomplishment of its purpose.” Bakke, 438 U. S., at 305 (opinion of Powell, J.) (internal quotation marks omitted). While these are the cases that most specifically address the central issue in this case, additional guidance may be found in the Court’s broader equal protection jurisprudence which applies in this context. “Distinctions between citizens solely because of their ancestry are by their very nature odious to a free people,” Rice v. Cayetano, 528 U. S. 495, 517 (2000) (internal quotation marks omitted), and therefore “are contrary to our traditions and hence constitutionally suspect,” Bolling v. Sharpe, 347 U. S. 497, 499 (1954). ’[B]ecause racial characteristics so seldom provide a relevant basis for disparate treatment,’ Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co., 488 U. S. 469, 505 (1989) (quoting Fullilove v. Klutznick, 448 U. S. 448, 533-534 (1980) (Stevens, J., dissenting)), “the Equal Protection Clause demands that racial classifications .

Your Assignment Search for and read the following referenced cases: Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003)

Bolling v. Sharpe, 347 U.S. 497 (1954)

Gratz v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 244 (2003)

Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co., 488 U.S. 469 (1989)

Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Bakke, 438 U.s 265 (1978)

Fullilove v. Klutznick, 448 U.S. 448 (1980)

Hopwood v. Texas, 78 F. 3d 932 (1996)

Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967)

Sweezy v. New Hampshire, 354 U.S. 234 (1957)

McLaughlin v. Florida, 379 U.S. 184 (1964)

Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1, 551 U.S. 701 (2007) Wygant v. Jackson Bd. of Ed., 476 U.S. 267 (1986) Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, 515 U.S. 200 (1995) Mississippi University for Women v. Hogan, 458 U.S. 718 (1982)

Get a legal dictionary (a hard copy or online), and look up the following legal terms: writ of certiorari concurrent opinion dissenting opinion strict scrutiny Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment

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supra Id. per curiam equal protection of the law summary judgment petition for certiorari

Fisher v. University of Texas . . be subjected to the `most rigid scrutiny.’” Loving v. Virginia, 388 U. S. 1, 11 (1967). To implement these canons, judicial review must begin from the position that “any official action that treats a person differently on account of his race or ethnic origin is inherently suspect.” Fullilove, supra, at 523 (Stewart, J., dissenting); McLaughlin v. Florida, 379 U. S. 184, 192 (1964). Strict scrutiny is a searching examination, and it is the government that bears the burden to prove “`that the reasons for any [racial] classification [are] clearly identified and unquestionably legitimate,’” Croson, supra, at 505 (quoting Fullilove, 448 supra, at 533535 (Stevens, J., dissenting)). II Grutter made clear that racial “classifications are constitutional only if they are narrowly tailored to further compelling governmental interests.” 539 U. S., at 326. And Grutter endorsed Justice Powell’s conclusion in Bakke that “the attainment of a diverse student body . . . is a constitutionally permissible goal for an institution of higher education.” 438 U. S., at 311-312 (separate opinion). Thus, under Grutter, strict scrutiny must be applied to any admissions program using racial categories or classifications. According to Grutter, a university’s “educational judgment that such diversity is essential to its educational mission is one to which we defer.” 539 U. S., at 328. Grutter concluded that the decision to pursue “the educational benefits that flow from student body diversity,” id., at 330, that the University deems integral to its mission is, in substantial measure, an academic judgment to which some, but not complete, judicial deference is proper under Grutter. A court, of course, should ensure that there is a reasoned, principled explanation for the academic decision. On this point, the District Court and Court of Appeals were correct in finding that Grutter calls for deference to the University’s conclusion, ’based on its experience and expertise,’ 631 F. 3d, at 230 (quoting 645 F. Supp. 2d 587, 603 (WD Tex. 2009)), that a diverse student body would serve its educational goals. There is disagreement about whether Grutter was consistent with the principles of equal protection in approving this compelling interest in diversity. See post, at 1 (SCALIA, J., concurring); post, at 4-5 (THOMAS, J., concurring); post, at 1-2 (GINSBURG, J., dissenting). But the parties here do not ask the Court to revisit that aspect of Grutter’s holding.

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A university is not permitted to define diversity as “some specified percentage of a particular group merely

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because of its race or ethnic origin.” Bakke, supra, at 307 (opinion of Powell, J.). “That would amount to outright racial balancing, which is patently unconstitutional.” Grutter, supra, at 330. “Racial balancing is not transformed from ’patently unconstitutional’ to a compelling state interest simply by relabeling it `racial diversity.’” Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1, 551 U. S. 701, 732 (2007). Once the University has established that its goal of diversity is consistent with strict scrutiny, however, there must still be a further judicial determination that the admissions process meets strict scrutiny in its implementation. The University must prove that the means chosen by the University to attain diversity are narrowly tailored to that goal. On this point, the University receives no deference. Grutter made clear that it is for the courts, not for university administrators, to ensure that “[t]he means chosen to accomplish the [government’s] asserted purpose must be specifically and narrowly framed to accomplish that purpose.” 539 U. S., at 333 (internal quotation marks omitted). True, a court can take account of a university’s experience and expertise in adopting or rejecting certain admissions processes. But, as the Court said in Grutter, it remains at all times the University’s obligation to demonstrate, and the Judiciary’s obligation to determine, that admissions processes “ensure that each applicant is evaluated as an individual and not in a way that makes an applicant’s race or ethnicity the defining feature of his or her application.” Id., at 337. Narrow tailoring also requires that the reviewing court verify that it is “necessary” for a university to use race to achieve the educational benefits of diversity. Bakke, supra, at 305. This involves a careful judicial inquiry into whether a university could achieve sufficient diversity without using racial classifications. Although “[n]arrow tailoring does not require exhaustion of every conceivable race-neutral alternative,” strict scrutiny does require a court to examine with care, and not defer to, a university’s “serious, good faith consideration of workable race-neutral alternatives.” See Grutter, 539 U. S., at 339-340 (emphasis added). Consideration by the university is of course necessary, but it is not sufficient to satisfy strict scrutiny: The reviewing court must ultimately be satisfied that no workable race-neutral alternatives would produce the educational benefits of diversity. If ’a nonracial approach . . . could promote the substantial interest about as well and at tolerable administrative expense,’ Wygant v.Jackson Bd. of Ed., 476 U. S. 267, 280, n. 6 (1986) (quoting Greenawalt, Judicial Scrutiny of “Benign” Racial Preference in Law School

Fisher v. University of Texas

Rather than perform this searching examination, however, the Court of Appeals held petitioner could challenge only “whether [the University’s] decision to reintroduce race as a factor in admissions was made in good faith.” 631 F. 3d, at 236. And in considering such a challenge, the court would “presume the University acted in good faith” and place on petitioner the burden of rebutting that presumption. Id., at 231-232. The Court of Appeals held that to “second-guess the merits” of this aspect of the University’s decision was a task it was “illequipped to perform” and that it would attempt only to “ensure that [the University’s] decision to adopt a raceconscious admissions policy followed from [a process of] good faith consideration.” Id., at 231. The Court of Appeals thus concluded that “the narrow-tailoring inquiry—like the compelling-interest inquiry—is undertaken with a degree of deference to the Universit[y].” Id., at 232. Because “the efforts of the University have been studied, serious, and of high purpose,” the Court of Appeals held that the use of race in the admissions program fell within “a constitutionally protected zone of discretion.” Id., at 231. These expressions of the controlling standard are at odds with Grutter’s command that “all racial classifications imposed by government `must be analyzed by a reviewing court under strict scrutiny.’” 539 U. S., at 326 (quoting Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Peña, 515 U. S. 200, 227 (1995)). In Grutter, the Court approved the plan at issue upon concluding that it was not a quota, was sufficiently flexible, was limited in time, and followed “serious, good faith consideration of workable race-neutral alternatives.” 539 U. S., at 339. As noted above, see supra, at 1, the parties do not challenge, and the Court therefore does not consider, the correctness of that determination. Grutter did not hold that good faith would forgive an impermissible consideration of race. It must be remembered that “the mere recitation of a ’benign’ or legitimate purpose for a racial classification is entitled to little or no weight.” Croson, 488 U. S., at 500. Strict scrutiny does not permit a court to accept a school’s assertion that its admissions process uses race in a per-

missible way without a court giving close analysis to the evidence of how the process works in practice. The higher education dynamic does not change the narrow tailoring analysis of strict scrutiny applicable in other contexts. “[T]he analysis and level of scrutiny applied to determine the validity of [a racial] classification do not vary simply because the objective appears acceptable. . . . While the validity and importance of the objective may affect the outcome of the analysis, the analysis itself does not change.” Mississippi Univ. for Women v. Hogan, 458 U. S. 718, 724, n. 9 (1982). The District Court and Court of Appeals confined the strict scrutiny inquiry in too narrow a way by deferring to the University’s good faith in its use of racial classifications and affirming the grant of summary judgment on that basis. The Court vacates that judgment, but fairness to the litigants and the courts that heard the case requires that it be remanded so that the admissions process can be considered and judged under a correct analysis. See Adarand, supra, at 237. Unlike Grutter, which was decided after trial, this case arises from cross-motions for summary judgment. In this case, as in similar cases, in determining whether summary judgment in favor of the University would be appropriate, the Court of Appeals must assess whether the University has offered sufficient evidence that would prove that its admissions program is narrowly tailored to obtain the educational benefits of diversity. Whether this record—and not “simple . . . assurances of good intention,” Croson, supra, at 500—is sufficient is a question for the Court of Appeals in the first instance. *** Strict scrutiny must not be ’strict in theory, but fatal in fact,’ Adarand, supra, at 237; see also Grutter, supra, at 326. But the opposite is also true. Strict scrutiny must not be strict in theory but feeble in fact. In order for judicial review to be meaningful, a university must make a showing that its plan is narrowly tailored to achieve the only interest that this Court has approved in this context: the benefits of a student body diversity that “encompasses a . . . broa[d] array of qualifications and characteristics of which racial or ethnic origin is but a single though important element.” Bakke, 438 U. S., at 315 (opinion of Powell, J.). The judgment of the Court of Appeals is vacated, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. It is so ordered. JUSTICE KAGAN took no part in the consideration or decision of this case. Annual 2013 Edition

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Admissions, 75 Colum. L. Rev. 559, 578-579 (1975)), then the university may not consider race. A plaintiff, of course, bears the burden of placing the validity of a university’s adoption of an affirmative action plan in issue. But strict scrutiny imposes on the university the ultimate burden of demonstrating, before turning to racial classifications, that available, workable race-neutral alternatives do not suffice.

Aspiring lawyers looking up at the statue honoring the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, a Boston University School of Law graduate, on the University of Texas campus. Jordan taught at UT for 17 years.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON THE FISHER V. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DECISION AND THE IMPACT OF DIVERSITY ON THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES UT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

class. This was because I had a goal, and knowing that I can go anywhere I wanted to go in state of Texas was the motivating factor.

QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case?

QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT?

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ANSWER: I absolutely agree with the outcome of the case because I do believe that, under the top 10 percent rule at the time, Fisher was not eligible to attend this institution. I feel that the university has a goal and a mission, and that is to increase diversity. However, I do not think that Fisher wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t admitted into the university because of her race. It all boils back to how bad you really want something. If Fisher REALLY wanted to attend the university, she would have understood how important it was for her to work as hard as possible to be a part of the top 10 percent of her graduating class in high school. I feel like knowing how important that rule is pertaining to the admissions process should have been enough motivation. When I was in high school, I was told that being a part of the top 10 percent pretty much guaranteed you a spot into any public university in Texas. Once I found that out, I worked extremely hard to remain in the top 10 percent. By the time I graduated, I was in the top 6 percent of my graduating Annual 2013 Edition

ANSWER: Being a student at UT has ultimately given me the experience and exposure I need to be a part of the workforce after graduation. I have been able to connect and network with the Black community through organizations and attending events, all while connecting and networking with my White counterparts in and out of the classroom. I have always wanted to go to an HBCU (historically Black college and university), but I feel like attending a PWI (predominantly White institution) has allowed me to find out who I am as a person and appreciate my background, my culture and my education.

Mia King

UT Undergraduate Student

UT Students Weigh In QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: I would agree with the final decision in the Fisher v. Texas case, and have stood by the university’s admissions program. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT? ANSWER: UT has changed my outlook on how diverse other cities and universities around Texas and the south are, and how other races and ethnicities learn and take advantage of opportunities and resources in a college setting. My personal level of education or my capacity to learn may not have been altered, but the competition, comparisons, and types of peers present have adjusted my social perception of the university and level of education in comparison to other states, campuses, or even countries.

Taylor Walker

my eyes to the different types of attitudes, personalities, races, cultures, and religions. I’ve learned to expand my mind, in terms of thinking of people. Keyanna Paige UT Undergraduate Student QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: The Fisher v. UT case is an important case

that will make a huge impact on not only minority students, but all students interested in receiving education from a diverse university. Learning with people from a variety of backgrounds encourages collaboration and fosters innovation, thereby benefitting all students. Though many may see reverse discrimination as an issue when using affirmative action, I feel that it is one of the only ways that an institution can reflect the majority/ minority changes happening around us.

UT Undergraduate Student

QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT?

QUESTION: What do you think about the

ANSWER: Diversity at UT has made college more

ANSWER: I feel like the Fisher case went exactly like it was supposed to. Fisher was not entitled to UT just because she was White and the fact that she brought this case to court was ridiculous and a bit offensive. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made

an impact on your educational experience at UT? ANSWER: Diversity has made an impact on me because I’m actually learning more about different cultures. I find myself learning things in class about a certain group of people that have me wondering whether things have always been this way. It helps me understand people’s backgrounds and why they act the way they do, including my own group, African Americans. Diversity teaches me to work with an assortment of people, which prepares me for the world outside of school. I’m glad I chose a school as well-rounded as UT because it has truly opened

interesting. I did not come from a very racially diverse high school. Here I have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and ethnic groups. Diversity has also made me challenge myself to learn different traits of different groups. The variety of people and values has definitely played a role in my educational, intellectual and personal growth. Queen G. Ekejiija UT Undergraduate Student QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: I was very nervous about what the decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case would be and how that would affect my life, other

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Supreme Court’s decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case?

UT Students Weigh In students, and future generations of students. I am glad that the Supreme Court did not make the decision to rule in favor of Fisher. With a fairly consistent 4% population of Black students at UT, this case could have critically decreased the opportunity for Black students to be accepted into this school. It would have been a mistake to make that decision as though we are in a post-racial society because even though many institutions, like colleges, attempt to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, sadly these institutions have not reached that goal. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT? ANSWER: Diversity at UT has had a very large impact on my educational experience by providing me with the opportunity to be surrounded by different perceptions of different aspects of life. I used to have such a narrow viewpoint of the world, but diversity at UT has forced me to learn more than any class could teach me by helping me get a glimpse of society in other people’s eyes based on race, culture, economic status, sex, and gender. Diversity has not only helped me grow as a person but will also help me in my future success in the legal field.

Stephanie Onyekwere UT Undergraduate Student QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: It’s really difficult to have just one thought about the entire thing, but I am in support of UT and I am proud to say that I am a part of an institution that does care about my being here. In my personal opinion, there shouldn’t have been a case to begin with but because it did I am glad to know that UT supports affirmative action. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT?

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ANSWER: Diversity is one of the main reasons I came to this institution over an HBCU. I am able to find that home in the Black community but also meet and interact with all types of people on campus. I have worked with several different organizations and clubs that all have

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diverse groups of people. The experience of learning about other cultures and having the rich knowledge in topics a lot of people don’t know about is something exciting to be a part of.

Danielle Smith UT Undergraduate Student QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: As of right now, the Supreme Court left the standing decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. It has been remanded for further consideration. From my understanding, it looks like the court is in UT’s favor. But such a decision should not take a long time to be reached because the young lady did not meet the requirements to be accepted into UT. I do not see this as an affirmative action case. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT? ANSWER: UT is not as diverse as I thought it would be. I have not personally been attacked by anyone but I have heard of stories of things happening which make me sad that such things still happen in this day and age. Taking an African-American course has changed the way I view our Black community now. I wish they made it more popular amongst UT students and enriched the school. It has not affected my education tremendously but it will be nice to go to a classroom and see [other Black students] there.

Jennifer Iroanya UT Undergraduate Student

UT LAW STUDENTS QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: I think the Supreme Court was being

strategic in their decision to send the case back

UT Students Weigh In

QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT? ANSWER: I think diversity has made UT a better overall institution, thus elevating the learning environment for all who attend the 40 acres. I personally believe diversity contributes to a unique melting pot of ideas and experiences that could not be replicated in a homogeneous environment. I have learned so much from my classmates, and have been exposed to things I likely would have never seen or known about elsewhere. In addition to shaping my views and outlook, I would like to believe my experiences with diversity have made me a better student and citizen in our global community.

Anthony Franklyn UT Law Student QUESTION: What do you think about the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Fisher v. University of Texas case? ANSWER: Of course I think the Fisher decision was incorrectly decided, that is, if you can consider the Supreme Court’s lack of a decision, a decision. I personally think the Court was sidestepping an issue that they will be forced to deal with sooner or later. This issue greatly impacts so many minority students and aspiring students across the country and I wish the Court had made a real decision. QUESTION: How has diversity personally made an impact on your educational experience at UT?

ANSWER: Diversity and my experience at UT Law. I could speak for hours on this topic.

Firstly, diversity impacted my choice of UT Law. When deciding where to put in a deposit and enroll, I considered the obvious things like school rank and financial aid, but very next on my list was the quality of life I would have there, which for me, included the demographics. I was pleased to find out that I would have classmates who look like me. What I did not expect, or really anticipate, was how that would play out. I quickly learned in my first semester that there were 22 Black students in my incoming class of 308. This number was greatly disappointing, furthered by the fact that I was the only Black person in my small section of 25 students, which only makes sense, since there are 16 small sections total, all the Black students could not be spread out evenly. I have to admit, I have had many moments when I felt like my classmates questioned my intelligence and “spot” here at UT Law, maybe because of race, who knows. On the other hand, I’ve had the splendid opportunity to have real conversations with some of classmates and friends in the majority about race and diversity. Of course not everyone agrees with the need for affirmative action policies, but at least the ones I’ve spoken to about it have walked away understanding my perspective and experience with diversity here at the law school. There are certainly some positives. I love being able to play a role in helping recruit candidates (and minorities) to UT Law, as part of serving on the Student Recruitment Committee which gives me a chance to attend events like the Black Pre-Law Conference on behalf of the school. I will be traveling to Hampton University later this fall to attend a recruitment fair. I also was given the opportunity to call accepted students of color to answer questions they have about enrolling here at UT. All in all, I have had an interesting experience here. I feel like I have become more aware of my minority status. Whether or not that is a positive is a question I have not been able to answer. What I do know is we need more diversity here at UT Law and law schools across the country if we are ever to achieve the goals of justice and equality for all. Ayomide Shittu UT Law Student

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to the lower courts. If the Court really wanted to overturn affirmative action, they could have done so without consequence or review. However, I think the Court realized overturning affirmative action may not be the best decision, at least not yet. Instead, I think the Court is signaling it foresees a time in the near future when affirmative action and race-based policies will no longer be an appropriate remedy for the effects of historic racism and discrimination, but that now, in 2013, is not that time. Rather than being tied to a decision long-term, the Court sent the decision back and will likely revisit the issue in the next 10 years or so.

Top Ten Tips

Top Ten Tips for African Americans Who Want to Be Prepared to Face the Highly Competitive Law School Admissions Process By Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.

The law school application process is challenging. The process of preparing applications to submit to law schools takes research, early planning, organization and attention to detail. Earning a spot in any of the law school classes across the country is extremely competitive and can be considered beyond fierce for the higher-ranked schools with the more recognizable names and the national reputations.

elow I have provided the top ten tips which are very important for anyone contemplating applying to law school, but especially for the Black law school applicant as they navigate this daunting process. These pieces of advice are certain to steer you in the right direction and lead you closer to successfully gaining acceptance into law school. The emphasis or theme here is on striving for excellence and being as competitive a law school admissions candidate as possible so that you will not only get into law school, but also so that you will have some choices regarding which law school you can ultimately attend. By making yourself an out-

standing person and making the most of your educational experience, you will ready yourself for law school or really any endeavor after college you undertake if you decide to take time off or pursue another avenue after your undergraduate career.

Tip #1: Take the admissions process seriously and create a strategic plan for your admissions success Take the admissions process very seriously. Many of the applicants that you are competing against for admission will do this. Plan out your strategy for admission right away. As soon as you think that you might want to attend

law school is the time to get started. It is never too early to begin creating a success strategy or a strategic plan, especially if you want to attend a top or reputable law school. But this is terribly important in order to have a good chance to get into any law school. Understand that you have the power to create the type of image you want to present to those law school admissions committees. Try to plan out your course as early as possible. Consider ahead of time what kind of grades you want to make, what awards, activities and work experiences you want to place on your resume, what kinds of things you want your recommenders to say about you to the types of experiences you want to talk about in your personal statement. Take control of what you can from this point on. Then, it is up to you to make it happen and execute your plan.

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Be proactive, talk to your instructors, seek out help and guidance from advisors and tutors, and investigate the possibilities. Talk to upperclassmen who seem to have it together and are headed for success for their assistance and get to know other likeminded people who want to go on to law school, graduate school or some other type of professional program so that you all can serve as a support system for each other and make sure you reach your respective goals. Annual 2013 Edition

Top Ten Tips

Tip #2: Become the best admissions candidate and demonstrate your strengths in every way possible

The best way to increase your chances of getting into law school or the law school of your choice is by becoming the best candidate you can be. You can become a competitive candidate by demonstrating your strengths in every area or most areas considered by the admissions committee so that you will purposely make it difficult for that law school to say “no” to you. First and foremost, you should try to have both a strong GPA and LSAT score. Don’t accept mediocrity! You can’t afford to. If you have only one or the other, then you should try to overcompensate in all other possible areas. Then, you might be able to get away with not having such a

strong GPA or LSAT score. However, remember that that’s not all that admissions committees consider to be significant. Many highly-qualified applicants with the right numbers get turned down, so try to make sure that you are as well-rounded or even welllopsided (extraordinarily good at one or a few things) and are as interesting as possible and excellent (or striving to be) in those other areas of interest that you pursue. Show the admissions committees that you have made the most of the opportunities and resources that are available to you no matter what college you attended and that you have those extra pluses going in your favor to add to the diverse and talented class that they are trying to build.

Tip #3: Take full and complete advantage of your “academic” undergraduate experience You should take full advantage of your academic undergraduate experience. You must do what is necessary to lay a well-rounded, broad, diverse and solid academic foundation prior to commencing legal studies. Law school should build upon that foundation. You should try to gear yourself up for strong intellectual training during your undergraduate years to prepare yourself for the rigorous legal education that lies ahead of you. You must make sure that you receive a quality education where you can truly learn and not just memorize and forget everything. Remember that this is your responsibility and no one can do this for you. Train your mind to think independently, clearly, critically and logically. You should do everything in your power to build up an intellectual, disciplined, skeptical, analytical and inquiring mind. Your undergraduate years offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to think about things that you have never thought about before, to learn about subject matters that are interesting and to explore areas that somehow fascinate you. You want to walk away with your undergraduate degree knowing that you took advantage of every opportunity that

you possibly could and that whether you decide to attend law school or do something entirely unrelated, that you got your money’s worth and would not change a thing or very little about the college education you received. If for some reason, you have already completed undergrad, you might want to take this approach to your graduate education if you decide to earn a master’s degree or take on postbaccalaureate studies prior to going to law school. Understand that your undergraduate grades will always carry more weight than any degree you earn after your bachelor’s degree because of the fact that the bachelor’s degree is all that is required. However, there are many schools that believe in second chances, especially if you do an exemplary job in every area possible throughout your graduate school career and demonstrate excellence and success in your professional work experiences.

Tip #4: Find out about your competition Figure out what you are up against in the admissions process and learn about your possible competition. Size up your competitors. This can more than likely be determined by the law school’s ranking and reputation. The higher the ranking and the better the reputation, the more you are potentially up against and the more fierce and severe the competition. One way to get a sense of how difficult it is to get into certain law schools is to look at the listed median (middle) LSAT scores and GPAs of those admitted and to also check out the acceptance rates of applicants to those particular schools. You can usually find this information in the ranking information in popular publications about law school admission such as U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Schools and in the Law School Admission Council’s Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools. You can find out the level of selectivity from most to least by referring to U.S. News & World Report’s Ultimate Guide to Law Schools.

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Utilize the Internet and reach out to people who are doing the things you want to do and find out what it takes to get to where they are. Understand that it is a reality that often times we simply cannot plan out the directions of our lives completely. However, I do suggest that those things you decide to do are not an afterthought while in the middle of the application process, but part of an overall master plan for success. You must take on a strategic mindset from this date forward.

Top Ten Tips Just know that highly successful students and overly competitive people apply to the more prestigious schools and the law schools at the top flagship state universities. Many of the persons applying to top-tier schools are those persons who sincerely believe that they have what it takes to get in. Make sure that you do too. Additionally, keep in mind that many excellent students and outstanding individuals likewise apply to the not so prestigious regional and local law schools for family and financial reasons, so understand that you will still have to be ready to really compete regardless of tier level. Take on the mindset that you are willing to do whatever it takes to blow your competition out of the water. I would recommend that you read How to Get into Harvard Law School: Invaluable Advice on Applying and a Look at Successful Application Essays from Current Students and Recent Grads by Willie J. Epps, Jr. (Contemporary Books, 1996) as well as Profiles & Essays of Successful African American Law School Applicants by Evangeline M. Mitchell (Hope’s Promise Publishing, 2004). Carefully read the profiles and personal essays of those students admitted. This should give you a good idea of the caliber of students that apply to top law schools and you can set out to pattern yourself after (and even better - outdo) their examples of excellence.

Tip #5: Ignore the stereotypes about Blacks’ inability to perform well on standardized tests and plan to prepare hard and do well Don’t buy into the stereotypes about Blacks not being able to perform well on standardized tests. Make note of anything that you might have read and any statistics you have come across, but when it comes to your personal expectations, ignore them. Don’t allow these things to be used as an excuse for not giving 100% in preparation for the LSAT. This is an extremely important test. Striving for the highest LSAT score you can get is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of getting into law school - period. Don’t think that you can overcompensate in every other area and fail to adequately prepare for the LSAT by falling back on all of your other strengths. Chances are that this way of thinking could backfire. The test is designed to measure your logical and critical reasoning and analytical thinking abilities. Just remember that what the LSAT really tests is how well you can take a standardized test. Although there is a correlation between LSAT score and first-year grades, it does not test your chances of getting through law school or becoming successful in the legal profession, or in any other profession for that

matter. Keep in mind that the LSAT is a different kind of test than what you are accustomed to taking. It is a test that assesses a way of thinking, instead of facts that are learned. You are intentionally placed in a position where you have more questions to answer than time to answer them. Your goal is to learn how to think like the test makers and practice on as many actual tests as possible (all that are available) until you get to the point where you can beat the clock. Place yourself in the position of law school admissions committees and appreciate its value. If you have thousands of people vying for spots who attended different schools and majored in different things, you need some standard measure by which to compare them all. Across the nation, everyone who wants to go to law school must take roughly the same test with the same number of questions and with the same time constraints and testing conditions. I have even heard of it being described as an “equalizer,” where some schools may perceive it as a way, although an imperfect one, to compare people on a somewhat equal footing. Instead of fighting it, embrace it for what it’s worth and take it as a bitter pill every law school applicant has to swallow. Instead of going in with a resentful or negative attitude toward the test, approach it understanding that this is a test that you have to and can learn. It’s a necessary evil that all law school applicants must contend with. You must do whatever you can to prepare for it and not allow it to defeat you. It’s you against the test, and you must decide you will win.

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Society, the media, students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards and low expectations of Black students constantly send them the message that they are unintelligent or less intelligent and that they are “poor test takers.” Therefore, they can’t perform well on these exams. Many African Americans buy into this and tend to believe that it is some sort of natural failing and that somehow they can’t

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Top Ten Tips

Don’t let these stereotypes threaten your chances of doing well. The LSAT score is the single most important factor in your quest to attain law school admission. The results of this test probably do more to keep Blacks out of law school than anything else. Don’t allow this test to have that kind of power over your future. Do whatever it takes to do well whether it means taking an expensive commercial course, hiring a tutor, going through every LSAT book and previously released test question you can get your hands on, or taking a year off after undergrad to spend your spare time focusing solely on learning how to perform at your highest level on the test. You might even need to treat preparation as a full-time or part-time job

if that is what is required to get you to the score you need. Avoid making the mistake of taking on a full-class load, a job, extra-curricular activities and adding LSAT study to that. Your lack of focus and trying to do too many things might cause you to not perform at your best. If law school is what you really want, then it’s worth the sacrifice. No matter what you do – don’t go in to take it until you have prepared to the very best of your ability. You don’t want to spend the time and space in an addendum discussing how you don’t do well on standardized tests and how they under predict your abilities, especially when you know that you did not take the test when you were at your best and failed to put in the time and effort in preparation for it to truly reflect how well you are actually capable of performing. In the end, after having given your best efforts, it will be worth it.

Tip #6: A good GPA and a high LSAT score are no guarantee for admission – and they won’t always just speak for themselves If you are told that all you need is a good GPA and a high LSAT score to get into law school, this is not necessarily true, especially at the more competitive law schools. Remember that no matter how good your credentials are, there are many other people out there with similar or better

You must consider from the beginning what you will have to offer that will set you apart from other highly qualified individuals who are also striving for a seat in the classes when the offers admissions offices are able to make are limited. This takes not only doing well but advance planning and talking to high achievers, current law students at the schools you want to attend, and lawyers about the types of things they’ve done to come out on top despite the severe competition they’ve had to face. If you want this, you have to do what is necessary to get a competitive edge and stand apart. There are a lot of smart people with a great deal going for them who want to go to law school too – who will make the effort to do whatever it takes to get in.

Tip #7: Just being Black may not be enough to be counted as a “plus” factor; you should explicitly state that you strongly identify with African American or Black culture and that you feel a responsibility or have a commitment to give back to the people within your community, and will contribute to diversity in a number of ways at the law school Annual 2013 Edition

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“get it.” For many, they have it in their minds that they won’t do well even before they sit down and take a single practice test – and it becomes a selffulfilling prophecy. Stanford psychologist Claude Steele calls this phenomenon of Blacks doing poorly because of the extra pressures of feeling that they are not expected to do well as “stereotype threat.” It is not that many African Americans don’t have what it takes, but because of prior educational disadvantages and a lack of mentorship, some of them just don’t fully know or understand what it takes to fully prepare for and perform well on these tests or how to take these tests.

credentials than yours. There is simply no guarantee for admission. Many schools compare applicants with similar LSAT scores and GPAs against each other and choose the ones that are the most interesting, and intriguing, and who they feel can contribute something special or unique to their class. This means they will have to take into account more than grades and LSAT scores when they have a large pool of competitive candidates. Among this group, they will compare the content and quality of the personal statements and essays, as well as the strength and impressiveness of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, community service and volunteer work, employment experiences and other information provided. Make certain that your essays are engaging and compelling. Make sure that your resumes and profiles are detailed and well-thought-out and orchestrated beforehand.

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historically disadvantaged and underrepresented ethnic and racial group. Other schools may be leery about or be prevented by law (states passing referenda ending racial preferences through ballot initiatives include California, Washington, Michigan and Oklahoma) from looking at your Blackness alone as a positive factor. Don’t expect or think that they will assume certain things just because you are Black.

Some schools may make an inference that you will add something to diversity because you are a member of a

Therefore, I would also urge you to consider all of the other ways that you can add to the diversity of a law school

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Don’t think that just marking off a box indicating your racial and ethnic identity on your application is enough. Be certain that you include organizations, activities and community service work that you are or have been a part of which involve African Americans and other minority group members, as well as multicultural and diversity work in your resume and profile. In your essay, personal statement or in an optional or additional diversity statement (which should not be optional for you – submit one regardless), you should also directly mention your race, multicultural and diversity-related work, projects and insights based on personal experiences that drew you to the law, or that should add a unique diversity of perspective and leadership based on your identification with being a Black American. You might like to discuss situations you have encountered as a person of African descent and how they were significant in influencing your experiences and shaping who you are. It is critical that you state and demonstrate that you identify with, have a connection to, and are deeply concerned about issues within the Black community and have a desire to go back and serve these people who are greatly underserved.

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Always try to explain explicitly what it is that you can add to the student body because of your race, if you honestly think that you can truly contribute or offer something special because of your historical legacy as well as your overall experience and identity as a minority group member. Also, note that many schools are unclear as to what role race will play in the admissions process. Keep in mind that it can only legally be a “plus” factor, according to Bakke and Grutter v. Bollinger, meaning that the United States Supreme Court upheld the use of race as only one of many factors that admissions committees can use in looking at applicants. Law schools may consider many factors to enhance diversity at their law schools for the educational benefits it brings to all students in the learning environment.

class in addition to your race. Bring out your multiple social identities. Consider areas such as age, gender, ethnicity, culture, interests, political affiliation, sexuality, parental/home environment (single-parent household, foster care), educational background, socioeconomic background, disabilities, activism, and international experiences, among others. You should express and demonstrate the ability to represent diversity not only in regards to race, but in a number of varied and interesting ways. This will also place those persons in check who think they have your story figured out just because you’re Black. Show them that you are a complicated, complex individual whose interests, experiences, perspectives and outlook are not limited only by where you come from and spans a lot further, wider and deeper than your own front porch and go beyond those from your own racial and ethnic background. Don’t think that race will save you if you are not a competitive applicant. According to a study by Columbia Law School professor Conrad Johnson, 60% of African Americans who apply to law school don’t get in to any law school that they’ve applied to. Don’t let people fool you into believing that Blackness or underrepresented minority status will ensure you a seat in a law school class. Just like everyone else, you must be prepared to fight for it. Race may assist a committee, even if just a little, to decide in your favor, but only if you’ve done all that you could to be as competitive as possible. It might help to be a tiebreaker, but it won’t make miracles if you are not in the running as a highly attractive contender. Despite the many misconceptions and what some people may think or feel, schools will not “let you in” because you’re Black if you don’t meet their standards. The vast majority of Blacks who apply to law school don’t get in, so if you don’t make the cut, you don’t. The heyday of affirmative action is over and the competition for the limited law school student seats is severe. The only answer is to

Top Ten Tips use race to your advantage to show that you do indeed have something special and unique to add because of that and other forms of diversity while at the same time knowing that in every area of preparation you must step up your game to the maximum level.

Tip #8: Develop relationships with potential recommenders; Ask for recommendations in person, provide your references with relevant positive information about you and express the importance of the recommendations for your future

From the moment you even think you want to go to professional school, you should begin sizing up professors, teaching assistants, campus leaders, administrators and employers with the mindset that you will possibly need to impress them and make the effort to establish and maintain a relationship with those people in order to write a letter on your behalf at some point in the future. The committee needs to hear from others regarding who you are, what your abilities are and what you have to offer. As much of a person of honesty and integrity that you may be, they are not going to only take your word for it. You need other people willing to back you up and support your candidacy for admission. Make sure that you select persons who you are confident are really good people and who want to see you advance in your educational and career pursuits.

to support your acceptance. Give or send the recommender an organized folder with all of the relevant information about you that will be useful to him or her in making their assessment. In this folder, you want to provide a statement as to why you want to go to law school, a copy of your personal statement, a listing of the courses you’ve taken and the grades that you have earned in them, as well as activities you were involved in, the roles you played in those activities, honors, awards, talents you possess, accomplishments you’ve garnered, how you have contributed to diversity in the classroom and on campus, and any other things that set you apart from any other ordinary student interested in going to law school. You may prefer to also provide a resume, curriculum vitae, profile and a listing of any and all other information you deem important. Moreover, be certain to include any representative, well-received and high-scoring tests or research papers with that professor’s comments in order to refresh his or her memory as to your writing abilities and performance in his or her class(es). You should provide any other writing samples that are representative of your intellectual, writing and research abilities as well, even if not carried out for that particular professor. Provide examples and stories that the recom-

mender may or may not be aware of that you want them to consider mentioning in their letter. Include a short letter explaining how important their recommendation letters are in distinguishing you from other competitive candidates. You should also list and explain what qualities law schools seek in students and therefore what type of information is most useful to the admissions committees. Provide them with a sample recommendation letter and some guidelines and considerations to provide them with some guidance as to what you need. Let them know that some schools think it is useful if they provide comparisons to other students and former students who have gone on to pursue a legal education from your school and especially those who have been successful. Request that they make such comparisons if positive. Do not ever just ask for a recommendation, let your recommender know when you need it by and leave it at that giving them free reign to write whatever they want without direction and supporting documentation. It is your responsibility to provide enough positive information about yourself so that your reference can provide a thoughtful and thorough assessment of you. Through doing this, you want to demonstrate that you are prepared, conscientious and want to make their jobs easier. Put yourself in their shoes. How

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When the time comes that you have to ask for recommendations, be certain to set up an in-person appointment if this is at all possible. Be sure to ask your references for letters at least two or three months in advance if not earlier. Be certain to ask them politely if they feel comfortable that they can write an enthusiastic recommendation on your behalf. If they can’t, thank them for their time and go ahead and ask someone else. Be professional and serious. Explain that the recommendation is really important to you and to your future. Tell them that you will need a meaningful recommendation that is filled with examples and details

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frustrating it must be for a professor or administrator when a student simply shows up and asks for a recommendation without providing anything else to assist them in this task.

Tip #9: When applying to competitive schools (or any school for that matter), always be certain to express what you have to offer them, what you can do for them and what you can contribute

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Many Ivy League and big name schools know that they can do something to you. The reality is that saying you went to Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Georgetown or Stanford does mean something and will be recognized. These types of institutions don’t need you. Again, there are multitudes of bright and talented students ready and willing to become law students there. You have to fight your way to the top and prove you are deserving. They recognize that your having their name on your law degree will help open doors for you. Going to such schools will provide important contacts, networks and unbelievable resources. They have a large number of talented and extraordinarily wellqualified people applying. Just being smart and highly motivated is not going to be enough. They need to know that you are going to give something valuable to them, add something to

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their law school and contribute something to the law school community while you are there and once you become an alumnus that any other applicant can’t offer. Show them that you are the type of person who has made a great deal of contributions wherever you have been and based on your past actions (which is all they can really go by) it is very likely you will continue to do the same at their institution and provide something special and unique – that “x” factor - that no one of the numbers of other applicants can.

Tip #10: There is a difference between affirmative action versus personal action If you are Black or a member of any historically underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group with a sub par GPA and a mediocre LSAT score, if you didn’t earn any outstanding awards or honors or were unsuccessful in standing out in any way during your undergraduate years or graduate years, and if you did not take the initiative to make anything happen in the community, or do anything outstanding in the workforce or the professional arena, then no type of affirmative action is going to get you into law school or help you. In this case, what you need is not affirmative action, but personal action. However, your case is not hopeless. Be proactive, seek guidance, and find

ways to turn your situation around. Make a decision, create a strategic plan, focus on the positives and simply get it together, then apply again next year or in a few years. You may need outside guidance. Unfortunately the free advice you receive from your pre-law advisor at your undergraduate institution may not be enough. You may need to invest in a professional admissions consultant who takes a vested interest in helping you to better market and package yourself. In addition, you may need to attend graduate school to help prove that you have the academic ability to make it through a rigorous professional academic program. You may need to retake the LSAT after extensive, painstaking and backbreaking preparation. You may need to pull together your own personal board of directors made up of law students, lawyers and others to be your success team to bounce ideas off of and to help you come up with a strategy for standing out and getting in based on your unique strengths, talents and passion. The playing field is not equal. Many people had to work while in college, had to support a family, and deal with death and illness, and other unimaginable and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that took its toll during their undergraduate years. Many people were not exposed to different things and were limited due to their environments. A lot of people were not given the types of challenging education they needed to reach their full potential and are having to make up for being cheated in their previous education earlier in life. There are those who were around people unable to look beyond their own front porches and allowed this to place boundaries and limitations around them that were hard to break away from. Some people were trying to figure out where they are going to get their next meal and making straight As was not the priority, survival was. Many were victims of a complete lack of support, low expectations and self-esteem. Life happens and it is not fair. These things make it more difficult for some to

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There is absolutely no shame in looking at your situation, considering ways to make yourself more competitive, acting on this with all that you have within you and then presenting an admissions package that you can be proud of and that can place you in a position to get admitted. As much as admissions committees may be interested in those students with the high numbers, they also take a genuine interest in those with powerful stories who have overcome their obstacles and setbacks and set themselves up for amazing comebacks. They actually like those who are overcomers and made it against the odds. You have to be willing to take the initiative, do the research, talk to law school admissions officers, do the hard work, get the assistance you need, and go from there. Be persistent and don’t be ready to give up if things don’t work out during your first or second try. There are many stories of people who have succeeded after failing numerous times. Persist. Failure is never final, unless you choose for it to be. Our society doesn’t share those stories of

those knocked down who constantly get back up until they achieve their goals as often as they should. If success was that easy, everyone would be living their dreams and doing well. You have to continue swinging and fighting for your dreams no matter how weary you may get. Just know that there are many law schools that are willing to give you a second chance and consider the ‘whole package.’ Understand that getting into law school is tough, getting through law school is tougher, the bar exam is a beast, and law practice or anything you decide to pursue and be successful at in the professional world will be even more difficult. Take on a competitive mindset and choose to succeed knowing it will take extremely hard work and sacrifice, undying determination, passion for the law, a vision for the difference you can make, and an unwavering willingness to overcome failures, dust yourself off and work toward those successes. No matter what – if law school is what you want, then don’t ever give up! That admissions acceptance letter may just be around the corner. Before you decide to embark upon the law school admissions journey, remember the importance of research, not just on the law school application process, but also on what a legal education entails, what the legal profession is like, career opportunities that are available, the legal job market and

what legal employers are looking for, perceptions of the law degree in the real world, and the special challenges persons holding the coveted juris doctor face in selling their credentials to non-traditional employers. Read books, surf the Internet, network with law students and lawyers and develop relationships with them so that they can serve as possible mentors, and talk to as many knowledgeable people as you can. Know and fully understand what you are getting yourself into. This early research is so often overlooked. Unfortunately, once students begin their legal education, because the demands on their time are so great, they find that they often don’t have the opportunity to do this necessary research. Many law students who realize that law school and the opportunities available are not what they had thought find themselves in a position where they may have made too much of a life change, time commitment and financial investment to get out. I cannot stress enough the critical importance of early planning and preparation and seeking out prelaw and career advisement from a variety of sources very early on so that you fully understand not only how the process works but can ensure that you will be a truly successful and competitive law school admission candidate – and ultimately a law student who is truly satisfied with their decision to attend law school and the possibilities for a fulfilling and rewarding career after graduation. Best of luck to you in your quest to attain law school admission! Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M. is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, the University of Iowa College of Law and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She is the founder of BlackPreLaw.com, the National Black Pre-Law Network, the National HBCU Pre-Law Project, and the annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair.

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achieve to their full potential academically and as leaders. There are many obstacles to achievement. That’s why not everyone who has a dream and the potential to make it happen actually realizes it. These are gritty and harsh realities but you must overcome these issues from wherever you sit if you want to best be able to compete.

Studying Law in South Africa

Studying Law Abroad in

Cape Town, South Africa: An Interview with Howard University School of Law Student Ashley Cloud

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This summer, Ashley Cloud, a second-year law student at the Howard University School of Law, participated in the law school’s study abroad program in South Africa in cooperation with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town, South Africa. Ms. Ashley, along with 24 other law students, took part in this program, which is considered one of the most respected in legal education. Half of the law students participating were Howard Law students and the other half were comprised of law students from various law schools from all over the country. Annual 2013 Edition

Ashley Cloud on top of “The Castle,” the oldest building in Cape Town.

Studying Law in South Africa tional Law course, I decided that I had to enroll in this course as well. Justice Yacoob is a recently retired Constitutional Court justice. The Constitutional Court of South Africa is the equivalent to the Supreme Court of the United States. Did you study with only American students or did you study alongside South African law students?

Group photo in front of the “The Castle of Good Hope.”

uring this program, students had the opportunity to learn from Howard Law faculty, the University of the Western Cape faculty, and from the judiciary from the highest level courts in South Africa. Some students also had the opportunity to extern in either public or private law offices in the city of Cape Town. Participating law students were given the opportunity to not only study law, but to also experience the culture in South Africa and travel throughout the region. We caught up with Ashley to find out what her experience was like and what she gained from studying law in another country. What made you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to study law abroad in South Africa? I decided to participate in the South Africa Study Abroad program because I knew that it was a once-ina-lifetime chance to experience the richness in culture of Africa while studying the law. I did not know that I would learn as much as I did and I am so glad I decided to participate in the program!

I studied with my American law students as well as South African law students from the University of the Western Cape. What are the similarities and differences in the legal systems in the United States and South Africa? There are many differences in the legal systems of the United States and South Africa. One major difference is the progressiveness of their New Constitution. In a lot of ways, Americans have had to interpret the United States Constitution in order to “read in” rights for Americans that are not actually written. In contrast, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa has the rights afforded to its citizens actually written into the Constitution. For example, this summer, it was just decided that DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, is unconstitutional because it prohibited states from recognizing same-sex marriages. Nowhere in the United States Constitution is same-sex marriage acknowledged, but it has been deemed that discrimination based on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. In comparison, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa explicitly acknowledges same-sex marriage and prohibits discrimination of same-sex couples. Although the Constitution

What courses did you take there and who taught them?

Group photo outside of Parliament.

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In order to participate in the program, law students are required to take at least two courses. I was originally enrolled to only take two courses. The first course was International Business Transactions which was taught by Professor Ziyad Motala and jointly by Professor Ray Thomas, Jr. who are also Howard Law professors. The second course was International Criminal Law which was taught by Professor Josephine Ross who is also a Howard Law professor. However, upon my chance to sit in on Justice Zak Yacoob’s Comparative Constitu-

Studying Law in South Africa of the Republic of South Africa is more progressive, it is heavily influenced by the United States Constitution, and pivotal Supreme Court decisions that have changed the way we look at the United States Constitution. Another difference which both the American and South African students acknowledged is the fact that the Constitution of South Africa is very progressive as compared to the United States, but when you look at the structure of the different societies, South Africa is far behind the United States in terms of equality. On

Aquila Animal Reserve the last day of his class, Justice Yacoob stated that there are high hopes for the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to become more than just words on a piece of paper, but that it will take the people of South Africa as a community to make the change. What does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa as compared to what it takes to become a lawyer in the United States?

U.S. President Barack Obama speaking at the University of Cape Town.

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Old Parliament

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A huge difference from American legal education is that instead of attending a 4-year undergraduate university and then attending a graduate program for law school, South African students receive an undergraduate law degree. This degree is called an LLB, or Bachelor of Laws. After they receive their LLB, a career path must be chosen; either one becomes an advocate or an attorney.

Studying Law in South Africa An advocate, which is the same as a trial lawyer, only deals with attorneys. Even though they may represent the public, they do not actually deal with the clients. Advocates are predominantly White males. In order to become an advocate, one must become accepted into a pupillage, which is basically a shadowing program where the pupil shadows a practicing advocate for one year. After completing the pupillage, the advocate takes the bar exam. Upon passing the bar, the person is accepted into the bar and is deemed an advocate. An attorney deals with the clients, and advises the advocates to the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Advocates do not usually appear in court officially. In order to become an attorney, a person must do one of two things: 1. Go and work for another attorney for 2 years which is called an Articles of Clerkship where they pick up practical pick up skills because donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get that with an LLB, and then take the attorney exam. Once they pass, they are deemed an attorney, and 2. Go for practical training at university for 6 months (serves for 1 year of practical training) and then 1 year of Articles and then take the attorney exam. After passing the exam, they are deemed an attorney.

African Dance Performance

Every morning, we took a shuttle from our hotel to the University of Western Cape, which was about a thirty

After our schoolwork was complete, we would go and try to gain our own experiences of Cape Town. We went

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What was your typical day like as a study abroad law student at the UWC?

to forty-minute ride. From Monday to Friday, we had at least two of our three classes. During class, we would discuss our readings, current events, watch films, and we often had speakers from community organizations come and speak to us so that we could gain more perspective on the South African experience. After classes, some students would report to their externships or research projects.

Studying Law in South Africa and refugees have reported being forced to pay money in order to get services at these offices. Otherwise, they risk being undocumented and subject to arrest, detention, and deportation. ACMS, LHR, and UCT would like to gather data highlighting the scope of the problem.

Boulders Beach on many tours, went to the local markets, went to different shows and performances, and sometimes just hung out at the hotel and chatted with the hotel staff and visitors of the hotel. There were visitors from all over the world and even some people from our hometowns in the states. Did you participate in any of the externship opportunities? If so, where did you work and what was your experience like? I did not participate in an externship, but I did participate in a research project implemented by The University of Cape Town Refugee Rights Unit (UCT), the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS) at Wits University, and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHE) which is geared towards human rights and refugee rights in particular. Many people go to South Africa from their home country as political refugees or just looking for a better way of life. In order to maintain their status as a refugee or asylum seeker, they must visit the refugee offices located throughout the country to keep their permits updated. By keeping their information up-to-date, they are allowed to remain in South Africa without being deported, detained, or fined. Many asylum seekers

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A view of Cape Town from Robben Island.

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During my experience, I conducted surveys of the refugees and asylum seekers as they made their way to and from the refugee office. Almost all of the individuals I spoke to knew of the corruption going on at the refugee offices. Some of them told me how they waited 12 to 14 hours in long lines to be seen and were asked to pay to be allowed into the facilities. When they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to pay, they were sometimes turned away or had to return the next day until they could be seen. Were you able to forge relationships with South African law students and lawyers? If so, what were some of the things you learned from them about being a South African law student and lawyer? One major thing that I learned from interacting with the South African students was how hard their struggle

Cape of Good Hope

Studying Law in South Africa was just to get to where they were. Some of them lost parents due to the violence of apartheid and many of them battled poverty and still found a way to get their education. Many of them hope to be the change that Justice Yacoob spoke of which will create a better Republic of South Africa. I learned a lot from them and appreciate them for opening up to us and sharing their stories with us.

A traditional meal prepared in Langa Township.

What are some of the perceptions that some of the South Africans you met have of Americans and American law students and lawyers? Although apartheid is no more in South Africa, the racism, prejudices, and stereotypes are still prevalent throughout the country. The socioeconomic status based on race is not much different from when the apartheid regime was still in place. Africans or the Blacks are still at the bottom, above them are the “Col-

oreds” which are people of any mixed race, above them are Indians, and above them are the White South Africans. As an African American, most South Africans that are not Black see me as simply “Black.” Among the South Africans, some of them see Americans as being “entitled,” “arrogant” and “privileged”. Once interacting with us, their attitudes toward us changed and they were very welcoming and open with us. However, not all South Africans felt this way. Many of them were happy to have us and willing to share their experiences with us in order for us to get a better idea of their life in South Africa.

The High Court of the Western Cape

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A view of Table Mountain from Langa Township. 31

Studying Law Abroad Although seeing President Obama speak was the most impactful experience while in South Africa, I must mention the other amazing things that I did while there:

Skydiving What was the most meaningful or impactful thing to happen during your summer experience in South Africa? I think the most meaningful thing that happened while I was in South Africa was being able to attend an intimate talk at the University of Cape Town. President Barack Obama was the speaker. He spoke on the tragedy of apartheid and the efforts being taken by the United States to assist the South Africa government and the economy in becoming what former President Nelson Mandela and other major leaders in South Africa fought for to overcome the apartheid regime. It is funny that I live down the street from the President here in D.C., and had to come to South Africa to see him, but it was amazing nonetheless!

We visited the townships of Langa and Gugulethu. There, we observed people in their everyday life in their communities. Both of these townships were predominantly Black. Some of them did not have running water or electricity. Visiting the townships showed most of us what was meant when the students and others would explain how much still needs to be done in South Africa to equalize the conditions of its people. Many of the students got the chance to visit Robben Island, which is the Island where many political prisoners were held during the fight against apartheid. We even got to visit President Mandelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cell! Many of the students also went skydiving while in Cape Town. The scenery from 9,000 feet in the air was breathtaking. The photographs do it no justice! All of the participants climbed Table Mountain in Cape Town. The mountain was 3,558 feet in elevation. It was a struggle, but making it to the top of the mountain was such a feeling of relief and accomplishment. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not too sure I would do it again, but I am glad that I got the chance to do it! Would you recommend this particular program to other law students or aspiring law students? I would recommend this program to any and everyone! As I stated before, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I will cherish and value my experiences while in South Africa for the rest of my life.

At the top of Table Mountain.

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Enjoying the view at the top of Table Mountain.

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Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island.

Studying Law in South Africa This experience is something that I will hold dear to me. It opened my eyes by showing me that I may be living in my “American bubble”, but that there is a whole world out there. People are having all kinds of different experiences and struggles and trying to make a difference and make life better for themselves and their people. This experience has motivated me to be, as Howard University School of Law is training me to be, a social engineer for everyone. At first, I only thought of the justice we fight for here in the United States. Now, I have broadened that motivation to across the globe. I would personally like to thank Professor Ziyad Motala and Howard University School of Law for allowing me to participate in such an amazing experience.

Why was this experience so significant and lifechanging to you? This experience was very life-changing for me for many reasons. For one, I’ve always wanted to visit Africa, the motherland. I didn’t know what I was in for when I arrived in Cape Town as it is very modernized and has a huge European influence. The experience that I got while in Cape Town is of so much value to me because of the people that I met and learning about their struggle. Although some may say Americans are far removed from the affects of racism, segregation, and discrimination, those affects are not so far removed from those of South Africa. Apartheid only ended less than 20 years ago. To talk to people of all walks of life as they told me about their struggles and their experiences was very humbling and frustrating at the same time. I think many of my colleagues would join me in my feelings as we would discuss our feelings after listening to speakers, watching films, and going on tours to learn the history of South Africa.

For more information about the Howard University School of Law’s South Africa Program, contact: Professor Ziyad Motala, Professor of Law. E-mail Professor Motala at zmotala@law.howard.edu or call him at 202-806-8044. He will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding the Program. Citizens protesting education reform on the famous Long Street

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A breathtaking view of Cape Town from Table Mountain. 33

THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION AND IMPACT’S 2013 NATION’S BEST ADVOCATES’ ADVICE FOR FUTURE BLACK LAWYERS

BARBARA WALKER, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Major: Nursing Law School: University of Florida Levin College of Law Current Position: Senior Associate Attorney, Parks & Crump, LLC

What do you do? I represent clients in the areas of complex medical malpractice, nursing home, wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury. I am a plaintiffs’ lawyer so I sue on behalf of those individuals who are injured. Why did you go to law school? I have always been intrigued with the practice of law and after working as a nurse for several years and advocating for my patients in the healthcare arena, I decided that rather than going to medical school which was my initial plan, I wanted to further my advocacy in the area of law. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? To be honest, nothing because I was a nursing major and had no thoughts or desire of going to law school at the time. However, in hindsight, I would recommend honing your writing skills and working hard to maintain a good GPA because law schools are so competitive now and undergraduate grades are an important factor considered with LSAT scores. What most contributed to your success in law school? Hard work, determination, focus and my faith.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Law school gives you the theoretical background, but it does not teach you how to be a lawyer. Now that you have the knowledge, you have to apply yourself. I remember reading a quote once before that I feel sums it up that I have always reflected upon, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

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Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

CARLOS LEACH, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Southern University Major: Business/Finance Law School: Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Current Position: Partner, Morgan & Morgan, PA

What do you do? For the last six years, I have represented thousands of employees in employment matters against their employers all over the country. The focus of my practice includes recovering unpaid wages including overtime, minimum wages, tips, commissions, etc. I have handled single plaintiff actions as well as national class actions involving thousands of employees. In 2012, I was able to recover more than $13 million in unpaid wages for my clients. Working for a large plaintiff-side firm like Morgan & Morgan allows me to even the playing field for employees when they need help in the fight versus their former employer. Why did I go to law school? I chose to go to law school because I was unhappy with my job at the time. I took a job with a national loan company and participated in their management trainee program. After 8 months, I quickly realized that this was not the career path for me. I weighed my options and upon the advice of a close friend who was a successful lawyer in Baton Rouge, I opted for law school. What do you believe you did in college that helped you prepare for law school? I think choosing a curriculum that is diverse helps. I majored in business/finance, so it gave me the opportunity to take classes in a wide variety of subjects in addition to the typical business classes. In addition, I found the speech class to be helpful. However, I do not believe that you necessarily need to choose a certain curriculum prior to attending law school. Some of my classmates majored in journalism, anthropology and other atypical pre-law majors. What most contributed to your success in law school? Easy answer: hard work and focus. If you put in the time, you will do fine.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Make a serious effort to network while in law school. The more lawyers you meet and learn about their practice, the more options you will have after graduation. In addition, you will most likely have a better chance at choosing the right practice area for you.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

ZULEMA GREEN, ESQ. Undergraduate School: University of Southern California Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Law School: Southwestern University School of Law (Attended law school in the part-time evening program while working fulltime) Current Position: Regional Managing Attorney, Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC

What do you do? I have been a Regional Managing Attorney for Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC for over 4 years. In my position, I hire, train, and manage 21 attorneys (currently as this number will increase in the coming months) who work in the Litigation Department of my company. In my role, I set policies and procedures for our department that are utilized across multiple states. I also handle some counterclaim defense and bankruptcy on a case-by-case basis. In my management, we develop litigation strategies to be used across the board in relation to collection of defaulted consumer credit accounts. State specific strategies and defenses are implored and utilized in collection of these accounts and counterclaim defense. I serve as the legal liaison between the Litigation Department and other departments within the company. In addition to the attorneys that directly report to me, I also assist in legal strategies implored by law firms that we contract with in 25 states. This includes case strategy, counterclaim defense, and general account handling with multiple law firms. Why did you go to law school? I went to law school because I wanted to practice health care law. I ultimately wanted to make a positive impact on our health care system. However, after graduating, I realized that this area of law was not one you could practice immediately out of law school. That and moving to a new state meant I had to take a job in another field of law. Will I eventually get back around to health care law? Only time will tell. What do you believe you did in college that helped you prepare for law school? In college, other than achieve scholastically, I don’t think undergraduate studies prepared me for law school. Law school required me to re-learn how to study as I had not been required to study as hard as I did in law school. Particularly if you are like me and could study very little and still do well in class. Law school was a totally different challenge in that without mid-terms you never knew how well you progressed in a course. Undergraduate did, however, help to expand my thinking and allow me to become vulnerable in my thoughts. This vulnerability is necessary for a legal mind in that you learn to analyze and question everything, even the things you think you already know. What most contributed to your success in law school? I attribute my law school success to joining a great study group, having a mentor show me how to succeed, and completely dedicating the first year to the study of law. The first year taught me how to be a law student in that I lived in the library and completed every practice test known to man. I utilized study aids and other course materials to thoroughly understand each subject. I didn’t quite understand why some schools forbid you to work during your first year. However, as an evening student, I was not afforded that luxury. But, I soon learned that my life consisted of work, school, and study for the entire first year.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? In order to be successful in your legal career, you have to work hard and network. I can honestly say that hard work does pay off…that and knowing someone that will give you your first job. After you land your first job, hard work will allow you to preserve and achieve all the goals you want to achieve. Annual 2013 Edition

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

RADIANCE HARRIS, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Swarthmore College Majors: English Literature and Religion Law School: University of Maryland School of Law Current Position and Company: Associate, DLA Piper What do you do? I am a trademark, copyright, and advertising attorney at one of the world’s largest law firms. I help companies protect and enforce their trademarks and copyright in the United States and in other countries worldwide. I also help well-known brands conduct contests and sweepstakes via traditional media and social media. Why did you go to law school? I knew I wanted to go to law school when I was a junior in high school. I went to law school because I wanted to be the first lawyer in my family. I also always enjoyed reading, writing, and advocating for myself and others, and therefore thought law school would be a perfect fit. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? I read a lot of books, and wrote a lot of papers analyzing themes in those books. I knew that being an English major would help me tremendously in law school because law school courses require you to analyze a set of facts based on a particular law. What most contributed to your success in law school? I completed reading assignments in a timely manner, never waited until the last minute to prepare for exams or write papers, and regularly visited professors during their office hours. I also had a good balance between studying hard and enjoying a healthy social life.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Expand and maintain your professional network, stay current with the new laws and developments in your practice area, always do great work, seek feedback from more senior attorneys, and help others.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

SHONTAVIA JOHNSON, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Clemson University Major: Biosystems Engineering with an emphasis in Applied Biotechnology Law School: University of Arkansas School of Law Current Position: Assistant Professor of Law, Drake University

live wealthy and happy lives.

What do you do? I teach property law, entertainment law and intellectual property law classes. I am the owner and founder of Johnson International Group. I am an entrepreneurship and lifestyle expert who helps wannabe entrepreneurs build strong businesses that allow them the freedom to

Why did you go to law school? I did not have a grand plan at the time that I decided to go to law school. I was clear that I wanted to help people and make a difference in the world, and I thought a law degree would put me in a position to accomplish these overarching goals. I didn’t quite grasp how this degree would do this at the time. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? I was an engineering major and literally did not know the difference between a plaintiff and a defendant when I began law school. I think this helped me because I did not have any preconceived perceptions about my knowledge base. During those first few days of law school, I felt a bit out of place because many of my classmates were pre-law majors with several generations of lawyers in their immediate familial and/or social circles. Because I knew that I knew absolutely nothing, and had no attorney mentors at the time, I would hang on to each word that my professors said in class and take copious notes. I also spent quite a bit of time in my professors’ offices asking questions, believing that I was merely “catching up” with my classmates. In reality, many of my classmates were over-reliant on their undergraduate knowledge and the advice, outlines and notes given to them by family members or friends who were lawyers. I outperformed many of my fellow classmates because of the extra hours I spent taking notes, making my own outlines and visiting with my professors. What most contributed to your success in law school? My belief that God put me there as part of His plan for my life. As a student, I made sure to regularly read the Bible even when I had a mountain of work to do for class. I actually read the entire Bible during my first year of law school and memorized a passage that I still repeat to myself on a regular basis. The verses come from Jeremiah 29:11-14: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” This kept me going when I felt like I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Knowing who you are, and your purpose on this earth, is critical. The word success can have as many different meanings as there are people on this planet, and if you know your specific purpose you will not get caught up in someone else’s version of success. The legal profession can be incredibly rewarding if you follow your own path. Annual 2013 Edition

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

MONIQUE LIBURD, ESQ. Undergraduate School: California State University, Northridge Major: Psychology Law School: University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law Current Position: Associate Trademark CounseL, Google Inc.

What do you do? As a trademark attorney, I help protect our company’s brands around the world, educate and advise internal clients about selecting and using trademarks, draft and negotiate agreements and work on deals relating to trademarks, and create and consider our company’s policies with respect to trademarks. Why did you go to law school? The “Lawyer as a Counselor” example had a huge appeal to me. As a psychology major, I was very interested in counseling and advising. I also always enjoyed helping others and researching to find the answer to difficult questions. I saw law as a career where I would be able to put these skills to work every day. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? Because I worked full-time and went to school full-time during undergrad, I developed good time management skills which served me well once I got to law school. In law school you often have many deadlines in a very short period of time so the ability to prioritize is key. I also did a lot of writing in undergrad which was important preparation for law school-a huge component of law school and practice is writing. What most contributed to your success in law school? Identifying a support network of other law students (mostly through identity organizations and law journals) and mentors was the biggest step that contributed to my success in law school. This core group helped me stay motivated and encouraged me to keep pushing through when things got tough. Mentors gave me invaluable advice about professors/courses, extracurriculars, scholarship opportunities, and career strategy, and my peers acted as a sounding board for new ideas and often gave me insight into alternative approaches and opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. Getting involved with journal work as early as possible also served me well. Working on journals allowed me to engage with the law in a meaningful, temporally relevant way (as opposed to some of the antiquated and often arcane legal concepts and case law I was absorbing in the classroom). Through journal work, I developed strong writing and editing skills that continue to serve me in practice.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? In addition to making sure you are getting the best substantive lawyering experience possible or available to you (there is no substitute for doing good work and knowing your practice area cold), it is so important to build and maintain your network. Stay in touch with your law school classmates and professors, join local bar associations (either subject matter related sections or diversity groups), and get away from your desk to meet future mentors, employers, and clients as much as possible. Keeping in touch with your network will allow you to think critically about what you want from your career by learning about the issues others are working on, keep people interested and engaged in the work you are doing, and put you in a position to learn about and take advantage of new and exciting opportunities.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

MICHELLE LIPKOWITZ, ESQ. Undergrad: Harvard University Major: Psychology Law School: Georgetown University Law Center Current Position: Partner and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Saul Ewing LLP

What do you do? As a Partner in the Litigation Department at Saul Ewing LLP, I lead teams on litigation involving contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, consumer class actions, mortgage fraud, lender liability, construction and products liability. I have extensive experience in complex commercial litigation in various state and federal courts throughout Maryland and across the country representing clients from a broad range of industries, including financial, retail and telecommunications. In addition, I am adept at handling bankruptcy issues, check fraud, and claims arising under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as well as state and federal corporate, securities, commercial and consumer laws. Why did you go to law school? I have always enjoyed logic challenges. Life as a commercial litigator is a series of big logic puzzles. I also thrive in unpredictable, dynamic environments where I am ensured that boredom will not set in from doing the same thing all day, every day. Additionally, I truly enjoy getting to know people, helping them, and finding out what makes them tick. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? I majored in psychology and directed a peer counseling program during college. My psychology classes and counseling training really helped me develop my communication and relationship-building skills, which are essential in the practice of law. What most contributed to your success in law school? Sheer determination and intense focus. When I take on a task, I am all in and committed to seeing it through.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? There is no substitution for hard work. Aim to be the most prepared person in the room.

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Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

RHONDA PEOPLESWATERS, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Fisk University Major: Business Administration Law School: University of Florida Levin College of Law Current Position: President/Owner, Rhonda Peoples-Waters, P.A.

What do you do? I own and manage a legal practice that handles primarily personal injury and criminal cases. As the sole attorney, I represent my clients at trials and hearings. Why did you go to law school? I went to law school because I loved helping others. Also, I grew up in Selma, Alabama so I loved the history of the Civil Rights Movement and am passionate about creating change. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? In college, I read extensively. Reading, comprehension, and writing are the areas that helped me to prepare for law school, the LSAT, and the bar exam. What most contributed to your success in law school? In law school, reading, comprehension, and writing were still the most important [factors]. However, I found combining them with life balance and organization worked well for me.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Success in the legal field will be driven by passion, hard work and professionalism. Justice must be the ultimate goal.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

REGINALD ROBERTS, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Morehouse College Major: Psychology Law School: University of Southern California Gould School of Law Current Position: Partner, Sanders Roberts LLP

What do you do? After about 10 years working in litigation firms, I partnered with Justin Sanders to form Sanders Roberts LLP. We are a full-service litigation firm located in downtown Los Angeles. We have 7 attorneys in addition to paralegals and support staff and we are growing. We primarily work as defense counsel for business ranging from small businesses and individuals to fortune 100 companies like Ford Motor Company. We are trial lawyers. In the first 6 months of 2013 we took three cases to trial on behalf of Ford and obtained defense verdicts and outcomes for our client in all three! We are also experts in police excessive force cases and in 2011 worked to obtain a $4.26 million dollar resolution for a client. This was reported to be the largest settlement for a police misconduct case in history against the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department. Our firm is diverse in both its practice base and in the attorneys who work for us on behalf of our clients. We are growing a recognized litigation firm in Los Angeles, founded by two young Black attorneys, that is known for providing high-level litigation services to clients of all sizes. Why did you go to law school? I have wanted to be an attorney since I was young. As I grew older that desire increased because I began to appreciate the need for people like me in this profession. We must have a voice in both the creation, and implementation of our laws. That voice should be reflective of the population that the laws are intended to govern. Unfortunately, we need more diversity in the “pipeline” in order to make this dream a reality. I work to do my part. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? While attending Morehouse College, I developed a foundation of confidence in my ability to think on a higher level and to perform academically. As part of that growth process, I began to understand that my abilities could transfer into other areas including law school, the legal practice and in life. I worked on my written language and analytical skills and used those tools to perform in law school. Writing skills are critical for performance in law school. What most contributed to your success in law school? My belief, in myself and the discipline that I developed in undergrad while balancing school, work, studies and high achievement in my classes proved to be my greatest assets in law school. Writing skills are a must and I encourage all prospective law students to take as many writing courses as they can in order to prepare for the law school experience.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Follow your passion, invest all of yourself, and success will find you!

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Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

VALYNCIA SIMMONS, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Howard University Major: Journalism Law School: University of Southern California Gould School of Law Current Position: Partner, Baker Williams Matthiesen LLP

What do you do? I am an intellectual property lawyer focusing my practice on trademark enforcement and litigation, as well as matters relating to copyrighted material, unfair competition, false advertising and misappropriation of name and likeness; particularly in the social media context. I serve clients in a variety of industries including the technology, media, online retail, and food and beverage industries, among others. Why did you go to law school? I wanted to do work that has a tangible impact on the world. As an intellectual property lawyer, I help people protect what they create and monetize those creations. It’s very fulfilling. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? I learned to write well. As a journalism major, I was taught to write clearly and succinctly. That is an invaluable skill for any lawyer and gave me a “leg up” when I went to law school, and later when I started practicing. From writing memos to appellate briefs, I could communicate in a way that was straightforward and persuasive. If you can do that, you will go far; especially as a litigator. What most contributed to your success in law school? You have to balance working hard and taking care of yourself. That means fitting in exercise, sufficient time for sleep and down time. That way, when you study, you are more focused and the quality of your work is better. Work smarter and not harder -- in law school and after.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Doing great work is a given and essential. But as a corollary, you must also build relationships -- this is the key to advancement within and without your organization.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

DANNELLE WALKER, ESQ. Undergraduate School: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Major: Human Development and Family Studies Law School: University of Arkansas School of Law Current Position: General Counsel, Tennessee State Board of Education

What do you do? As Counsel to the State Board of Education, I advise the State Board on all legal matters, manage the charter school appeals process, influence state education policy through rule-making, and represent the State in teacher license denial, suspension, and revocation proceedings. Why did you go to law school? I came from a family of educators and I always knew that I wanted to have an impact on education in some way. I started college thinking that I was going to be a school psychologist, but I realized that I wasn’t cut out for that. In undergrad, I took a class on children with special needs. After examining the laws that impact children with special needs, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, it dawned on me that law could be my path to impacting education. I went into law school knowing exactly what I wanted to do and I have been blessed to be able to do just that. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? The most important things I did in college were to get good grades, get active on campus, and to have fun. Those three things were the most critical in preparing me for law school for several reasons. First, without at least a 3.0 grade point average, it is difficult to gain admittance into law school. Also, I’m not a great test-taker, so I didn’t do as well as I would have liked on the LSAT. My undergraduate GPA was near a 4.0, so it helped to balance out my LSAT score. Getting active in campus organizations helped to develop my leadership skills and showed that I could effectively balance academics with other obligations. This looks great to admission committees. Finally, I had fun in college, which was super important because when I went to law school, I didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything. Not to say that you won’t have any fun in law school, but it’s less about fun and more about focus. Because I had done everything I wanted to do in college, I was ready to move to the next phase of my life, which was law school. What most contributed to your success in law school? I was successful in law school because I really focused, had great study partners, I didn’t give up when everything in me was telling me to quit, I had great support from family and friends, and most importantly, I trusted in God that He had already given me everything I needed for me to be successful. I also made sure to make time for me. I worked out every weekday and I took every Friday evening off to just relax and unwind.

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What advice would you most like to give aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? After your law degree, the grind doesn’t stop. The law is constantly evolving. It’s important to keep learning about the developments in your area of focus. Also, get connected to people who are doing what you aspire to do and ask them what it takes to get there. If you can’t find an exact model, pick and choose different pieces in each person that you want to emulate and put that together to create the model for who you want to be. Finally, get some career sponsors, or people who are willing to vouch for your work and stick their neck out for your success. You do this by being the person people would be willing to vouch for. The practice of law, and almost any other profession, is built on relationships. It’s not always about what you know, or even who you know. It’s about who knows you. Annual 2013 Edition

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

LAKEISHA MARSH, ESQ. Undergraduate School: Clark Atlanta University Major: Political Science Law School: Loyola University Chicago School of Law Current Position: Associate Vice President & Counsel, TCS Education System

What do you do? As Associate Vice President & Counsel, I manage a robust legal department that services corporations within the TCS multi-million dollar system. My primary focus is in the areas of corporate governance, corporate compliance, corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation management. Why did you go to law school? I have always known that I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to enter a profession where I could gain knowledge that would allow me to help others and make a difference while always being challenged. What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? I believe that my involvement in extracurricular activities (i.e. volleyball team, leadership positions) helped prepare me for law school because they taught me invaluable skills that could not be learned from a book but were needed to make me a great lawyer and standout among my peers. What most contributed to your success in law school? My time management skills and my ability to remain disciplined to my studies.

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What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Always remain true to yourself and your abilities. There will be times when you want to give up, but don’t. Press forward, the reward is great.

Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice

LACY DURHAM, ESQ., MBA, LL.M. Undergraduate School: University of Louisiana at Monroe Major: Accounting and Finance (Louisiana State University (Master of Business Administration) Law School: Southern University Law Center (Juris Doctor) and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (Master of Law in Taxation) Current Position: Tax Manager What is the company you work for or created? Deloitte Tax, LLP What do you do? In the simplest terms, I am a tax lawyer that specializes in employee benefits and compensation. I work at an accounting firm in the global employment services practice. In my role, I get the flexibility to work with domestic and international companies. My role allows me to provide advice to help both the company and their employees. The law requires that an employer provide certain benefits to its employees in addition to basic compensation. Many companies award additional cash benefits like performance bonuses, severance pay, and retirement incentives. A company may also offer non-cash benefits such as paid vacation time, sick time, health insurance, fringe benefits, etc. I advise the company on whether the employee benefits are designed to provide security to the employees in a way that will improve their quality of life. I assist the companies by doing legal research, responding to governmental inquiries from the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, offering compliance services, and helping design employee benefits that are best suited for their employees. In addition, I help the companies get the tax breaks they are entitled to under the Internal Revenue Code laws because they offer the benefits. On any given day, I work with the company’s in-house legal team, the Human Resources and Tax Departments. My clients also include those companies going through bankruptcy, mergers, and acquisitions. Each day brings a new challenge and allows me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Why did you go to law school? I attended law school because I wanted options for my future. My aspirations to be an attorney were firm before I went to middle school. However, as I grew older, I learned that a law degree would equip me with different skills, and a wide range of career options. The quality of life and flexibility of the legal profession was very appealing and ultimately sealed my desire to go to law school.

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What do you believe you did in college to help prepare you for law school? Preparation is the key to success. In college, I took a twofold approach. First, I made sure I was equipped with the core skills needed to be an effective law student and attorney. I focused on maintaining a good GPA and strategically sought courses that would bolster my reading comprehension and strengthen my writing skills. Do not neglect your grades! I also took the opportunity to seek out ways to hone my oratory and presentation skills by volunteering for different speaking roles, taking advanced speech courses as electives, and debating. Second, I made sure that I was well-rounded. Law schools are looking for individuals that are academically prepared and are active outside the classroom, which is an important qualification. I sought out leadership positions and extracurricular activities, including community service that further helped me highlight my passion for helping others, show selfmotivation, independent thought, and the ability to team with others. These things allowed me to have a strong academic background and the fortitude to prepare me for the rigors of law school.

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Nation’s Best Advocates’ Advice What most contributed to your success in law school? The top three things that I believe attributed to my law school success were: humility, finding my study style and taking the road less traveled. Law school is a very humbling experience. You do not get into law school unless you are intelligent. You will be among the best and brightest in your class. Some of your classmates will find everything comes easy; others will find every class challenging. I quickly figured out that I didn’t have to know everything in every class or be the quickest to answer. Once I put aside my sensitivities, I found it much easier to focus on learning the material to be successful in my classes. I also had to learn my study style. Some of your classmates can study in large groups, others need to be alone. Many people think they can cram, yet some people need more time and notecards for reinforcement, while others have photographic memories and take no notes. After some trial and error, I found my signature study style and it greatly helped me learn the law and maintain my grades. Finally, I took on positions and projects that no one else was interested in. This allowed me the opportunities to get first-rate experiences with professors and existing attorneys. From those experiences, I was able to cultivate relationships and was mentored by them on a one-on-one basis. What advice would you most like to give to aspiring lawyers about what it takes to be successful after earning their law degrees? Aspiring lawyers must challenge themselves to take charge of their own success. The best advice I can offer is that a law degree alone will not make you successful. Success is an accumulation of hard work, investment of time and money, careful consideration, strategic choices, and a leap of faith. Above all - nothing beats preparedness and having a strong work ethic. Take time to develop your practical skills. Do allow yourself the freedom to chase after your dreams. Speak up for yourself and be fearful of nothing. Make yourself stand out. Don’t allow yourself to be labeled and/or put into a box. Today there are more attorneys of color practicing law, but the reality is that you may find yourself in the minority when interacting with your legal peers. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take work in a different practice area, meet new people or build different relationships. It is perfectly permissible to be successful – you don’t need permission from anyone! CWSL_hp_ad_F_Layout 1 9/4/13 11:40 AM Page 1

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Interview with Chaz Arnett

Chaz Arnett, Public Interest Lawyer:

An Emerging Force in the Criminal Justice Movement, the New Civil Rights Movement Chaz Arnett joined the Juvenile Court Division of Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender in 2012. At OPD, he represents juveniles in Baltimore City in a wide range of delinquency matters and works on a number of boards and committees, such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Stakeholders Board, Pre-Adjudication Coordination and Training Team, and the Disproportionate Minority Contact Advisory Committee, to push for system-wide changes for the betterment of youth.

haz is a Baltimore City native and has been very passionate about criminal justice issues since he was young; having seen firsthand the negative effects of the system growing up in his East Baltimore neighborhood. He used those experiences as a driving force to become an agent for criminal and juvenile justice reform. Chaz graduated from Morehouse College in 2003 with a degree in sociology and criminal justice. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School in 2006. While at Harvard, he represented indigent clients in criminal cases at Roxbury District Court in Boston, Massachusetts as a student attorney with the Criminal Justice Institute.

Inspired by trips to New Orleans to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, after law school Chaz moved to Louisiana and worked as a trial attorney with Orleans Public Defenders in New Orleans; where he represented clients in felony trial proceedings and helped in the rebuilding of tenacious advocacy and defense in the office.

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In 2009, he accepted the Satter Legal Research Fellowship from Harvard Law School’s Human Rights Program. Chaz’s host organization for the fellowship was the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), in Cape Town, South Africa. During the fellowship year, he worked with ICTJ’s Zimbabwe Unit and spent time

Annual 2013 Edition

in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, advocating for the rights of detained Zimbabwean refugees and assisting in the constitutional development and redrafting process. Upon his return to the U.S. in 2011, Chaz worked in Washington, D.C. at Advancement Project as a staff attorney in the “Ending the Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track” program. His work focused on assisting and promoting a national campaign to end harsh and unfair school disciplinary measures that push children off of an academic track and on to a track to prison. Chaz, assured that the criminal justice movement is the new civil rights movement, has dedicated his career to fighting for the protection of constitutional rights and for the elevation of basic human rights within our criminal justice system. He longs for the day when the criminal justice system will reflect the principles and values this country holds most dear, but until that day, he remains committed to this important work for the long haul.

Why did you decide to go to law school? I decided during the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college that I wanted to go to law school. Funny enough, I was an engineering major at the time, with the aim of pursuing computer engineering; much to the delight of my mother and grandfather. I was very good at math in high school and had

Interview with Chaz Arnett my alma mater came back to talk to about the positives and negatives of legal education and professions in law. I believe these interactions and opportunities were by far some of the most important things I did during college to help me become competitive. Returning students were always quick to give advice, tips, and share war stories.

Chaz, Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor, and his wife Matiangai Sirleaf.

And last but not least, I was very active during college, heading up several organizations and spearheading some of my own. I believe that this helped me become an even stronger candidate for law school.

Did you have assistance from a pre-law acquired a physics scholarship; which required me to advisor, law student or attorney mentor, or remain a physics or engineering major to keep it. How- did you navigate the process alone?

What did you do while still an undergraduate to prepare to be a competitive law school candidate and law student? During college I took a constitutional law class that really helped me begin thinking deeper about cases, judges’ opinions and rulings. It also helped me learn how to brief cases and practice pulling the important pieces out of judicial decisions. My professor was a tough grader, but I think his course was very beneficial. I also took courses on logic and critical thinking which helped prepare me for the LSAT. They allowed me to become familiar with logic questions. I never became a full member of the pre-law society, however I did attend some events and meetings that were beneficial. I always made an effort to go to meetings and events where lawyers and law students from

Unfortunately, I went through the law school application process mostly on my own. I did not know any attorneys or law students well enough at the time to be able to lean on them. The situation was most regrettable. I sat down with one of the pre-law advisors at my school, who happened to be the chair of one of the academic departments, and went over my list of schools that I intended to apply to. His only advice was discouraging, “You need to apply to more lower tiered schools…” If I could go back in time, I would have solicited more people to help me out in the process, particularly current law students.

How did you select the law schools that you chose to apply to? In selecting law schools, I started off first with geography. I had a high preference for the East Coast, because of family, friends, and my network. So I only ended up applying to one Midwest and one West Coast law school, with the rest on the East Coast. The second factor I looked at was loan forgiveness, as I tried to make note of what schools assisted with loan repayment. The third thing I took into consideration was the makeup of the law schools’ public interest programs; what courses were offered, what professors were on faculty, clinical opportunities, etc. Lastly, I took into account the resources at the disposal of the school; does the school sponsor student travel, does the school help with stipends for summer internships, etc.

“I believe the greatest lesson I learned in law school is that the law is nothing more than what we say it is at any given time.” Annual 2013 Edition

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ever, my engineering courses during that freshman year were the epitome of boring. Despite excelling at it, I had no desire to sit behind a computer for the rest of my career. I understood then that I liked interacting with people, loved helping others, and had a great interest in fighting for change. I thought long and hard that summer about what profession would best suit me and lead me toward fulfillment. Some of the greatest agitators and fighters for justice throughout history were lawyers, like Thurgood Marshall, from my hometown of Baltimore. Somewhere during that summer, I made up my mind that I wanted to be an agitator, and I wanted to do it through being a lawyer. I changed my major to sociology with a focus on criminal justice and unfortunately lost my physics scholarship. Every semester was a financial struggle from then on. But I was happy and without regret because I knew becoming a lawyer would help me become the advocate and agitator for justice that I wanted to be.

Interview with Chaz Arnett I applied to a total of 9 schools. In hindsight, I believe the advisor I spoke with had a point about applying to more schools. I disregarded his advice because I had a strong sense of where I wanted to go and thought I knew a lot back then. I would advise pre-law students now to think about how many applications would be financially feasible and whether there is application cost assistance available. If you can swing it and want to cast a wide net, 10-15 is doable. However, if you know the area you really want to be in, and the schools are limited there, that is okay too. Keep in mind, although I did not want to be on the West Coast or Midwest, I still applied to schools there just in case. Of all the points mentioned, I believe that geography is rather important because many students end up working and beginning their careers in the same city or near their law schools; and many schools have a better rate of placing students in jobs in regional proximity to the school.

Why did you choose the law school that you ultimately attended? I chose Harvard Law School for several reasons: 1) I received a substantial scholarship, 2) the school has a loan assistance program, 3) the school is located in the Northeast, 4) there was a criminal defense clinic, and 5) there were resources available to assist with summer fellowship opportunities.

What do you think you gained from your legal education that holds the most value to you? I believe the greatest lesson I learned in law school is that the law is nothing more than what we say it is at any given time. The idea that the law is oftentimes fluid, and that we as lawyers are empowered to give it meaning, has shaped the way I have approached practicing law. It has made me a much more fearless and dedicated advocate and litigator, and even more committed to using law as a means to shape society and effectuate the changes I wish to see.

What is your best law school memory? Immediately after Hurricane Katrina a contingent of students from the Black Law Students Association and other groups made a trip, in the middle of classes, to go down to Louisiana and Alabama and help with relief efforts. It was a very powerful and moving trip to have been a part of. I am very proud that we were able to drop everything and make something happen.

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That experience was part of the reason why my first job was in New Orleans.

Annual 2013 Edition

Chaz at the Drakenburg, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa.

What is your worst law school memory? Many of the worset memories of law school revolve around bad weather. My first semester of law school, exams were given after the winter and Christmas/New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday break (which is torture enough by itself). The week I came back for final exams was perhaps the coldest and most miserable weather I have ever experienced. It had snowed several feet and for the entire week the temperature never rose above the teens during the day, and dropped below zero in the evenings.

What do you wish that you had known about law school that no one told you? When I got to campus in the fall of my first year, I realized that other students had spent the summer reading outlines and law books. They seemingly had a step up on me. I spent my summer after college reading too, but non-law related books. If I could go back to that summer I would take a few hours a week to look over some materials on the first-year courses like torts, civil procedure, criminal law, property law, etc. In the long run, I do not believe that I was not in a position to succeed because I did not read up. However, I think looking over some materials could lessen the shock factor of entering law classes for the first time. I am by no means suggesting that people spend their whole summer reading law books, because that would be ridiculous. But if there is a way to get your hands on some course outlines and begin looking at some materials every now and then, it could prove helpful. I also did not know how critical my summer placements would be in determining the work I did and job prospects later. The thought process that goes into where you work at for your first summer should be long and thorough. These experiences not only help you shape your understanding of the law in real world practice, but also

Interview with Chaz Arnett help you build your networks and gain crucial experience. And unless you are immediately certain of the type of work you want to do, splitting summers between different firms, organizations, and companies could be a good idea too. I wish someone had told me that. Finally, I wish someone would have stressed to me the importance of clerkships after law school in developing skills and garnering job opportunities. I have faired well without doing a clerkship; however I may have been misguided in my reason for not seeking one out. When thinking about a clerkship, I always thought to myself, “I do not want to be some judge’s gofer, running around doing errands. Why not just practice?” My thought process was not fully developed and totally informed at the time. I believe now, with the right judge and court, clerkships provide great opportunity for law graduates to learn from practitioners and jurists, build their resume, and make time to think about the next move.

In 10 years I hope to not only be a tenacious advocate for criminal justice reform but also on the forefront of helping to bring younger advocates into the work, providing mentorship and guidance. justice. I always knew I wanted to fight for human rights and defend some of the most marginalized populations from being taken advantage of and/or discriminated against. My career path has remained faithful to my initial vision for the work I wanted to be a part of. Every job that I have held since I graduated has centered on fighting for human rights and protecting the most vulnerable in society.

What is your best personal advice to students As a public interest lawyer, what exactly do or graduates interested in pursuing law you do? What does a typical day look like for school? What should they do before making you? the decision to apply and attend?

Before making the decision to go to law school, I would hope that everyone would have the opportunity to volunteer or work at a legal firm, organization, company, or entity. Through such an experience, you can gain a better understanding of what the day-to-day life of a lawyer is like. Also, I would encourage people to crunch the numbers too. Law school is an investment, so one would be remiss without thinking about the costs of tuition, types of salaries in the law field desired, cost of living in the desired geographic location, etc.

What legal work had you envisioned doing prior to law school, and how has your legal career either followed or deviated from your original vision? Prior to law school, I envisioned myself doing legal worked that helped poor people of color fight for social

I am a trial attorney in the Juvenile Division of Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender, in Baltimore City. I represent kids, from families that cannot afford attorneys, in delinquency cases. In this position, I litigate a wide range of cases from possession of marijuana to armed robbery. Everyday I give kids a voice and protect them against being railroaded by the juvenile justice system. In my role I also engage in policy reform and advocacy on the local and state level to help knock down the barriers to the juvenile justice system living up to its creed of helping kids versus harshly punishing them and stripping them of their humanity. A typical day for me usually involves running back and forth to court. I am in court virtually every day, depending on how I schedule my cases. There is a morning court docket and an afternoon court docket. So I may have a case or two in the morning and then one or two in the afternoon. Usually I will handle one or two matters a day; which could be a trial, a status conference, court review, mental competency hearing, violation of probation hearing, or an emergency hearing.

Why are you so devoted to public interest law? Are there experiences you’ve had or things you’ve seen that have fueled that passion? I am particularly passionate about criminal justice from my experiences growing up in Baltimore. I saw the impact that the criminal justice system had on my com-

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I think the best advice is “stick to your guns.” If you want to pursue law school and become a lawyer, go for it. Do not be deterred. There is so much negative information and sentiments being sent out recently about law school debt increasing and job prospects diminishing for lawyers. I am still convinced that the law profession is a great and viable career to choose. One certainly has to be a realist about what is out there, yet at the same time not give up their license to dream and reach for the career and work s/he desires.

Interview with Chaz Arnett

Chaz at Harvard’s Ames Moot Court on his law school graduation day.

munity, from people going in and out of jail, to police officers treating people in the neighborhood with little to no respect. It is that reality that colored my outlook on life and shaped my perspective on notions of freedom, fairness, and dignity. Growing up in working class and poor neighborhoods instilled a sense in me that I needed to fight to change the lived experiences of those growing up just like I did, and give back.

career, you should be mindful of not burning bridges and being very strategic about building your base and network. Most jobs and opportunities are given and received through word of mouth and networks. It will be important to have a solid peer group on your professional level to bounce ideas about and contemplate professional moves and undertakings. It will be just as important to establish a mentor or two, older individuals that are well into their legal careers and can provide insight as well as critical feedback when needed. Nobody “makes it” or succeeds on their own, especially when first starting out.

You are clearly someone who is extremely accomplished. What are principles that you abide by that are the secrets behind your success that you would like to share with aspiring Black lawyers? • Never Be Afraid To Take A Risk – Sometimes you will have to take a gamble with an opportunity or project and run with it. You never know when it may present itself, but you should always be willing to take a risk to further your work, develop a skill, build a name for yourself, or explore a different field or area.

What type of legal work do you see yourself doing 10 years from now? 20 years from now? • Work Should Never Get In The Way Of Life – I see In 10 years I still see myself working in the criminal justice movement. I do not, however, see myself as a public defender in court everyday. I will move back over to doing policy and legislative advocacy on criminal justice issues full time, with the hope of having broader impact and purpose. In 10 years I hope to not only be a tenacious advocate for criminal justice reform but also on the forefront of helping to bring younger advocates into the work, providing mentorship and guidance. It is kind of hard to think of where I will be in 20 years. I suspect that I will still be continuing a beautiful career dedicated to fighting for others and the underdog. In my most hopeful visions, I would like to think that there would be less of a need in criminal justice reform, yet somehow I sincerely doubt that. Thus, I see myself fighting for reform and empowering people at the head of an organization or perhaps controlling one of my own.

Based on the mistakes that you’ve made or that you’ve seen others make, what advice would you give to aspiring Black law students about succeeding in the law school application process, during the law school experience, and in their careers?

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The legal community, particularly the Black legal community, is in many ways very small. In beginning your Annual 2013 Edition

so many young lawyers come out of law school and get so bogged down and burned out quickly, in both private and public interest work. Everyone should want to put their best foot forward, but working to the detriment of your personal life and development is never healthy or beneficial. Make sure you go just as hard in your personal life and fulfillment as you do in your professional. So for every all-nighter you should find a way to take some time to relax and enjoy life. And if you find yourself in a job that doesn’t value quality of life, then you may need to move. At the end of the day, it is about being happy and fulfilled, personally as well as professionally.

• Know Your Worth – As a young attorney beginning a career, many people will try to take advantage of you, in terms of salary, raises, promotions, etc. Always know your value and be willing to fight to be valued and appreciated or be prepared to move on. One of the most depressing lessons I learned after graduating law school is that even the most liberal and progressive organizations do not necessarily value and treat their employees well. So while you are fighting battles on the outside, you will oftentimes be forced to engage in battles in-house as well. So be prepared; just because a place does good work, does not mean it’s a great work environment.

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Visit www.jmls.edu/ImReady or call 866.575.7878.

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Dibora Berhanu JD candidate

Pre-Law Student Profile

Jayce Victor Age: 22 College/University: The University of Florida Major: Philosophy Minor: Public Leadership Favorite Subject(s): Political Philosophy Favorite Book(s): The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Favorite Movie: The Great Debaters Favorite Music Song: J. Cole

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Favorite Quote(s): Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Co-curricular/Extracurricular Activities: Basketball, watch movies, travel, and read Internships/Work Experience: Intern, State Attorney’s Office My Role Models: Will Smith My Most Memorable College Experience to Date: My most memorable college experience would be Jayce engaging in discussion during the Black Student Leadership Conference at the University of Florida.

my experience campaigning for Student Body Treasurer at the University of Florida. Ways That I Stand Out from the Crowd: Being able to connect with individuals on a personal level. What Most People Don’t Know About Me: I’m really a family man at heart. It doesn’t seem like I have time for much because I am so busy, but my family and loved ones are my first priority. What I Want to Be Known For: Inspiring those around me to live up to their full potential in life. Best Advice I Received on College Success: “Always remember you’re a student first, then a leader.” The Difference I Want to Make in the World: I want to be able to inspire others, just as my role model has inspired me, by exemplifying passion through my works. My Approach to Preparing for Law School: Applying for the Law School Admissions Council fee waivers, taking the TestMasters Law School Admissions Test prep course, and contacting professors and faculty for letters of recommendations. Why I Want to Be a Lawyer: I always viewed myself as a public servant, and enjoyed the feeling of helping others solve their problems. I want to be an attorney because I want to represent those who are underprivileged and do not have the proper representation.

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Jayce giving a speech during his induction for Student Body Treasurer at the University of Florida. Annual 2013 Edition

Pre-Law Student Profile

Charmika Placide Age: 25 College/University: J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University Major: Managerial Sciences Favorite Subject(s): Sociology, Organizational Communication, and Managerial Decision Making Favorite Book(s): The Bible, How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Favorite Movie: School Daze Favorite Music Group: I love many different genres of music. I really enjoy music written in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Neo soul, and Gospel music the most. I just love feel good music. Favorite Song: “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder Favorite Quote(s): “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe “The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely.” - Lorraine Hansberry

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” - Oprah Winfrey “Nothing chips away at your personal integrity more than an unfulfilled task.” - Bishop Dale C. Bronner “There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep it moving.” - Phylicia Rashad “Don’t be in such a hurry to condemn a person because he doesn’t do what you do, or think as you think. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.” - Malcolm X “You can make positive deposits in your own economy every day by reading and listening to positive, life-changing content, and by associating with encouraging and hope-building people.” - Zig Ziglar Co-curricular/Extracurricular Activities: Community Service; Volunteering with Chick-fil-A Leadercast; President, Georgia State University’s NBLSA Pre-Law Division (2009-2011;) Pre-Law Fellow, NBLSA’s National Executive Board. Internships/Work Experience: Legislative Intern, Administrative Office of the Courts, Georgia State Capitol; Sutherland Scholar, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP; Student Assistant, Georgia State University, College of Law, Dean’s Office; Student Intern, Social Security Administration, Area Director’s Office; Promotional Intern, CBS Broadcasting Inc., CBS Radio V-103 WVEE-FM My Role Models: I am blessed to have so many great people in my life who serve as mentors and they all

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Charmika Placide and NBLSA Pre-Law Division Members

Pre-Law Student Profile have encouraged and inspired me to go to law school for different reasons. However, my family inspires me the most not only to become great professionally, but personally, and that is really important. I do not want to become a public success and a private failure. I appreciate the people in my life that provide balance. My Most Memorable College Experience to Date: Graduating from Georgia State University! There is no greater feeling than the accomplishment of graduating from college. If I could I would bottle up that feeling and carry it in my pocket. Ways That I Stand Out from the Crowd: There are two ways that I stand out from the crowd: 1.) I start with what I am wearing. I try to reflect my personality in my clothing. This helps add to my confidence and can be a great conversation starter with people you are meeting for the first time. They may compliment you on an accessory; 2.) I try to smile and give genuine compliments. People really remember if you are genuine with them when they met you. Always try to make a lasting impression for future references. It can go a long way. What Most People Don’t Know About Me: Most people don’t know that I have Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease similar to Irritable Bowel Disease. I was diagnosed in May 2011. At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to go to law school because of this disease, but I spoke with the Georgia State College of Law Admissions Director and she really encouraged and reassured me that people have attended law school with this disease and went on to do great things in the legal profession. I really appreciated that conversation because it really eased my anxiety about doing well in law school. I thought that I had to be a perfect law school candidate and I had to realize that life is not always perfect, and you have to keep pursing your goals regardless of the obstacles that get in your way. What I Want to Be Known For: I want to be known for my dedication and passion for helping people. Whether I am involved on a case at a law firm I am working for, doing community service for a local charity, or working with the Crohn’s Foundation. I want people to know that I truly cared.

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Best Advice I Received on College Success: Do not focus on getting an “A” - just do your best. Have a plan, map out your courses by semester and level of difficulty, factor in internships and what semester you want to take them, and plan for the LSAT. Basically, don’t go into college blind. Have a plan and write it all down, so when things get difficult, you can refer back to your plan to stay focused.

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The Difference I Want to Make In the World: I want to leave a legacy of love. I want people to know that I cared enough to inspire them to do and become whatever they desired to be in life. If we encourage one person to go on and pursue what they were destined to do, the ripple effect on the lives that could potentially be changed is limitless. My Approach to Preparing for Law School: 1.) I made up in my mind that I was going to law school. I really thought long and hard about what I wanted to do with my life and what my passion was (I also prayed about it), and then I started telling friends and family so they could hold me accountable. 2.) I evaluated where I was academically, and I realized what I needed to work on. 3.) I got involved with a pre-law organization. (I really got involved. I helped charter the NBLSA Pre-Law Division Chapter at Georgia State University!) 4.) I found a mentor who understood where I was on my journey to law school and who supported me, gave me good advice, and realistically explained the dos and don’ts of applying to law school. 5.) I talked with admissions directors and asked, “What can I do to be a better candidate?” 6.) I started applying to pre-law programs, internships, and jobs that I knew would help me develop a skill set that would prepare me for law school. 7.) I networked with lawyers and law students and asked a ton of questions. 8.) I researched the LSAT, LSAT prep, and planned to take the exam when the time was right for me. I did not allow anyone to rush me into taking the test. I planned to take it when I would be free of distractions. Why I Want to Be a Lawyer: I want to become a lawyer to advocate for others whether that be a disenfranchised minority, business owner, a person with disabilities, or an artist. I want to help people know that they have options and that they do not have to settle. The more committed I am to becoming a lawyer, I have found that I really have an interest in policy and would like to use my law degree to bring about change that is meaningful and truly makes a difference. Charmika volunteering with fellow GSU students for a Chick-fil-A Leadercast event.

Fast Forward The 2-year JD Earle Mack wants to give you options. You can opt to earn your law degree in two years without sacrificing Drexel University’s signature hands-on approach to legal education through Fast Forward, the 2-year JD program starting Spring 2014 at the Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University. As a Fast Forward student, you’ll complete the same number of credit hours as students in our traditional three-year program, but you’ll do it in just two years, so you’ll be ready to practice law a year earlier —and be a step ahead in your career. For more information or to apply, visit earlemacklaw.drexel.edu/FastForward

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Law Student Profile

Cedrick D. Forrest Undergraduate College/University Attended: University of Houston Undergraduate Major and Minor: Political Science (major); Sociology (minor) Law School: University of Houston Law Center Year: 2L Favorite Books: Othello by William Shakespeare, Ulysses by James Joyce, Native Son by Richard Wright, Black Boy by Richard Wright, 1984 by George Orwell, Dr. Doolittle by Hugh Lofting Favorite Movies: The Color Purple, The Temptations, A Christmas Story Favorite Hobby: Playing guitar. Favorite Quotes: “Convention is like the shell to the chick, a protection till he is strong enough to break it through.”- Learned Hand “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”- Frederick Douglass Favorite Legal Subjects: Labor and Employment, Evidence, Employment Discrimination, Consumer Law Most Impactful Legal Case: Brown v. Board of Education Law School Co-curricular/Extracurricular Activities: Pre-Law Director, Rocky Mountain Region Black Law Students Association; Member, Interscholastic Mock Trial Team Legal Internships/Work Experience: Spectra Energy Corp.

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Lawyer Role Models: Theodore “Ted” Wells, Willie Gary, Johnny Cochran, Thurgood Marshall

Annual 2013 Edition

Most Memorable Law School Experience to Date: Not too long ago, I decided to take my six-year-old son on a tour of the University of Houston Law Center. I figured I owed him the opportunity to at least see the place that his father spent so much time away from him at. Like any building, the law school facility has areas that happen to be more aesthetic than others. These more eye-friendly areas are usually the main entrances hence, they are more heavily trafficked. Being a 2L that lives a great distance from campus, I have familiarized myself with the alternate entrances that have less traffic and have better access to parking. These alternate entrances happen to be not as pleasing to the eye. Due to habit and conditioning, we entered through one of these entrances, which led us to the basement. My son’s first comment was, “Daddy, is this a place bad people go?” I said to him, “No, why would you think bad people come here?” and he replied, “It looks like prison down here and on the way here we parked the car in a swamp.” Then, he added, “There’s a homeless man sleeping on that couch, too!” He was referring to an all too common sight in law school of the exhausted student getting a few quick minutes of sleep on one of the lounge area couches. Although our tour started rocky, his attitude soon changed after being able to see all that the school had to offer. It also helped me to realize

Law Student Profile

The Best Preparation for the LSAT Is: Whatever works for you is the best preparation for the LSAT. I think that there is no set formula as of yet in mastering this test. It should be noted that this is a standardized test and it can be learned. It may take some three months of study to make the score that they want or it may take some a year of study to get into the score range that they desire. Personally, I did self-study by using LSATs that had been administered in previous years. I ordered them for roughly $6-$8 per test online. I recommend trying to get and take tests from the last three years of test administrations. These tests are more likely to have similar styled questions and answer choices that you will find on your upcoming test. The last month leading up to my test date, I found a personal tutor online. My tutor was able to show me helpful tips and tricks about answering certain types of questions that gave me almost immediate results. The most important point of preparation is routine. Set a schedule of study times and stick to it. You will do fine if you prepare. The Best Preparation for Law School Is: As early as possible, an undergraduate student should begin polishing his or her time management skills. For many, law school will be the biggest time commitment they have undertaken up until that point in their life. Law school requires you to take about 15 hours each semester of truly substantive information. Now, I have taken fifteen hours during a semester while in undergrad, but the level of work needed to succeed in fifteen undergraduate hours does not compare to the challenge that the same amount of hours imposes while in law school. In order to succeed, I recommend getting into the habit of setting a routine for study, relaxation, and recreation. These activities are all equally important while in law school, but the time spent doing each should be set and strictly followed. Best Advice I Received on Law School Admission: I was told by an attorney that many people make the mistake of just telling about personal achievements and credentials in their personal statement. I was told law schools ask for the resume in order to learn about an applicant’s qualifications. The personal statement’s importance is that it gives the opportu-

nity for the writer to convey to the reader what lies behind their achievements. The personal statement is virtually the interview of the law school process so it should be treated as such. What I Believe Was My “Wow Factor” or “X Factor” in the Admission Process: I have a very varied background and I believe that my past experiences really stood out to the admissions committee. In particular, I am a military combat veteran. I was able to effectively show the admissions committee how being in the military and all of my other experiences have shaped and continue to shape my life. Best Advice I Received on Law School Success: Networking, networking, networking. Any attorney young or old will tell you that they did not get to where they are in their careers alone. Most attorneys also have a story of being introduced to a friend of a friend which landed them their first job. Being able to network and socialize with others while in law school is an important part of the law school experience. What Advice I Didn’t Receive About Law School Admission and Law School Success That I Wish I Would Have Been Told: I wish that I would have been told that in law school there is not your typical “right” answer. One of the main purposes of law school is to learn to argue effectively. A response that is well-articulated and well-thought-out is what most professors look for on an exam. What Most Surprised Me About the Law School Experience: A surprising thing about law school is the people that you will meet and their differing viewpoints and experiences. You may even find that after learning the law and getting to know more about those around you that your stance on different matters may begin to change or you may become more tolerant in areas that you once were not. This is not a sign that you are being brainwashed. It shows that you are growing and able to adapt to the world around you, much like the law you will be studying. Why I Want to Become a Lawyer: Lawyers are everywhere and a part of every industry in the world. Lawyers have become U.S. Presidents, CEOs, authors of novels, and television personalities, to name a few. I like the flexibility that a law degree provides. Though I am very sure of the area of law I want to practice after graduation, being able to change paths if necessary or desired greatly influenced me in deciding to pursue a law degree. I Want My Legacy to Be That: I seized every opportunity before me and made the best of each of them.

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the importance of setting an educational example for my son and for all young Black males who strive for success. I was glad to open his eyes to the possibility of himself attending law school and following in my footsteps. Further, the experience with my son that day furthered my resolve to persevere and achieve my goal of becoming an attorney.

Law Student Profile

Gobriella M. Davis Undergraduate College/University Attended: University of Maryland, College Park Undergraduate Major and Minor: Criminal Justice and Criminology (major); Human Development (minor) Law School: The College of William and Mary Law School Year: 2L Favorite Books: The Present by Spencer Johnson, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Favorite Quotes: “Success is never final, and failure is never fatal.” - Winston Churchill Favorite Legal Subjects: Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Employment Discrimination Most Impactful Legal Case: The Trayvon Martin Trial - State of Florida v. George Zimmerman

Favorite Movies: A Time to Kill, Law Abiding Citizen

Law School Co-curricular/Extracurricular Activities: National Director of the Pre-Law Division, National Black Law Students Association; Student Member, I’Anson-Hoffman American Inn of Court; Participant, Madrid, Spain Summer Study Abroad Program, Summer 2012; Special Education Advocacy Clinic, Spring 2013; Law Student Volunteer, Student Legal Services; Representative, BARBRI Bar Review; At-Risk Youth Counselor, City of Williamsburg Legal Internships/Work Experience: The Honorable Henry E. Hudson, Richmond, VA; Virginia Attorney General Office, Criminal Prosecutions, Richmond, VA; United States Attorney Office, Newport News, VA; E*TRADE Financial Corporation, Arlington VA

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Favorite Hobby: Dancing - it is also a great stress reliever!

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Lawyer Role Models: I look up to several great advocates of the law - Oliver Hill, Thurgood Marshall, Kar-

Law Student Profile en Turner McWilliams, The Honorable Arenda Wright Allen, The Honorable Susan Wigenton, The Honorable Cressondra Conyers, and of course Ralph Davis (my father). Most Memorable Law School Experience to Date: It was the last day of 1L year - we were all so proud to have made it through the year and be done! The Best Preparation for the LSAT Is: The best preparation is to participate in a prep course, if possible. Make a study schedule and stick to it! The Best Preparation for Law School Is: The best preparation is mental preparation. Law school and the legal profession is a “way of life” and I believe mentally accepting that goes a long way. Best Advice I Received on Law School Admission: Tell your own story - what makes you unique and special as a person and as a candidate for law school. What I Believe Was My “Wow Factor” or “X Factor” in the Admission Process: My personality and passion for the law - I have wanted be an attorney since

I was a little girl and I believed I was able to convey that throughout the application process. Best Advice I Received on Law School Success: Schedule and prioritize - decide what is most important to you at that present moment and tackle it! What Advice I Didn’t Receive About Law School Admission and Law School Success That I Wish I Would Have Been Told: Stay true to yourself and the reasons that first motivated you to go to law school in the first place. What Most Surprised Me About the Law School Experience: What most surprised me about the law school experience is the grading process. Why I Want to Become a Lawyer: I strive to act as an advocate for justice and on behalf of those that cannot advocate for themselves. I Want My Legacy to Be That: I made a difference in the world and paved a way for more opportunities for minorities, Black women in particular, within the legal profession.

Extraordinary people in a beautiful place. Nationally recognized programs taught by supportive faculty. Students prepared to practice and committed to serve.

Mercer Law School Features: • Excellent Job Placement – In March 2013, the American Bar Association released employment data showing that Mercer ranked 25th among the nation’s more than 200 law schools in the percentage of the Class of 2012 who, nine months after graduation, were in full-time, long-term positions requiring bar admission. • Legal Writing Program - in the U.S. News rankings of legal writing programs, Mercer has consistently has finished in the top three. • LL.M. in Federal Criminal Practice and Procedure - the only program in the nation designed for law school graduates seeking to prepare themselves for federal criminal practice as a prosecutor, Federal Defender, or private defense counsel. • Award-winning Woodruff Curriculum – The American Bar Association singled out Mercer’s innovative Woodruff Curriculum for the prestigious Gambrell Award. • Small Class Size - Mercer Law has chosen to be smaller than most law schools. The size creates an educational environment that fosters genuine, meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, fellow students, and Mercer Law alumni.

Your success as a lawyer begins here. Apply Today!

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1021 Georgia Ave. | Macon, GA 31207 | www.law.mercer.edu | 478-301-2605

Lawyer Profile

Patricia Rosier, Esq.

President, National Bar Association Managing Partner, Rosier Law Firm Washington, DC and Largo, Maryland Full Name: Patricia Ann Rosier High School: Manual High School Graduate School: University of Colorado Law School: University of Denver College of Law Legacy (Children): John Moore and Monique Moore, and Chance Moore (grandson) Favorite Quotes: “To change your life - you have to change your life.” “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” - Psalms 23

Patricia Rosier is the Managing Partner at the Rosier Law Firm, with offices in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Her practice concentrates in real estate, securities, corporate/finance, insurance, family and entertainment law, medical malpractice, personal injury and mass torts.

he has extensive experience in real estate (settlements, title insurance issuance for residential and commercial property), securities (including mergers/acquisitions), SEC regulatory filings, bond issues and business law.

sociation (Vice President); J. Franklin Bourne Bar Association; Maryland State Bar Association; and Prince George’s County Bar Association (Board Member), National Association of Realtors, and the Maryland Land Title Association.

Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Rosier served as General Counsel for Forum Capital Management, Inc., Associate General Counsel for Martin Marietta Corporation, General Counsel for American General Securities, Inc., Assistant General Counsel for American General Life Insurance Company, and Staff Attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ms. Rosier received her J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, her B.S. from Colorado State University, and attended the Certified Financial Analyst Program at the University of Virginia.

She is currently the President of the Washington Bar Association Legal Fund, Inc., and The Christian Products Company. Ms. Rosier has had the following affiliations: The National Bar Association (former Vice President); The District of Columbia Bar Association; The National Investment Manager’s Association (former General Counsel); The Washington Bar AsWere you the first lawyer in your family? Yes.

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When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? In undergraduate school.

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She has received numerous awards including the C. Frances Stratford Award, which is the highest award bestowed by the National Bar Association. Ms. Rosier is a member of Leadership Greater Washington, The Links, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Society, Inc. Her favorite hobbies include golf, writing and collecting vintage movies. Ms. Rosier is currently the President of the National Bar Association.

What is your best memory from law school? Hanging out at happy hour on Friday evenings with friends. What is your worst memory from

law school? Finals. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? Nothing is too hard if you

Lawyer Profile

have faith and are persistent. What was your favorite subject in law school? Real Property. What are your thoughts about the bar exam? Very difficult.

cheerleader? My husband Michael Rosier.

Favorite musical artist: Luther Vandross

Favorite legal show: Law and Order. Favorite food: Watermelon

How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? Elated. What is most difficult about being a lawyer? Rejecting a case. What is your greatest success as a lawyer? Negotiated a $1 billion dollar merger/acquisition. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? Forgetting the past and not becoming apathetic. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? Yes.

Favorite musical group: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Favorite drink: Margarita Favorite dessert: Key lime pie

Favorite Bible scripture (or spiritual quote/teaching): 23rd Psalm Favorite city: Atlanta Favorite vacation destination: Las Vegas, Nevada and Paris, France Favorite historical figure: Madam C.J. Walker

Favorite book: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

What does being a lawyer mean to you? Having the ability to make changes for the better and helping people along the way. What are your future goals as a lawyer? Having 10,000 clients. What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? English/ Composition. Favorite television show: Masterpiece Classics Favorite movie: Casablanca

Who is your biggest supporter/

What adjectives best describe you? Friendly, loyal, reliable, creative. What legacy do you hope to leave? That I have helped over a million people learn how to enjoy and live a better life.

What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? Increasing membership in my group - The Center for Abundant Living. What would people be surprised to learn about you? I won a beauty contest.

Favorite legal case: Roe v. Wade

Favorite song: “For the Love of You” by The Isley Brothers Favorite type of music: R&B

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Never give up and take it one day at a time. Do all that you can do today, the rest will take care of itself.

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What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? That personal injury lawyers can make a lot of money!

Favorite hobby: Collecting vintage movies.

Lawyer Profile

Vernon G. Baker, Esq.

Senior Vice President and General Counsel Meritor, Inc. Troy, Michigan Full Name: Vernon Graham Baker, II High School: Teaneck High School, Teaneck, New Jersey College: Dartmouth College Law School: American University’s Washington School of Law Legacy (Children): Vernon G. Baker, III (27) and Stuart D. Baker (22) Favorite Quotes: “I’m a practicing Christian, who will continue to practice until I get it right.” “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X

Vernon Baker is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Meritor, Inc. In this position, he has overall legal responsibility for all of Meritor’s global operations and its subsidiaries. In addition, Baker directs all legal activities in the corporation, including corporate governance, acquisitions and divestitures, litigation, business standards compliance, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. He also has functional oversight responsibility for the environmental and health and safety areas.

rior to the July 2000 merger of Arvin Inc. and Meritor Automotive, Baker was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Meritor Automotive. Before joining Meritor in 1999, Baker spent 17 years at Hoechst Celanese Corp., where he was Vice President and General Counsel, Corporate Research and Technology. Prior to that, he served as Associate General Counsel for Hoechst’s Advanced Material Group.

Were you the first lawyer in your family? Yes. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? Elementary school.

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What is your best memory from law school? Having a robust discussion with my Constitutional Law professor and having Justice Stevens intervene on my behalf. Annual 2013 Edition

Baker began his professional career in 1978 as an associate with the law firm of Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis. Two years later, he joined the Corporate Law department of Scott Paper Co. Baker holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and a Juris Doctorate from American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C.

What is your worst memory from law school? The comments from some of my classmates concerning affirmative action and the appropriateness of my presence as well as other African Americans at the law school. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? In order to succeed, you

have to be disciplined. Treat law school as if you are holding down a full-time job. Take time to take in the entire experience. What was your favorite subject in law school? Federal Personal Income Tax. What are your thoughts about the bar exam? The bar exam is an extension of finals. It is intended

Lawyer Profile

to measure your ability to both retain information and address various hypotheticals utilizing said information.

lawyer. Beyond the compensation and personal recognition, I really feel that I have made a difference and continue to do so.

How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? It was a particularly happy occasion, because my best friend and I were being sworn in at the same time. I couldn’t help but think that we were both following in the footsteps of Thurgood Marshall and other giants.

What are your future goals as a lawyer? I am heading toward the end of my career. My immediate goal is to have a lawyer of color to succeed me as General Counsel.

What is your greatest success as a lawyer? The people I have hired and trained and the lawyers of color to whom I have given business. Throughout my career, I have emphasized utilizing lawyers of color. The theory being, as they gain financial and political power at their respective firms, they are able to insist that their firms become more diverse. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? There is still an under-current in certain quarters that we may not be quite as talented as others. Yes, we have made tremendous progress, since I began practicing in 1978, but we cannot become complacent. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? I absolutely do. To my knowledge, not one of my colleagues has made it on their own. We have an obligation to the next generation. What does being a lawyer mean to you? I am very proud to be a

What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? It would have been helpful if the law school curriculum had included a course on how to actually practice law at a large law firm. Law school prepares you academically, but there is a world of difference between law school accomplishment and real world success.

Favorite television show: The Good Wife Favorite movie: Soldier’s Story Favorite song: “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye Favorite type of music: Motown / R&B Favorite musical artist: Marvin Gaye Favorite musical group: The Isley Brothers Favorite Bible scripture (or spiritual quote/teaching): Matthew 25:45: “And he will answer, I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” Favorite city: New York

What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? Maybe write a couple of novels and do stand-up comedy.

Favorite vacation destination: Montego Bay, Jamaica

What would people be surprised to learn about you? The summer between high school and college, I did a lot of “open mic” stand-up comedy.

Favorite hobby: None.

Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My wife, Theresa Baker.

What adjectives best describe you? Curious. Funny. Sensitive.

Favorite legal show: Law and Order – the original and SVU Favorite food: Fried chicken wings with macaroni and cheese Favorite drink: Iced tea Favorite dessert: Sweet potato pie Favorite book: The

Favorite historical figure: Nelson Mandela

Favorite legal case: To name one would be an injustice to so many others.

What legacy do you hope to leave? The lawyers that I have hired and/or mentored during my career will do the same for others. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Know that the law is what you really want to do. Be passionate, don’t compromise and never lose hope.

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What is most difficult about being a lawyer? The pace of the law can be very slow. I am a transactional lawyer. Deal negotiations and structuring of the deal can, in many instances, go on for months. A great deal of patience is necessary.

What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? Making sure that your writing skills are top-notch and that your ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of information in a finite period of time is sharply honed.

Autobiography of Malcolm X

Lawyer Profile

Daryl K. Washington, Esq.

Founder, Black Legal Issues Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C. Dallas, Texas Full Name: Daryl Kevin Washington High School: Plaisance High School, Opelousas, Louisiana College: Grambling State University Law School: Southern University Law School Legacy (Children): Taylor and D’Lyle Favorite Quotes: “Show me a man without critics and I’ll show you a man without success.”

Daryl Washington’s experience includes representing clients in a variety of commercial and general litigation matters, sports, entertainment and media representation, business transactions, civil rights law, settlement negotiations, depositions, mediations, contract and business practice disputes, and other matters involving complex and unique issues.

aryl has represented clients before the SEC and Texas State Securities Board. He also provides legal advice for small business formations and assists businesses and individuals with contract negotiations. He utilizes his experiences as a former contract advisor with the National Football League Players Association and former member of the Grambling State University football team to serve as a consultant to athletes in their selection of an agent to represent them in NFL contract negotiations. He also represents athletes and entertainers with the negotiation of contracts and endorsement deals. Daryl is also the creator of Black Legal Issues (www. blacklegalissues.com), an online media source created to fill the void often left by the media that fails to focus on legal issues that impact Black communities. By highlighting stories that impact the Black community, it is BLI’s goal to place a national spotlight on daily injustices that are not given the needed attention. By doing so, BLI hopes to create a public outcry for change.

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Daryl is a member of the Dallas Bar Association (DBA), where he served as the 2006-2007 Chair of the Judicial Investiture Committee. He served on the DBA Board of Directors for 2003-2004, and was a Board

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Advisor in 2004 on the Entertainment and Sports Committee, Legal Ethics Committee and Media Committee. He was the 2004 President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association and a member of the Board of Directors in 2003-2004 and 2006. Daryl was the 20072008 Region V Director for the National Bar Association. He served as Deputy Director in 2006-2007, Assistant Deputy Director in 2005-2005 and was Affiliate Chapter Representative in 2005. He also served as the Sports, Entertainment and Art Section’s Chair of Sports Programs in 2007-2008. He is a Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inns of Court member for 2006-2009. He served as a certified Contract Advisor for the National Football League Players Association from 2001-2005. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at St. Philips School and Community Center. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the President of the National Bar Association in 2008-2009. Daryl earned his law degree from the Southern University Law Center and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Grambling State University. He is admitted to the following courts: the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas and the U.S. Tax Court.

Lawyer Profile

Were you the first lawyer in your family? Yes. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? I knew it when I was in high school although my original dream was to play in the NFL. What is your best memory from law school? The very first day I walked in the doors of the law center. My dream was becoming a reality. What is your worst memory from law school? The day one of my close friends and law school colleagues was found dead the day after we all hung out. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? Learning how to fight past the adversity. Law school requires you to stay two steps ahead at all times.

Louisiana), the National Bar Association’s Sports, Entertainment and Arts Section 2007 Attorney of the Year, and is a 2005 Dallas Bar Foundation Fellow.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? The biggest challenge facing Black law students is not knowing what to expect the first year of law school because so many of us are firstgeneration attorneys. The biggest challenge Black lawyers face is the discrimination in the hiring process, maintaining a good book of business and the lack of mentors. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? I feel we do have an obligation. Because we face so much opposition and adversity to get ahead, once we do get there we have an obligation to reach back and give others a hand so that they can join us.

What was your favorite subject in law school? Contracts, Evidence and Civil Procedure.

What does being a lawyer mean to you? It allows me to be the voice for the voiceless. It allows me to seek justice and change laws.

What are your thoughts about the bar exam? It’s the big game you prepare for the three years you are in law school. I was excited to take the exam.

What are your future goals as a lawyer? To continue to make a difference. It’s not about the money but about the difference you make in this world.

How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? One of the proudest moments of my life.

What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? Of course you want to do extremely well in college and on your LSAT exam. However, you also want to get all of the partying out of your system because once you step foot through the doors of your law school, it’s about business; and the reputation you establish for yourself as a future attorney will be developed during the three years.

What is most difficult about being a lawyer? Maintaining good clients and not becoming too emotionally attached to a matter. What is your greatest success as a lawyer? I consider each case that I receive a successful result for my clients as being a part of my greatest success as a lawyer.

What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? The very first year of law school is your most important one. Your clerkships will be received based on the grades you make your first year. The law is a jealous mistress; she wants all of your time. What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? I currently have a website called Black Legal Issues – www.blacklegalissues.com. I would like for the website to be one of the major news outlets with a 24-hour news broadcast similar to CNN. I also have an athletic apparel company called Sunday Players – www.sundayplayers. net. I see Sunday Players as being one of the big players in the performance apparel category. What would people be surprised to learn about you? I don’t like a lot of attention but I love to do great things for others. Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My kids and my mother. Favorite legal show: My favorite legal show was The Practice but it no longer airs on television. Favorite food: Any type of seafood.

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He has received several awards and recognitions including the National Bar Association 2008 Presidential Award, National Bar Association 2007-2008 Outstanding Region of the Year (Mississippi, Texas &

Lawyer Profile

Favorite drink: Sweet tea and lemonade, depending on the day of the week.

tual quote/teaching): “It’s not good for man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18

Favorite dessert: Bread pudding

Favorite city: New Orleans

Favorite television show: 24 Favorite movie: It’s a tie between Love and Basketball and The Notebook.

Favorite type of music: R&B

Favorite vacation destination: Jamaica Favorite historical figure: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Favorite musical artist: Too many to name just one. It depends on the mood I’m in. Favorite musical group: Too many to name just one. It depends on the mood I’m in. Favorite Bible scripture (or spiri-

What adjectives best describe you? Trendy. What legacy do you hope to leave? He made a difference.

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite song: Too many to name just one. It depends on the mood I’m in. I can listen to all music.

Favorite legal case: Civil Rights matters.

Favorite hobby: Sports.

Temple Law School

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Do something you love to do and be the best at it. Once you become the best at what you do, you will be paid accordingly. You must also follow your dreams and don’t let anyone discourage you. It’s not how you start but how you finish. You must handle adversity well and you can’t ever give up. Each morning you wake up, look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you believe you can do whatever you want to. Good Luck!!!!

Nationally ranked programs in Trial Advocacy, International Law, and Legal Research and Writing Talented and diverse student body from all over the world Distinguished faculty of teacher-scholars who embody the law school’s philosophical diversity Focus on experiential learning DC Law & Public Policy Program

Temple’s unique learning community is housed in the heart of a thriving, urban university located in the middle of Philadelphia, a major financial, commercial and cultural center. Under the leadership of Dean JoAnne A. Epps, Temple’s highly qualified and diverse students and alumni continue to make their mark in the ever-changing world of 21st century legal practice in Philadelphia, the United States and around the globe.

Innovation. Impact. Inspiration. 1719 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19122 800-560-1428 law.temple.edu

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JoAnne A. Epps, Dean

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Lawyer Profile

Donise E. Brown, Esq.

Director-Corporate Counsel, Legal & Corporate Affairs Department Starbucks Coffee Company Coral Gables, Florida Full Name: Donise Edwards Brown High School: American Senior High School College: Tuskegee University Law School: Howard University Legacy (Children): Matthew and Hannah Favorite Quotes: “This above all, to thine own self be true, and this must follow as the night does the day. Thou cans’t not then be false to any man.” – Shakespeare

Donise E. Brown is a Director-Corporate Counsel for Starbucks Coffee Company. As Director Corporate Counsel for the Company’s Legal & Corporate Affairs Department (L&CA), Donise manages legal teams located in Florida and Georgia responsible for providing legal support for all of Starbucks real estate matters in the Mid-Atlantic, Florida, Southeast and South Central Regions.

Prior to joining Starbucks Coffee Company, Donise served as Chief Counsel for Cell Siting and Land Use and as Assistant Secretary for AT&T Wireless. In her role as Chief Counsel, Donise managed a national legal team that was responsible for supporting all of the leasing, land use and zoning of real property for the build out of the Company’s wireless network throughout the United States. She and her team received the Company’s Circle of Excellence Team Were you the first lawyer in your family? Yes. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? Around the age of 9 or 10.

Award. Donise has also worked as a Principal Attorney for Florida Power & Light Company, Corporate Counsel for The Greyhound Corporation, and as an Associate for Winston & Strawn, LLP. Donise frequently participates as a speaker and panelist on topics related to her practice area and on the subject of diversity. Most recently, she served as a panelist at The Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys’ 2008 Leadership Conference. Some of her professional and community affiliations include the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the Arizona Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, the Minority Corporation Counsel Association, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and volunteering as a Florida Voting Rights Attorney for the 2008 Election.

What is your best memory from law school? Graduation. Thurgood Marshall was our speaker and my grandmother who was 88 at the time (and whose parents were born slaves) was able to meet him.

What is your worst memory from law school? Competitiveness amongst law students. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson

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n addition to providing legal services for Starbucks, Donise serves on the L&CA Diversity Committee and chairs the subcommittee responsible for, among other things, overseeing the surveying and review of its outside counsel annually to ensure that the firms retained by Starbucks reflect a commitment to diversity. She is also a member of the Diversity Council for the Regions she supports.

Lawyer Profile

in life? Understanding that the opportunity to practice law (earn a law degree) is a gift and we have a duty to use that gift, not only to better ourselves, but to advance/ serve our community. What was your favorite subject in law school? You would think Real Estate, since that is my primary practice area, but Torts was my favorite. What are your thoughts about the bar exam? It is hard, but not scary, and hard work and preparation will yield good results. How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? Both times, the exact same - excited and thankful. What is most difficult about being a lawyer? Knowing that as lawyers we are the protectors and keepers of law and yet seeing too often that while we fight for equity in work for others, minorities (Blacks in particular) are still significantly underrepresented in the profession. What is your greatest success as a lawyer? Working to advance diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and seeing younger lawyers that I have supported/ mentored reach their goals. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? I think there are several, however, the misperception that we have made greater advances/accomplishments than we actually have has, I think, created a certain amount of complacency.

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Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? Yes, to the Black community and the profession as Black attorneys.

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What does being a lawyer mean to you? That although I work for someone else, my first obligation is to maintain the integrity of the profession as an individual. What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? I don’t think any particular major is better preparation than any other. I do think good organization, writing and communication skills are helpful. What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? That because the product we produce is our knowledge and skill that while the work may change and producing it gets easier, the time commitment to the practice of law is constant. What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? I recently became a diversity facilitator for the Florida Bar and would like to explore how to expand my diversity efforts beyond the legal profession.

Favorite television show: Scandal, or just about anything on HGTV Favorite movie: It’s a Wonderful Life Favorite song: “Amazing Grace” and “My Soul Desire” Favorite type of music: Varied. Favorite musical artist: Patty LaBelle/Whitney Houston

Favorite musical group: Maze Favorite Bible scripture (or spiritual quote/teaching): “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” – Luke 12:48 Favorite city: To visit - New York; To live - Greater Fort Lauderdale (Davie) Favorite vacation destination: Bermuda/Southern Italy

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I am an HGTV junkie. Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My husband, Richard and children.

Favorite historical figure: Jesus

Favorite legal show: Scandal.

Favorite legal case: Brown v. Board of Education

Favorite food: Just about any type of seafood. Favorite drink: Water and flavored mojitos Favorite dessert: Carrot or red velvet cake Favorite book: In the Spirit by Susan Taylor

Favorite hobby: Reading.

What adjectives best describe you? Integrity. What legacy do you hope to leave? My two children as Godcentered, loving and productive adults. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Choose to become a lawyer because you desire to make a difference, not a dollar.

Lawyer Profile

Dr. Walter L. Sutton, Jr., Esq., MBA Associate General Counsel Legal Administration and External Affairs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Bentonville, Arkansas Full Name: Walter Langford Sutton, Jr. High School: H. B. Pemberton High School, Marshall, Texas College: University of Denver Graduate School: University of Dallas (MBA), University of Texas at Dallas (Ph.D.) Law School: University of Michigan Law School Legacy (Children): Grandchildren - Nicole (10 years old) and Kyle (8 years old) Favorite Quotes: “There but for the grace of God, go I.” “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” - Jackie Robinson

n his current position at Wal-Mart, he manages the Legal Department’s diversity and external budget, and coordinates their diversity events. Dr. Sutton has led a long and stellar legal career and set an example as a trailblazer by breaking down doors as the very first African-American lawyer in some of these environments. Dr. Sutton currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Bar Association’s National Bar Institute. He has also served on the boards for the American Bar Foundation and the American Bar Association’s Diversity Center. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Wiley College, a historically Black college located in his hometown of Marshall, Texas. He is also a member of the Board of

Were you the first lawyer in your family? Yes. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? My senior

Advisors for the University of Denver’s Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, or IAALS. Dr. Sutton earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver, his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, his Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas, and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Management Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. He was recently honored with the Dallas Bar Association’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award, the American Bar Association’s Presidential Citation for Diversity Initiatives, and the American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence Award.

year in college. What is your best memory from law school? Black Action Movement (BAM) demonstrations seek-

ing the admission of more minority law students. What is your worst memory from law school? Taxation.

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Prior to working at Wal-Mart in 2005, Dr. Sutton practiced law for over 40 years. Positions he has held include: Staff Attorney for Ford Motor Company, Attorney for Tenneco Oil Company, Attorney for Texas Instruments, Attorney for Hughes & Luce, Regional Counsel Head for the Environmental Protection Agency, Associate Administrator for Policy and Deputy Federal Highway Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, and Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Lawyer Profile

What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? Always be prepared.

Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My wife, Beverly Sutton.

What was your favorite subject in law school? Commercial Transactions and Wills and Estates.

Favorite food: Seafood

What are your thoughts about the bar exam? Requires focus and intense preparation.

Favorite legal show: The Practice

Favorite dessert: Sweet potato pie

Favorite vacation destination: Paris, France

What is most difficult about being a lawyer? Time management.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? The cost of a legal education; Equal justice. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? Yes. What does being a lawyer mean to you? Service to the community. What are your future goals as a lawyer? To continue to mentor young lawyers. What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? English, debate and creative writing. What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? There are no black and white answers. What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? Enjoying retirement and spending time with my grandchildren.

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What would people be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy cooking.

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Favorite city: San Diego, California

Favorite drink: Vodka

How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? Thankful.

What is your greatest success as a lawyer? Opening doors for other minority lawyers.

Favorite Bible scripture (or spiritual quote/teaching): Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Favorite book: Any book by John Grisham Favorite television show: Melissa Harris-Perry

Favorite movie: The Big Chill

Favorite historical figure: W.E.B. Du Bois

Favorite song: “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood Favorite type of music: Gospel and R&B Favorite musical artist: Yolanda Adams/Jill Scott/Alicia Keys

Favorite hobby: Traveling. Favorite legal case: Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co., 248 N.Y. 339, 162 N.E. 99 (1928) Favorite musical group: Frankie Beverly and Maze

What adjectives best describe you? Motivated leader. What legacy do you hope to leave? Service to others. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Above all, maintain your integrity.

Lawyer Profile

David A. Chaumette, Esq. Partner, Chaumette PLLC Attorneys at Law President, Houston Bar Association Houston, Texas

Full Name: David Anthony Chaumette High School: Torrance High School, Torrance, California (Attended high schools in Sugar Land, Texas for three years) College: Princeton University Graduate School: Stanford University Law School: University of Chicago Law School Legacy (Children): Raphael (16 years old) and Alexandre (13 years old) My favorite Quotes: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” - J.F.K. (paraphrasing Luke 12:48)

David A. Chaumette represents corporations in numerous industries on litigation matters pending across the United States. Those matters have included oil and gas, securities, software licensing, and employment–related disputes. He has tried several cases to jury verdict and has prosecuted appeals. He is also a leading lawyer on issues related to electronic discovery and data management.

In 2011, Mr. Chaumette received the Standing Ovation Award from the Texas Bar for his service to TexasBarCLE. In 2009, Mr. Chaumette was recognized as an Extraordinary Minority in Texas Law by Texas Lawyer Magazine. The following year, the State Bar recognized him for his extraordinary contributions to continuing legal education programs across the state. In 2004, Mr. Chaumette was named as one of the Five Outstanding Young Houstonians by the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce and one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans by the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce. That year, he was also selected as a Volunteer of the Year by both the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council and Volunteer of the Year of Aspiring Youth of Houston. In 2005, Mr. Chaumette was named to the Visitors Committee of the South Texas College of Law in Houston. In 2003, Mr. Chaumette was admitted into the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas because of his commitment to pro bono

work. In 2006, Mr. Chaumette was named one of the 500 New Stars by Lawdragon.com. He has also been named “Texas Rising Star” and a “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics Magazine for several consecutive years. Attorney Chaumette’s professional affiliations include: Member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Houston Bar Association, Member of the Board and Executive Committee of Neighborhood Centers, Inc, Member of the Board and Executive Committee of the First Colony Little League, Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeal, Fellow of the American Law Institute, Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, National Bar Association, Houston Lawyers Association, College of the State Bar of Texas, and Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas. He has also been the President or Chair of several organizations, including the Houston Young Lawyers Association, Leadership Houston, the Houston Lawyers Foundation, and First Colony Little League. Mr. Chaumette is admitted to practice before the state courts of Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of Texas and the District of Colorado, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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r. Chaumette, who has previously been a partner at two international law firms, is also a perennial ”Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star.” Mr. Chaumette holds degrees in aerospace engineering from Princeton University and Stanford University and his law degree from The University of Chicago Law School.

Lawyer Profile

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Were you the first lawyer in your family? No. I have an aunt who has a law degree. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? While in graduate school for aerospace engineering. I had fulfilled all of the requirements before that time, but didn’t really decide to follow through with it until I was working on my Masters [degree]. Before that time, I had been interested in the interaction between law, science and society, and so, going to law school was just a way to follow through on that interest. What is your best memory from law school? The personal relationships I developed with classmates and with some of the professors. I was in charge of the law school happy hour during my second year, so I was reasonably well known on campus. What is your worst memory from law school? Taking my Evidence final which was rhyming couplets based on Gilbert & Sullivan. I just couldn’t adjust to the “cute” way of asking questions. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? That there are two sides to every story, and sometimes there are more. That people believe they are truthful, and often want to be, but their own dispositions sometimes keep them from the truth. What was your favorite subject in law school? I learned long ago that professors matter more than classes. I was fortunate to have Justice Elena Kagan for First Amendment, Dean Anne Marie Burley for Civil Procedure, and Randall Stone for Professional Responsibility. What are your thoughts about the bar exam? Dedicate the time necessary. I have known stupid people who passed and smart people who Annual 2013 Edition

failed. It is a test of commitment and dedication over the months leading up to the exam. I do not think that people should pick law school classes based on the bar exam. That’s what [bar review] is for. Pick classes based on what you like and who is teaching it. How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? Like many others, I had been working for a couple months before I got my bar results, so on some level, it was anti-climatic. I will say though that there was a new sense of relief and responsibility after that day. What is most difficult about being a lawyer? The work and the demands never stop. As a society, we lie to people. We lie about a “work/ life balance.” Any job that you have which pays you over $40,000/year has you as much as you have it. I regularly get calls from clients late at night and early in the morning. And that’s OK. It is important though to learn how to carve out time for your family and to integrate work with life so that neither of them overwhelms the other. What is your greatest success as a lawyer? I have won most of my trials, including some that I did not really deserve to win. (Don’t worry, the two that I lost, I am convinced that I should not have lost them…) But I think my greatest success has been in the community of lawyers. I am not perfect by any stretch, but I believe that I have improved the opportunities, the training, and the practices of numerous lawyers across Houston and the State of Texas. The HYLA Leadership Academy, which I established in 2003, now regularly appears on lawyers’ resumes and boasts over 200 graduates. Those lawyers are making a difference in their communities in part because of the training they received from the Leadership

Academy. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? Simply, our numbers are down and the legal needs are great. There are fewer of us applying to law school and fewer getting in. That does not bode well for the long term. And we must realize that community connection is an important part to success in the legal community. When I worked in larger firms, I would sometimes feel like an outsider because I did not have the commonality of experience that others did. I don’t hunt, fish, or really play golf. It made it harder for me to have non-forced conversations with my partners and others. This is not to say that there were overt acts of racism; in fact, the lawyers I worked with were very aware and sensitized to those issues. But there were real challenges there and I think they remain in the practice. So in light of this, how do we find the best training opportunities to become the best lawyers we can become? It’s not an easy problem to solve. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? Yes I do. Because no one else cares as much as we do. No one understands the issues unique to our communities like we do. Don’t get me wrong. You can understand those issues, but law is a symbiote. It needs a substrate to live and thrive and often those community connections are exactly what is needed to get the right result for a client and everyone else involved. What does being a lawyer mean to you? It is a source of pride. I really can’t imagine doing anything else. It is also an opportunity to effect change and an obligation to help others.

Lawyer Profile

has become very public over the last two years for reasons beyond my control, and I long for the time when I can return to a more quiet stage of life. Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My children, without a doubt. It’s odd to me that they are like that, because I used to change their diapers, but they are. Favorite legal show: I like Law & Order in all of its incarnations. Favorite food: I don’t really have one. I have a weak sense of smell and a weak sense of taste. Eating for me is much more about the company and the ambience. Favorite drink: Ugh. Same answer as above. Favorite dessert: Errr… ditto. Favorite book: This too changes often, although I regret that I do not have more time to read leisurely these days. I enjoy the detective books of Michael Connelly, but these days I am several books behind. In terms of nonfiction, I enjoy the books of Malcolm Gladwell – especially The Tipping Point and Outliers – and David Maister’s The Trusted Advisor. Favorite television show: I’m a rocket scientist so it can’t be a surprise that I am a Star Trek fan. I never got into Enterprise (the fifth series), but I have seen all of the episodes of all of the other incarnations, including the cartoons from the 70s.

Favorite movie: I have seen almost every version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol out there, including the Susan Lucci version where she runs a department store. That story has always spoken to me as a tale of redemption and the importance of charity in one’s life. It never gets old to me.

Favorite song: It changes all the time. I listen to a lot of my sons’ music although I wince at all of the profanity. Favorite type of music: I like the music of the 60s and the 80s. Favorite musical artist: I am fond of female vocalists. I loved Sade long ago. Then it was Toni Braxton. And now it’s Alicia Keys.

Favorite musical group: I don’t think the Supremes, the Temptations, or the Four Tops ever released anything I didn’t like. I do like Snoop Dogg a lot, which embarrasses my kids to no end. Favorite Bible scripture: Luke 12:48 Favorite city: Houston, my home. Hands down. Favorite vacation destination: Chicago, I think. I used to live there and I still know the city well. New York and San Francisco are close

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What are your future goals as a lawyer? That, I don’t know. I have no desire to be a judge or a political figure. I would like to continue to work towards making things better for all of us. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but I’m working on it. What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? Developing good study habits as an undergraduate. Having friends who don’t believe everything you say. Developing a thick skin as to criticism. What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? More and more, counseling is a bigger part of my job. I spend more time negotiating and trying to work things out than ever. I often tell law students that the days of the good phone call have ended. No one calls to tell you how wonderful things are; rather, they call to tell you about the disasters in their lives. The successful lawyers have learned how to deal with that stress and not take it out on their families and friends. What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? I am proud of my involvement with Neighborhood Centers, Inc. I currently chair that Board as well, and have enjoyed growing with that organization which has programs ranging from Head Start to assisting people with their tax returns. At this point in my life, outside of NCI, the bar, and my practice, my dreams all relate to my kids. I want to do what I need to to help them be successful. Beyond that, my goals are much smaller in scale and somewhat limited. What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I am intensely private while being an extreme extrovert. My personal life

Lawyer Profile

runners up for the same reason. Favorite historical figure: Thurgood Marshall. He stood for all Americans. I am also fascinated by Thomas Jefferson and Leonardo da Vinci, primarily because of their varied interests. Favorite hobby: Watching my sons play baseball. Favorite legal case: I love those funny opinions that were circulated when I was in law school. Like

the one where the Court dismissed the case against Satan because he could not be served (even though the opinion acknowledges that he is everywhere). I haven’t seen one of those recently. I hope that’s because I haven’t looked and not because people have become more humorless. What adjectives best describe you? Welcoming. Fatherly. Generous. Humorous. What legacy do you hope to leave? I hope that I make it possible for me to be succeeded. I am the first African-American president of the HBA, and I need to make sure that there can and will be a second and

a third. I live in a world where I understand that I am not perfect and that some of my mistakes are significant, but I hope that, in the end, the good clearly outweighs the less good, and that people generally feel that my involvement with them and their organizations was a net positive. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Understand that people are always watching. And people have a long memory. The world is a small place and you need to show respect to everyone all the time. I think that society is generally forgiving, but lead with the intent to help others and you will be ok.

A LEGACY OF DIVERSITY

Southwestern Law School

A law school WHERE VALUE MATTERS The University of Kansas was established by justice-seeking Kansans who envisioned a free state in which every citizen would have legal rights and the protection of the law. We continue to educate students armed with the knowledge and skills to be strong advocates for their clients and bold leaders in their communities.

Southwestern is proud to be the ﬁrst law school to receive the

STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARD

ore than a century ago,

Southwestern was established to

offer a comprehensive legal education to qualified aspiring lawyers from all walks of life, and was one of the first law schools in the country to encourage the enrollment of women and minorities. Today, Southwestern maintains a

Find out more about the program, people, possibilities and place:

law.ku.edu/admissions

commitment to its rich legacy of multiculturalism and access, and is one of the most diverse law schools in the U.S.

SOUTHWESTERN LAW SCHOOL

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Los Angeles, CA • www.swlaw.edu

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Lawyer Profile

Lisa M. Tatum, Esq. Owner, LM Tatum, PLLC (The Tatum Law Practice) President, State Bar of Texas San Antonio, Texas Full Name: Lisa Michelle Tatum High School: Incarnate Word High School College: Smith College Law School: Santa Clara University School of Law Favorite Quotes: “It’s all about showing up. You have to show up and then you have to step up and deliver.” “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn come to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best.” – Robert Baden-Powell

Lisa M. Tatum is the founder and owner of LM Tatum, PLLC (The Tatum Law Practice) in San Antonio with a practice that focuses on corporate, education, employment and public finance law. Tatum serves as outside and general counsel to corporate clients, public and private, as well as individuals.

Tatum is currently the President of the State Bar of Texas, the first African American to win the post in the history of the organization. Prior to this, she has served on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Budget Committee, and Audit & Finance Committee, among others. She has served as Co-Chair and Chair of the Discipline and Client Attorney Assistance Program Committee, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Commission for Lawyer DisWere you the first lawyer in your family? Yes. When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer? In undergraduate school, I took a class called International Law. I was very interested then and began to learn more to help me decide. I even volunteered at the local District Attorney’s Office to learn about what lawyers do.

cipline. She has been awarded a State Bar Presidential Citation and Outstanding Third Year Director Award. She is a past President and former Director of the San Antonio Black Lawyers Association, past Chair, former Vice Chair and member of the African American Lawyers Section of the State Bar, and a member of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. She is a member of the San Antonio Bar Association, American Bar Association and National Bar Association. Tatum received a B.A. in Government from Smith College and her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where she was inducted as a national member of the Order of Barristers.

What is your best memory from law school? Gathering with my fellow BALSA classmates during the week before graduation as we reflected on all we had done and gotten through while just enjoying each other without the stress of school (and before the worry of bar exam prep). What is your worst memory from law school? The day a classmate

and I were forgotten after an emergency lockdown in the “snake pit” of the Santa Clara County Jail during clinic client visits. What did you take away from the law school experience that you believe was an important lesson in life? I realized my godmother was right during my second year. She says “You can do anything if you can read.” I realized one day Annual 2013 Edition

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rior to forming her own firm, Tatum was Managing Associate at West & Associates L.L.P., an Associate with Escamilla & Poneck, Inc., and served as a Bexar County Assistant Criminal District Attorney in San Antonio.

Lawyer Profile

that I may not know all of the answers, but I have been equipped with the skill set to find them, if I set my mind to it. Knowing this, I knew I would be okay. What was your favorite subject in law school? Criminal Law. What are your thoughts about the bar exam? The bar exam is the pathway to legal practice. Treat it, and law school, like a job. Get up, show up, apply yourself and get your money’s worth. You are paying for it. How did you feel the day you were officially sworn in as an “attorney at law”? I was and felt ready to go to work. What is most difficult about being a lawyer? The most difficult thing for me about being a lawyer is that you never stop being a lawyer. What is your greatest success as a lawyer? My greatest success as a lawyer is each time I get to help people solve their problems. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Black law students and lawyers? The next big challenge for Black law students and lawyers, in my opinion, is the necessity that we must create opportunities for ourselves to succeed and then take the opportunities and succeed. I foresee our opportunities as shrinking if we do not create them. Do you feel Black lawyers have a special obligation to the Black community and other Black people interested in becoming lawyers? Yes, because we are uniquely positioned to help one another on a relational level. We are also uniquely positioned to help everyone else because of our distinct perspective.

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What does being a lawyer mean to you? To me, being a lawyer

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means that I have a distinct skill set to solve problems. I am blessed to have special knowledge and training and I have a duty to use it for good and the good of my community. What are your future goals as a lawyer? My immediate goals are to have a successful presidency and to have a decent business year. My long-term goals are to build and grow my successful law practice and help those who come after me. What do you feel is the best preparation for law school? Watch Paper Chase, the television series. Read One L. Talk to current law students. Talk to lawyers and ask the same questions of them as the law students asking them to reflect back in time. Treat law school like it’s your job because it is your job from now on. Discover, if you don’t already know, the best way you learn. Do not rely on someone else’s way of doing it. Their way may not fit. What is the one thing about law school and the practice of law that no one ever told you but you wish you had known? Once you start your practice, your work is never done. There will always be more. Work hard. Just realize you won’t finish it all by the end of the day. Knowing this relieves a lot of stress. What other dreams and aspirations do you have - beyond the practice of law? I want a husband and a family. I want to raise a child and find out what is really important in life through a parent’s eyes. And, I want to continue to make a positive impact on my community. What would people be surprised to learn about you? I performed in an A Cappella singing group in college.

Who is your biggest supporter/ cheerleader? My mother is my biggest cheerleader. My father is my biggest yell leader. Favorite legal show: The Paper Chase

Favorite food: A really good pizza. Favorite drink: Today, if it’s not water, Chai latte.

Favorite dessert: Ice cream Favorite book: The Prayer of Jabez

Favorite television show: Scandal Favorite movie: The Sandlot Favorite song: “Don’t Worry About a Thing” by Bob Marley

Lawyer Profile

Favorite type of music: I like a wide variety. I like what fits my mood. Favorite musical artist: Right now, Muse. That will change as I said. Favorite musical group: Take 6

easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 Favorite city: It’s a tie between New York, New York and Sevilla, Spain. Favorite vacation destination: All of them. Favorite historical figure: Real: Thurgood Marshall. Fictional: Atticus Finch.

Favorite Bible scripture: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so

Favorite hobby: Apparently, it’s volunteering. Favorite legal case: My favorite legal case is not a real case but is like all fiction, based upon real life events. It is the story of Atticus

Finch in the book To Kill a Mockingbird. What adjectives best describe you? I believe the best adjectives to describe me are: thoughtful; motivated; smart; inspiring; hard-working; faithful; caring; joyful and brave. What legacy do you hope to leave? I want to leave this Earth better than when I arrived in some way. I hope that I will have touched enough lives in a way that improves their situations and then the life of someone that person touches. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring lawyers? Do you professionally and with class. You will like the results.

ALBANY LAW SCHOOL

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Law School Admission

Graduating from Student to Professional:

Tips on Proper and Effective Communication with Law School Admission Officers by Crystal M. Nance, M.Ed.

Ideally, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with an admission officer from all of the law schools that you are interested in. Time, money and travel may be an issue if you are interested in a law school that is not within a day’s drive. Here are some things to keep in mind as you explore various law schools and interact with the people who will help you get there:

Face-to-face contact Treat it like a job interview. While a tuxedo may be over the top, a nice collared shirt and slacks will never go out of style. You will not be offered admission on the basis of style, but only positive things can be thought and said about an individual that is well put together and looks like business. Cell phones can be a distraction so put them on silent and keep them out of sight. You want to focus on the conversation at hand with the admissions officer; text messages and social media notifications can wait.

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Many of us depend on friends and family for support and that support will be critical as you pursue your law degree. It can easily be distracting to have your parents alongside you while talking with various recruiters at an LSAC (Law School Admission Council) forum or graduate and professional school fair, especially if they are asking all of the questions and not you. Demonstrate your confidence and ability to make adult decisions. Parents and guests are welcome to attend on-campus visits and open houses, but the visit is truly all about you as the prospective or admitted student.

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Don’t forget to plan ahead when you have the opportunity to meet recruiters. If you know that a particular law school will be visiting your campus, take the time to research their websites and go armed with specific questions. “Can you tell me about your program?” is a vague question and might not yield the type of information you are truly seeking. Finally, consider asking questions that would not appear on a law school’s website.

Email communication Grammar and proper punctuation are very important in any kind of written communication, so keep that in mind as you are emailing admissions officers. “Hey (insert recruiter name),” would not be an appropriate way to start an email since you are communicating with professionals, not a peer. Your email address itself is equally important. Consider the impression you are making with an email address such as badchick69@gmail.com. Chances are the impression is not favorable. It might be beneficial to create an email address such as firstname.lastname@ gmail.com to keep track of your communication

Law School Admission Go for formal over informal, no matter what method you are using to communicate with an admission officer.

with various law schools. Also, be aware of when your college or university email address expires. If you are graduating, it may expire and you could miss information from law schools if you’ve only provided that address.

Phone contact As a country, we value freedom of expression. While you’re expressing yourself, don’t neglect professionalism. Over the phone, this means having an appropriate voicemail greeting (no music playing), rethinking call tones and only answering the phone when you are in the position to have a distraction free conversation. Crystal M. Nance, M.Ed. currently serves as the Assistant Director of Admission and Diversity Initiatives at Drake Law School. She is in familiar territory at Drake; she earned degrees in public relations and sociology from the university in 2010. Before returning to Drake in 2012, Crystal served as the Parent and Family Services Coordinator at Northern Arizona University, implementing innovative ideas to increase the level of parental engagement and involvement with the university. Crystal has recently presented workshops at the Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University and Big XII Conference on Black Student Government at Kansas State University on the importance of diversifying law school classrooms and ultimately the legal profession. She earned her master of education in human relations from Northern Arizona University in August 2012.

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All in all, go for formal over informal, no matter what method you are using to communicate with an admission officer. Put your best foot forward and demonstrate your ability to flip from undergraduate student to aspiring lawyer!

Law School Admission

My Personal Experience with TRIALS

By Derecka Purnell

TRIALS is a five-week summer intensive that equips undergraduate students and graduates with the tools to be successful law school applicants and students.

partnership between the Advantage Testing Foundation, Harvard University School of Law, and New York University School of Law, the program invites about 1% of its applicant pool to live as a cohort on the law school campuses that alternate each year. Travel, tuition, room and board, and preparation materials are all covered, along with a competitive stipend to replace summer employment.

Vision TRIALS changed my life. I was completely engaged by the program’s mission of recruiting students from modest means to diversify the nation’s leading law schools. My cohort consisted of incredibly talented individuals with varying backgrounds, passions, and ambitions. We shared laughter, tears, resources, and many late nights. Although the schedule was very demanding, we took humble advantage of all that TRIALS, Harvard Law School, and Cambridge had to offer.

LSAT I was too intimidated to apply the year before I attended, but I knew that I could not afford missing a preparation opportunity for a very important part of the admission process: the LSAT. During the week, we were in class learning testing strategies, testing, or reviewing questions from tests we had taken. After class and on weekends, we had private and small group tutoring sessions. Not only were the classes taught by some of

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Derecka Purnell is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she studied Political Science and Black Studies. She is also a 2011 University of California, Berkeley Public Policy and International Affairs Law Fellow, and a 2012 Sidley Prelaw Scholar.

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the best tutors in the world, the program’s founder Arun Alagappan, is an alumnus of Harvard Law School, and devotes time and energy to the program as an instructor and mentor. Breakthroughs are often celebrated, and challenges overcame. Results varied in an uptrend, and I saw my diagnostic score increase twenty-three points by the end of the summer.

Network The TRIALS network includes alumni, law schools, and law firms that celebrate the success of the program. I was able to meet with law school deans and professors of my top three law school choices, engaging in conversations that ranged from admissions to recent court decisions. A true spirit of investment and commitment relished every encounter with the partners of the program and TRIALS alumni, who remain a constant voice for feedback, encouragement, and assistance. I seriously recommend TRIALS for those committed to preparing themselves to increasing their work ethic while preparing for law or graduate school. The program has proved to be much more than a preparation program, but a opportunity with the advantage and prestige of preparing future leaders.

Training and Recruitment Initiative for Admission to Leading Law Schools Trials is a residential scholarship program that helps talented and motivated college students of modest means gain admission to the nation’s leading law schools. This rigorous five-week summer course enhances opportunities for students of underrepresented backgrounds by bolstering their skills and focusing their goals. For more information, visit their website at http://trials.atfoundation.org/index.

“I am senior director of global legal operations and compliance at Discovery Communications.”

— Brian Edge, JD’98

“I am chief of the Criminal Division for the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio.”

— Kenneth Parker, JD’97

“I spent the summer as an intern at a firm in Nigeria and at the Self-Employed Women’s Association in India.”

— Adesuwa Ighile, JD’14

These three professionals have chosen different career paths. But they have one thing in common: They are all from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Let us show you how the Maurer School of Law can help you chart a professional career that’s right for you. Whatever you decide to do, as a Maurer graduate, you’ll enter the workforce as a prepared professional — in every sense of the word. Contact our admissions office at 812.855.4765, or lawadmis@indiana.edu.

Your Personalized Academic Experience Barry University School of Law in Orlando, FL, gives you the tools to help ensure that you are fully prepared for the practice of law. From our legal clinics and externships to our innovative Admission to Oath program – which helps prepare you for law school before you ever set foot in a classroom – Barry Law is deeply invested in your success. Contact us today and find out how you can become a part of the Barry Law success story! 6441 East Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32807 Phone: 321-206-5600

www.barry.edu/ law

New England Law | Boston students don’t just study law.

They experience it. In clinics, internships, innovative paid summer fellowships, and actual courtrooms with real-life clients.

Learn more at nesl.edu/welcome

Legal Education and the Law School Experience

The Key to Success: Preparation

A Look at the Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute at Georgetown University Law Center By Kendra Brown, M.Div., J.D., LL.M.

In the Fall of 2007 I made the decision I would attend law school. I toyed with the idea for many years, but never really paused to see what was needed to put this plan into action. I spoke with my undergraduate pre-law advisor and friends who were attorneys.

hey all had the same advice for me – “Attend a summer program.” I researched a few programs and found the Summer Program hosted by the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO), and I also saw the Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute (CHH). I was working at least 40+ hours per week in a Congressional office, so I knew any program I attended would have to comply with the demands of my work schedule. I decided to attend the 5-week long Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute at Georgetown University Law Center. The courses were held in the evenings and allowed individuals to maintain their full-time positions. I was familiar with summer programs which were full-time live-in programs, but I knew I had to stay in the Washington, DC area. Thus, I knew CHH was the best program for me.

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CHH was created in 1979 by Attorney Donald Temple. Joining forces with him at the start of the program was Georgetown University Law Center Associate Dean Everett

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Bellamy. The program lasts 7 weeks during the summer and provides students a preliminary understanding of Legal Research & Writing, Civil Procedure and Litigation, Torts, and Contracts. The instructors are notable attorneys and leaders in the legal field including Attorney Kim Keenan, Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, Law Professor Tanya Washington, Administrative Law Judge Jennifer Long, Judge David Simmons, and Attorney Donald Temple. Participants have the following reflections of the program: The program to me was an opportunity to gain confidence in my abilities, early knowledge of the judicial system, and network. – Jennito Simon, Assistant State Attorney, Florida 2nd Judicial District I am, because of the Charles Hamilton Preparatory Institute. The Institute instilled in me the confidence to excel against any odds. Many of those associated with the program remain my longtime friends. More programs like this should

Legal Education and the Law School Experience

Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute participants.

For over three decades, the Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute (CHH) has been preparing students of color with the necessary skills to exceed in law school. It breaks down any mental barriers that may exist with regard to any student’s intellectual ability to compete at the highest level. The program builds confidence and provides an opportunity for students to hone those skills most needed in the study of law. Our motto-Dedicated to Excellence--is what we instill in our students. – Former Dean Everett Bellamy In conclusion, I would encourage everyone considering attending law school to participate in a program such as CHH. CHH gave me confidence, an amazing foundation, and also connected me with leaders in the legal profession who taught from their own experiences. Programs

such as these establish a great foundation for the understanding of the rigor of law school. Law school is extremely difficult and the road to law school should be undertaken with a great deal of preparation. The preparation is just a part of the equation, but assuredly, is a needed step on the road to law school. Read more about the Charles Hamilton Houston Law Preparatory Institute here: http://chhlawinstitute.org/ Kendra Brown, M.Div., J.D., LL.M. is the immediate past Chair of the National Black Law Students Association. She is currently an Analyst with Protiviti Government Services at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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exist nationwide for diverse students interested in navigating law school and life as a barrister. – Nicholas Austin, Associate, Foley & Lardner LLP

Houston City Controller

Ron Green

Encourages Future Lawyers to Consider Public Service

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Ronald C. Green was elected Houston City Controller in December 2009, after serving three terms as a Council Member At-Large on Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Council where he also served as Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee. He was unopposed for his second term as City Controller which began January 2012. Green earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, as well as a law degree from Texas Southern Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, the District of Columbia, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Green is also a licensed real estate broker. Annual 2013 Edition

A Lawyer’s Life and Work “I would guarantee that public service will give one a perspective that is unique. It will create a network of contacts that will prove to be very valuable later on.” Black Pre-Law Magazine: First of all, at what age did you seriously think about attending law school? Ronald C. Green: Well, that’s interesting. I attended the Michael DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston, thinking when I was young about becoming a doctor. When I then attended the University of Houston, my interests began shifting from science and health care to law and business. Like many young people, college opened up all kinds of new interests. Also, the thing about studying law was that it was less confining than many other fields. Black Pre-Law Magazine: What do you mean by that? Ronald C. Green: Going to law school and becoming a lawyer does not necessarily mean that you are limited to practicing law—either in a large firm or in your own firm, as I did. All along, I have been interested in the ways cities, counties and states operate, the way they propose and pass ordinances and laws. I knew quite early on that I wanted to participate in that process.

Black Pre-Law Magazine: So as a young lawyer, you ran for Houston City Council? Ronald C. Green: Yes, as an At-Large Council member. Houston has 11 District Council members and five At-Large members. I served three terms on Houston City Council, and because we are termlimited in Houston—like many cities—we lose some very good Council members, like myself! So, at that point I decided to run for City Controller, Houston’s chief financial officer. Houston is one of the few cities in the country that elects its controller, and in truth, it is appropriate to have an elected controller who can serve as a sort of financial watchdog for the city, not merely “rubber stamping” what the city administration proposes. It’s especially beneficial in a strong mayor form of government. Black Pre-Law Magazine: What were the challenges of serving on a large City Council with so many divergent views? Ronald C. Green: There are challenges of course, but my schooling in law was of great benefit, and that law degree gave me a level of credibility with my Council

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Ron speaking at a breakfast event.

A Lawyer’s Life and Work colleagues. That was very important. Also, the mayor appointed me to chair the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee on Council, and that was when I decided to go ahead and study for an MBA, which I completed while I was on City Council. Serving on City Council was tremendously rewarding and interesting. First, and perhaps most important, as a Council member you are aware that your work is benefiting many thousands of citizens. Black Pre-Law Magazine: What specific skills did you gain in your legal education that helped your work on Council?

Ron speaking at a press conference.

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Ron reading to students at Epp Island School.

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Ronald C. Green: Clearly, the number one skill young lawyers have—or should have—is the ability to think and reason logically—critical thinking. That’s of immense importance when you are working in a group, especially in any kind of leadership role. Also, I could write well, as most lawyers can. I even taught English for a while. Again, to be able to put into writing a logical and cogent argument was essential to me while I served on Council. Importantly, also, my training in law gave me the ability to work

A Lawyer’s Life and Work collaboratively and collectively with my colleagues on Council. In truth, I had a pretty thorough understanding of the existing laws in our city, county and state—and, frankly, a lot of very smart people just don’t know the laws that govern them, surprising as that may sound. Black Pre-Law Magazine: What were some of accomplishments on Houston City Council that you are most proud of?

Black Pre-Law Magazine: So you were termlimited and opted to stay in public service by running for city controller. Is this role quite different from being on Council? Ronald C. Green: Yes and no. I do not vote on any Council agenda items in my role as controller. But my counsel is, I think, highly regarded by the current Council members. It is my responsibility to report monthly to Council on the current state of the city’s budget, the expenses and revenues. Our office conducts audits and performance reviews. My office manages the city’s debt and investment portfolios. The office manages all vendor and payroll payments. My office issues the city’s annual financial report, the document of record regarding the city’s finances. We monitor the city’s fraud hotline. And we assess the city’s current financial position and economic outlook. So there’s a lot to the controller’s office. Again, my law degree, as well as my MBA, have proven invaluable in this role as controller. Black Pre-Law Magazine: You seem pleased that you pursued public service to your city rather that practicing law. Ronald C. Green: Actually, I did both! I still have my law practice, with a limited number of clients. But I have thoroughly enjoyed my service to the city and would not trade that. And let me say that serving on City Council, or at the county level or even in a state house are not the only ways to serve. And running for office requires fundraising or spending your own money, and is certainly time consuming, so that may not appeal to some. Every city has a legal department,

Ron speaking at the Bloomberg News’ Cities and Debt Conference.

and I would think most legal departments would entertain a young lawyer’s interest in working for a municipality. City and county departments are another area in public service where a young lawyer would be valued, whether it would be the finance, health, community and economic development, human resources, municipal courts, planning, police or public works—all of these areas would be well served by the skills a young lawyer might bring to the table. Additionally, I would encourage young lawyers and law students to look at the numerous community agencies in their areas, all of whom are involved in really important work in the community serving many citizens. These non-profits are absolutely some of the best places to begin your career and are environments that are very much “hands-on” and highly collaborative. Black Pre-Law Magazine: In public service, I think you could say there might be some financial sacrifice. I mean you could earn much more practicing law full-time. Ronald C. Green: Perhaps. I would strongly encourage young lawyers to consider working in a municipal government, but it need not be a lifelong career. What I would guarantee would be that public service will give one a perspective that is unique. It will create a network of contacts that will prove to be very valuable later on. And, as I said earlier, the satisfaction of serving your city’s citizens—actually making a difference in the quality of life in your community—well, I wouldn’t hesitate one moment in doing it all over again!

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Ronald C. Green: Again, the important ordinances and resolutions we passed were group efforts, not individual efforts. The budget processes, expenditure approvals, awarding of contracts, appropriation and issuances of bonds—these were collective efforts. As Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, and as a lawyer, I do think my voice was listened to.

Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PRE-LAW CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION A ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER SARAH ODION-ESENE BLACK PRE-LAW: What is the mission of the University of Texas Pre-Law Chapter of The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA)? Sarah Odion-Esene: The Longhorn Chapter is committed to advocating for and cultivating future African American law students to transform the legal landscape, while increasing the rate of minorities in law school. The purpose of the Pre-Law Division is to articulate and promote the educational, professional, political and social needs and goals of African American pre-law students.

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BLACK PRE-LAW: What is your role as President of the Longhorn Chapter of NBLSA’s Pre-Law Division? Sarah Odion-Esene: My role as president is to bring aspiring minority law students together on the University of Texas campus. My purpose is to provide resources in career opportunities, networking, scholarships and mentors to aspiring law students. BLACK PRE-LAW: What made you decide to take on a leadership role in the organization? Sarah Odion-Esene: I founded the pre-law chapter on the UT campus along with Crystal Aitaegbebhunu and Sharae Hamilton in order to implement a pre-law organization where there would be resources for minority students interested in law. We sought to create an organization that will increase the percentage of African Americans in law school and the legal field. I wanted to provide a guide for aspiring law students that will prepare them for law school.

Sarah Odion-Esene

By implementing functions on the law school admission process and advocating for the community, Pre-Law NBLSA bridges the gap between the aspiring law students and the actual law students. This organization is open to all aspiring law students regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

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BLACK PRE-LAW: What are some of the programs that you all have put on and offer to benefit pre-law students? Sarah Odion-Esene: All of our programs are created with the prelaw students in mind, such as our resume workshop, where we partner with the Black Business Students Association, and networking socials with law students and firms. We also invite attorneys from different areas of interest to come and speak to our members. One of my favorite programs is our 1, 2, & 3 L Review, where we have law students from the University of Texas School of Law who are currently in their first, second and third year of law school, speak about their current experience in that year. BLACK PRE-LAW: What is your current membership and how do you all recruit members to be a part of your organization? Sarah Odion-Esene: We currently have an active membership of about 20 aspiring law students. In order to recruit members, we advertise the purpose and benefits of joining the organization. We also plan events for the UT community that attract not only future law students, but the general student body as well. BLACK PRE-LAW: How is student participation? What do you do to promote and market your programming?

Spotlight Sarah Odion-Esene: This is our second year on campus, thus our membership participation has picked up with more of our members becoming involved. In order to market our program and events, we rely on social media along with word of mouth.

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From Left to Right: Jennifer Iroanya (Intern), Anita Okpobiri (Member), Mia King, (Vice-President), Queen Ekejija (Treasurer), Sarah Odion-Esene (President), Taylor Walker (Member), Stephanie Onyekwere (Member), Danielle Smith (Internal Internal Public Relations)

BLACK PRE-LAW: How supportive is your administration, pre-law advisors, and faculty of the organization in terms of funding and other types of resources and support needed to be a successful and impactful organization? Sarah Odion-Esene: Our team of advisors are very supportive in terms of resources such as law fairs, internships, networking with law students, attorneys and firms. However, our organization does not receive adequate funding, which makes traveling to national conferences quite difficult, so we rely on fundraising on campus.

Spotlight to register to vote. We were able to register over 1,000 students and about 800 students voted on Election Day. We also partner with Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, made up of UT law students, on a community outreach program, known as Ashaki Mentoring, that is geared to mentoring at Austin Alternative Learning Center.

At the Student Organization Awards Banquet. UT Pre-Law NBLSA was selected as the “Outstanding Service Professional Organization.”

BLACK PRE-LAW: What do you think is your organization’s greatest success? Sarah Odion-Esene: Although our organization has been on the UT campus for two years, we were able

to advocate awareness of voting and also increase mentorships in the greater Austin community. Last year, our organization created a GOTV (Get Out To Vote) initiative to encourage college students

BLACK PRE-LAW: How important is it that the University of Texas at Austin also has a major and well-ranked, toptier law school right on campus? Are current law students actively involved with the Black pre-law students? In what ways? Sarah Odion-Esene: Being that the University of Texas School of Law is right in our backyard, I believe that we have been provided with resources from the law school in order to recruit UT undergraduate

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UT pre-law members registering students to vote in the 2012 presidential election during their GOTV (Get Out to Vote) campaign.

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Spotlight students. Having the law school on campus creates accessibility to the admissions office. Unlike other students outside of the Austin area, if I have a question or wanted to speak with someone in admissions, I can walk a few feet to their office to have a personal conversation with them.

Ashaki Mentoring with Thurgood Marshall Legal Society (UT law students) and NBLSA Pre-Law Chapter members at the Austin Alternative Learning Center.

Our law school chapter, Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, is very much involved in the pre-law chapter. The students serve as law student mentors to our undergraduate chapter, attend our general meetings, and partner with us in our community outreach program. The law students also involve us in networking opportunities when there is a visiting law firm on campus, in order to expose us to legal opportunities.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together We Fall, Divided We Standâ&#x20AC;? Debate with the Black Students Alliance.

Financial Issues

Preparing for Law School Financially By Kasia Palm, MEd

The choice to enroll in law school is a decision to invest in your future: academically, professionally and financially.

nowing your financing options and preparing yourself financially for law school will help you succeed as a law student and lawyer. Here are some tips to help you get started: - Understand your options: There are 2 main financial aid options to help you pay for your legal education: scholarships and loans.

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o Institutional scholarships do not have to be repaid and may be awarded based on financial need or academic merit, or both. Scholarships awarded purely on the basis of financial need are much rarer at the graduate level. While a number of schools do offer need-based aid, many make scholarship offers on the basis of academic merit (typically your GPA and LSAT). You have a

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greater probability of receiving merit funding at schools that are not your “reach” schools. o Other scholarships: While scholarship funding primarily comes from law schools themselves, other organizations – such as local bar associations, community or social organizations, and ethnic or religious organizations – offer scholarships as well. These opportunities may not be widely advertised, so it may take some research to find scholarships you might be eligible for. o Loans are funds that have to be repaid, usually after you finish school. A large number of law students rely on loans to finance their legal education. Educational loans are offered both

Financial Issues just look at the dollar amount of the scholarship. A $30,000 scholarship at a school with higher Cost of Attendance may cover less of your costs than a $20,000 scholarship at a school with lower total costs.

by the Department of Education and by private banks. Of the two, federal student loans offer more flexible repayment options than those provided by private banks – including options that tie your monthly payments to your future income. - Know the relevant deadlines: Check with the schools to which you are applying to find out if they have any deadlines and/or applications required for receiving financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required if you’d like to borrow federal student loans. The FAFSA can be submitted online at www.fafsa.gov starting Jan. 1st of each year. Some schools require an additional application for scholarship funds and some automatically consider all applicants. Be sure to apply early for any institutional scholarships. - Consider all costs: When looking at the Cost of Attendance (COA), be sure to consider both the direct costs charged by the school (tuition, fees, etc.) and indirect costs (costs not charged by the school – housing, food, transportation, etc.). A school with cheaper tuition may still be more expensive if the cost of living is high. Don’t forget to include the cost of moving. Financial aid cannot be used to cover your moving costs. So, you’ll need to find a way to cover those costs on your own.

- Develop and live on a budget: The COA at each school sets the maximum amount that you can receive through financial aid for any given year. The COA covers educational costs only and includes an allowance for modest living expenses. If you are relying purely on financial aid, you’ll need to manage your money well to make sure that you are not overspending. To help yourself manage your costs, develop a monthly budget to determine which costs you’ll need to cover and what expenses you can eliminate. - Eliminate consumer debt: If you have credit card or other consumer debt, pay it off prior to entering law school. Your financial aid cannot be adjusted to include consumer debt payments and it may be difficult to pay outstanding credit card balances while in school. - Know your credit: Certain loans require that you pass a credit check (or have a creditworthy cosigner). Check your credit prior to applying to law school so that you know where you stand. Improving your credit history takes time, as does correcting any inaccuracies. You can get one free credit report per year from each of the three national credit reporting agencies at www.annualcredit.com. Kasia Palm, MEd is the Director of Student Financial Management at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

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- Compare scholarship offers carefully: Understand the terms of your scholarship offers. Are they tied to academic performance? Are they guaranteed for the whole time you are enrolled? Schools that offer conditional scholarships are required to post their scholarship retention data, so you can check how many past students have had scholarship offers reduced or cancelled. Don’t 97

Mind, Spirit, and Wellness

MEDITATION TO DE-STRESS High-achieving law school aspirants, law students and lawyers suffer from high stress levels. With this being the case, they must find ways to help reduce the stress they experience daily. Meditation is one practice that they should consider.

editation is a method to help people calm down, relax and clear their mind. The benefits include lowered stress, stabilized mood, and improved focus. Meditation simply requires that you just stop cold in your constant state of being consistently busy, release your worries, and then be mindful. Let go of everything, focus your attention, eliminate your many thoughts, and concentrate on your breathing. If you have never meditated before, there are several resources available on the Internet that will introduce you to and guide you through meditation, and help you to get into a daily meditation routine where you can more easily include it in your super busy life and tight schedule. You may be surprised that you can even find time during your commute or lunch break to meditate. Here are a few guided meditation programs you might want to

consider. Some can be accessed via their websites online and for others you will need to download the app

to use on your iPhone or Android device. Try them out and find the one that works best for you.

Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Challenge https://chopracentermeditation.com Cost: $29.99 - $49.99

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Available online (unlimited on-demand and download access) and in CD sets

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Mind, Spirit, and Wellness

HEADSPACE www.getsomeheadspace.com Cost: FREE for 10 days, and then approximately $10 monthly. Available online and the app (Headspace on-thego) on iPhone, iPad and iPhone touch

SIMPLY BEING:

Guided Meditation for Relaxation and Presence Cost: $0.99 Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Windows, and Blackberry

http://smilingmind.com.au Cost: FREE Available online and app for iPhone, iPad and Android phones

THE MINDFULNESS APP Cost: $1.99 Available on iTunes

Relax & Rest Guided Meditations by Meditation Oasis Cost: $0.99 Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Windows, and Blackberry

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SMILING MIND

Success

LEGAL SUCCESS: A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION By The Honorable Willie E.B. Blackmon

The practice of law is one of the most interesting adventures I have ever embarked upon. It began when I had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of Houston Attorney Dennis F. Spurling in 1976.

didn’t know that at the time he encouraged me to take the LSAT, I would begin a journey that would circumvent the globe and a future young lawyer would become more than he ever thought he could be. I graduated from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University (TSU) in 1982. I learned to understand that law school was more challenging than any endeavor I had ever undertaken. At my undergraduate institution, Texas A&M University, I learned to study, but in law school, studying was not a part-time effort that required a few hours each day. It was a mentally grinding ordeal that required most of my nonsleeping hours. I had to for the first time pace myself while taking notes in outline form, and review

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Blackmon speaking at a Texas A&M Hall of Fame banquet.

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those same notes on a daily and weekly routine. Law became a way of thinking, involving the analytical side of my brain. I watched individuals with doctorate (non-law related) degrees go on academic probation, and then ultimately drop out of law school. As I studied the language of jurisprudence, I learned that I was beginning to speak and think as a lawyer. Upon graduation I left for Michigan, where I became a City of Detroit Vice Prosecutor and was quite proficient in standing and arguing facts in such a way that one of my distant relatives, Madame Josephine DeCuir, would have smiled with pride. The reason I reference this relative is that she embodies the living spirit, that for me, had become the “Rule of Law.” My relative Madame DeCuir, was sitting aboard a steamship in 1869, which had departed New Orleans, Louisiana, when she was asked by the captain to get up and sit in the “Colored” section. Knowing that Louisiana’s laws permitted passengers riding on public transportation to sit anywhere they desired, she objected to this discriminatory request, but to no avail. Madame DeCuir filed suit in the District Court of Orleans Parish and prevailed. The steam-

Willie Blackmon speaking at event.

ship captain appealed the case to the Supreme Court of Louisiana where the lower court’s decision was affirmed. The case was later appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States by the administratrix of the estate of Captain Benson who was the operator of the steamship “The Governor Allen.” The Supreme Court made up of mostly Southern judges, reversed the case stating it was not a civil rights issue, but a matter of interstate commerce. However, the case which is cited as Hall vs. DeCuir, 95 US 485 (1877), became a landmark decision which became etched into the fabric of American jurisprudence. Hall vs. DeCuir is cited in Plessy vs. Ferguson, 163 US 537 (1896), the New Orleans, Louisiana case which established the “Separate but Equal Doctrine” referenced in the language of Hall vs. DeCuir. Later the case was cited in Brown

Success

vs. Board of Education, 347 US 483 (1954), a Supreme Court decision which struck down the “Separate but Equal Doctrine”, and permitted the integration of America’s educational institutions and public transportation facilities across the land. Nearly eighty-five years later, Rosa Parks refused to vacate her seat in the Whites Only section of a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. The foundation for this ripe standup for justice and historical stance by a courageous African-American woman, had its foundation laid down in Hall vs. DeCuir. It took the courage of a woman, which was passed down to me by my maternal grandmother, Annette DeCuir (a relative of Madame Josephine DeCuir), to light a candle in the darkness, which was later fanned into a flame by the civil rights struggles of the 1950’s. Madame DeCuir’s moral strength and conviction to stand up for what was right and just in a post-Civil War America, gave me, the African-American great-great grandson of a Confederate Officer, strength to continue her journey and make a difference in the field of jurisprudence. While practicing law in America, I learned that the “Rule of Law” is sometimes blinded by the color of one’s skin. Madame DeCuir taught me to fight for what’s just in Ameri-

Blackmon competing in the Border Olympics Track Meeting in Laredo, Texas representing Wheatley High School.

Blackmon in uniform as a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Air Force.

was really, out of this world (smile). In SAC, I was the Chief of Military Justice at SAC’s headquarter base in Omaha, Nebraska. In the Texas Air National Guard, I was the Staff Judge Advocate for the 147th Fighter Wing on 9/11. Upon leaving active duty service, I embarked on the next phase of my legal career. The first three having been: (1) education, (2) Michigan law practice, and (3) military service. I became an Assistant District Attorney in Lubbock, Texas where I was a misdemeanor and felony prosecutor, before becoming Chief of the Juvenile Division. It was within my purview to decide whether a juvenile should be certified to stand trial as an adult in the criminal courts, or be adjudicated in the Juvenile Court System for having engaged in delinquent conduct. In misdemeanor and felony cases, my focus was always on the “Rule of Law,” not how many cases I could win. Because if a defendant was convicted and I knew in my heart, that based on the facts of the criminal file, that he/she was innocent, justice was not served. If the facts and justice warranted it, I would dismiss the case before trial. I also applied this sense of justice and ethics as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, Texas.

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Blackmon in his judge’s robe with gavel.

can society. Even when I began practicing law in Detroit, Michigan, lawyers from the Harvard School of Law joked about the legal education I received from TSU. However, when I triumphed over them in court while using that same legal education I received from TSU, I gained their respect and admiration. On the basis of my legal brief and oral argument, they thought it more prudent to seek my legal counsel. The lessons I learned in the City of Detroit Law Department is that what you learn in those hallowed hallways of legal education is that, it is not the law school you graduated from, but how well you can apply the law you’ve learned. Although I must admit a great deal of my legal education came once I graduated and was introduced to the real world and the practice of law. After serving with the City of Detroit Law Department, I chose to pursue the noble calling of military service. As a young Judge Advocate, I served tours of duty with the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the United States Air Force (USAF) Reserves, and the Texas Air National Guard. When young Judge Advocates I trained would ask me where I got my unflappable sense of justice, I would smile and tell them that I simply believed in the Code of Honor learned as a young child in Houston: “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” Of course the originator of my Code of Honor

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Success Later, as I left that part of my career (phase (4)), and became a defense attorney (phase (5)). I defended all my clients, some who I initially thought were guilty, but after careful and meticulous investigations, discovered that all things are not black and white. I learned that the purity of the law comes to those who seek it out, and strived to locate the equitable boundaries of substantial justice and fair play. My journey through the practice of law was not over, as I eventually became a Municipal Court Judge with the City of Houston, Texas (phase (6)). There, sitting on the bench as either a trial or jury judge, I treated justice as I had always viewed her, a woman holding the scales of justice in one hand, and a sword in the other. I witnessed that some jurists at various levels were blinded by societal and cultural biases. I learned to not judge defendants by socioeconomic positions in life, the color of their skin, or their faith, but instead judge their cases on the facts as presented through lawfully admitted evidence, legal precedents, and my judicial temperament which had been honed and improved upon by the experiences of my legal career on the state, national, and international levels.

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Once retiring from the Houston Municipal Courts in late 2004, I relocated with my spouse, Dr. Gaye Lang, to our new home in Marble Falls, Texas. After settling in and starting a private practice there as the only African American attorney in a four-county circuit, I was encouraged by the citizens of Burnett, Llano, Blanco, and San Saba counties to run for the 33rd Judicial District bench (phase (7)). I made history by becoming the first African American to run for judge in this region of the Texas Hill Country on any level. Although a terminal and

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Texas A&M University Track and Field Team. Blackmon is sitting on the bottom row, in center, fourth person from the right.

incurable cancer forced me to withdraw from the race, I would like to think I made an indelible impression in the area of race relations on the people of the Hill Country.

back of a city bus, and drink out of water fountains labeled as “Colored.” Our job is to ensure that evidence presented in a court of law is based on sound scientific principles.

Now once again residing in my native born City of Houston, and in total remission from cancer, I have taken on the task of helping to restructure the Houston Forensic Science LGC, Inc. (informally known as “The Crime Lab”) as a member of its Board of Directors (phase (8)). The position is voluntary and without pay, but my home city is getting a return on its investment in nurturing and raising an African American who once had to sit in the

My journey continues as I am now the Staff Judge Advocate of the soon to stand up 7th Air Wing of the Texas State Guard (phase (9)). However, I can see the end of my legal journey winding to a close. And as it comes to its conclusion, I will say to the young lawyers and those contemplating a legal career, understand that the journey will not always be easy, but its rewards are everlasting and quite fulfilling. Success is indeed a wonderful and deserved moment where one stands at the end of life’s distance run. Knowing that my journey will be complete only when I arrive at my career’s destination, and can say I have lived up to the words of my childhood hero who said in an inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Willie Blackmon, Texas A&M recordbreaking track star.

The Honorable Willie E. B. Blackmon is a retired lawyer and judge. He resides in Houston, Texas.

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Events, Issues, and Activism

Why We (Still) March

By Isaac Weiler

One of the reasons that I chose to come to school in Washington, DC was the number of rallies and protests that occur here on a seemingly daily basis. Being in the nation’s capital allows me an opportunity to add my voice to the chorus of others who have taken to the streets to have their grievances heard.

his past August provided a prime example of that, as there were two different rallies held in commemoration of the 1963 “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” I had the pleasure of attending both, and I was not alone in my desire to be a part of the moment. Black, White; young, old; male, female; thousands of individuals descended upon the Lincoln Memorial between August 24th and the 28th. While we all gathered ostensibly in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March, each person came for her own motivating reason(s). For some, it was the sheer history of the event that made them want to be a part of it. The original march fifty years ago is still heralded as the standard of national protest rallies and certainly worthy of being celebrated. This was the purpose of the Wednesday rally – to look back with awe at what had happened exactly fifty years prior. So while there was not a single elected official on the podium then, the list of speakers this time around included the last three Democratic presidents – including Obama – as well as multiple members of Congress. I don’t begrudge the politicians for speaking, in fact I would be surprised if they did not, but it did affect the tenor of that day’s gathering. Whereas fifty years ago the people came to DC to demand from their elected officials respect, representation, and

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opportunity, this rally presented our current generation of elected officials with the opportunity to tell us the people how well we have done in the past fifty years. Now certainly there are areas in which you could point to progress; President Obama himself indicated how “the White House has changed” since then. Yet, as a whole, we as a people have not advanced in the specific areas targeted by the original marchers. The organizers of the initial March had in mind a list of demands which they were petitioning for at the time. Among them were unencumbered access to the polls, a national Annual 2013 Edition

Events, Issues, and Activism

Some people do remember the original intent and purposes of the March. They know that even though that march has been remembered for MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, King was not the driving force behind the march itself. That honor goes to two men – Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph. Both Rustin – as a socialist – and Randolph – as a union organizer – understood the importance of economic opportunity to actual civic freedom. Their goal was to lead a march not just requesting the recognition of all people as equals, but demanding that all people have the ability to live as equals. As Reverend Sharpton said at the rally held on the 24th, “We do not march to solve the problems. We march to draw attention to the problems.” Where Wednesday’s march looked backwards with pride at

what we as a country have accomplished, Saturday’s rally looked forward to the problems still facing us. The largest category of attendees on Saturday was union members. Local chapters who made the trip complained about specific working conditions in their field, while the national administrations passed out flyers explaining the – still unmet – need for a living wage. (Translated to today’s value, workers are being paid less per hour now than when they demanded a living wage fifty years ago!) Union members also held signs demanding access to healthcare – “Hands off my Obamacare!” – and the ballot – “The right to vote is a right to work with dignity.” These marchers reminded everyone that the organizers of the rally held fifty years ago were acutely aware that a prerequisite to enjoying the civil freedoms promised to every American in the Constitution is an individual’s economic freedom. Along with informative signs, the unionists also walked their talk by providing hundreds of bottles of water free of charge for all those in attendance. Their example of how to care for others even while demanding respect for yourself resonated with the crowd that day, leaving many on Wednesday wishing they had stuck around. The loudest category of attendees, on the other hand, was the socialists. They were passing out free newspapers, Annual 2013 Edition

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living wage, and an end to tolerated social segregation.

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Events, Issues, and Activism selling discounted books, and chanting every chance they got. Along with their pleas for economic justice came a broader demand for social justice. These marchers chanted on behalf of a living wage, but also for “Money for schools, not for bombs” and to “Restore the VRA.” Another well-represented group were the Black Greeks, whose members carried signs demanding everything from student loan forgiveness to ending mandatory minimums in criminal sentencing. All around, the signs at Saturday’s rally touched on all ten of the original demands of the March. Without a doubt though, the main issue on people’s minds that day was the lack of legal justice afforded people of color, particularly Black males. Coming just a short month after the George Zimmerman verdict, the one person talked about at both rallies more than MLK was Trayvon Martin. His picture was on shirts, his name was on signs, his parents were on the dias. I myself felt an extra inspiration to attend because of that specific injustice. While the original demands spoke of desegregated housing and public accommodations, the loudest demand on Saturday was for an end to racial profiling by the police (or wannabe police) and access to true justice through the court system. Demands were made to repeal Stand Your Ground laws and speakers drew attention to the Stopand-Frisk policies made famous by New York City. One woman I met on Saturday said she believed half of the people in attendance that day would have slept in were it not for the Zimmerman verdict, and she may have been right. Only an ostrich could believe the “justice” meted out by our court system is colorblind, and merely scratching at that surface will reveal how intrinsic class differences are to these outcomes. I myself have been re-inspired in my quest to reform – read: abolish and reinvent from a true perspective of equality – the prison-industrial complex by Michelle Alexander’s incredible book. The sign I carried read: Blacks equal twelve percent of the US population, but 23 percent of the prison population. Mass incarceration is the new Jim Crow.

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But my personal critique of the Civil Rights Movement stems from what I see as a shift in perspective from

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true equality to racial equality, and I fear that history will remember the 50th anniversary of The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom as a rallying cry for “Justice for Trayvon.” I worry that this means the underlying incentive for the March fifty years ago – the thing that eventually got King killed, economic equality – will once again be overlooked in favor of superficial problems like police brutality. As Rustin and Randolph knew then, the all-too-real consequences of American racism can only be eradicated once we’ve dealt with the all-tooreal consequences of American capitalism. I actually left the rally on Saturday feeling slightly depressed at what I fear will be a need to repeat this event fifty years from now. But I find solace in those words Sharpton delivered. The rallies held to honor the memory of the March on Washington were not intended to be workshops on how to fix the problems still unresolved from half a century ago. Rather, they worked to draw attention to the greater American consciousness that these problems still exist. Racial profiling is a problem. Overturning the Voting Rights Act is a problem. The lack of a living wage is a problem. These problems are real and were on full display those two days. Now it is our job to come together and solve these problems. Thousands came to DC that week, but the real work will be done in our individual communities. I only hope it does not take us another fifty years to do it. Isaac Weiler was born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, graduating from Dwight Morrow (public) High School. He then went on to Harvard University where he majored in African-American Studies, graduating in 2003. Following undergrad, Isaac returned to New Jersey where he worked as a legislative aide for the Bergen County Freeholders and then the State Assembly. He hopes to return to policy work upon graduating from Georgetown University Law Center in the spring of 2014.