August Alumni Newsletter - the netW.O.R.K.

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The netW.O.R.K.

Keeping you connected on Worthwhile Opportunities through Resources and Knowledge NBLSA’s alumni newsletter, designed to keep alumni up to date on all the events, opportunities, and programming designed specifically for our alumni.

Table of Contents National Director of Alumni Affairs Message!

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Upcoming Events!

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Regional Directors of Alumni Affairs Messages! !

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Alumni Achievement Awards!

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Alumni Affairs Division

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“If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Issac Newton Greetings NBLSA Alumni, It is my pleasure to serve as the 2012-2013 National Director of Alumni Affairs and Development. My goal is to implement programs that will foster relationships and networking opportunities between alumni and current BLSA members. It is my hope that these newly implemented programs and initiatives will increase communication between alumni and current NBLSA members, increase alumni membership and encourage alumni donations. On behalf of our National Chair, Kendra Brown, and the National Vice Chair, Dave Dambreville we thank your for continued support and service to NBLSA. NBLSA’s 2012-2013 theme, “Enhancing the Dream,” speaks to the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall and countless others who have advocated for justice, equality, and positive change for those who often go unheard. Your continued support of NBLSA will help in our efforts to diversify the legal profession and continue to Enhance the Dream.

As Director of Alumni Affairs, I aim to encourage alumni involvement and meaningful interactions by implementing alumni programs that keep our alumni connected with NBLSA well beyond graduation. I look forward to our alumni programs bridging the gap between our past and present members. Your knowledge and expertise in the legal field and as a former NBLSA member will be an invaluable addition to our events and programs. Our alumni receptions are a great opportunity for our alumni to interact and network with fellow NBLSA alumni and current NBLSA students. Please join us in Washington, D.C. for our 9th Annual CBC Networking and Alumni Reception on Friday, September 21, 2012. Register here.

I encourage you to stay connected by becoming an alumni member to receive updates, event invitations, and the monthly netW.O.R.K. newsletter. Join here. Membership is free. Also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. Again, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you throughout the year.

Alumni Affairs Committee The Alumni Affairs Committee is an opportunity for members to get involved in NBLSA's alumni outreach efforts. Committee members suggest, create, and implement programs to encourage alumni involvement.

To join the Alumni Affairs Committee or to obtain more information, please email alumni@nblsa.org.

Ebony Foster National Director of Alumni Affairs Widener University School of Law - Delaware Class of 2013

Stay connected!!

Complete the free membership application today!

alumni@nblsa.org http:///www.nblsa.org/alumnidivision 2

JOIN NOW

Upcoming Alumni Affairs Events

National Alumni Events 9th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Networking and Alumni Reception Friday, September 21, 2012 4:00 - 6:00 pm EST Reed Smith 1301 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 RSVP here.

Alumni Speed Networking Reception Friday, October 12, 2012 6:30 - 9:00 pm EST Widener University School of Law 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 RSVP here.

International Law Weekend October 25 - 27, 2012 Save the date! Registration and schedule details to come soon.

For additional information, click here.

Alumni Networking Reception Friday, November 9, 2012 5:00 pm EST Seton Hall Law School Newark, NJ RSVP here.

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Regional Alumni Events Mid-Atlantic Region Alumni Networking Reception - Philadelphia, PA Thursday, November 15, 2012

Midwest Region Academic Retreat Alumni Reception and Banquet - Indianapolis, IN Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. CST Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing 8787 Keystone Crossing Indianapolis, IN 46240 Ticket Price: $40 Academic Retreat Alumni Reception and Banquet - Kansas City, MO Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. CST Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center 6100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211 Ticket Price: $40

Northeast Region Academic Retreat Alumni Reception - New York CIty Saturday, October 6, 2012

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Regional Alumni Events Rocky Mountain Region Happy Hour - Austin, TX and Houston, TX - Friday, August 31, 2012 Academic Retreat Alumni Networking Reception - Friday, September 7, 2012

Southern Region Sub Region 3 Academic Retreat Reception, Columbia, SC - Sept. 28-29, 2012 Sub Region 4 Academic Retreat Reception, Orlando, FL - October 5-6, 2012 Sub Region 2 Academic Retreat Reception, Baton Rouge, LA - October 12-13, 2012 Sub Region 1 Academic Retreat Reception, Memphis, TN - October 19-20, 2012 Sub Region 5 Academic Retreat Reception, Atlanta, GA - October 26-27, 2012

Western Region Alumni Networking Event October 20, 2012 San Francisco, CA 3:00- 6:00 pm PST

NBLSA’s networking events and receptions allow students across the nation to connect with our distinguish group of Alumni.

Additionally, law firm partners, solo practitioners, and various influential people in the community gather for unique opportunities to build longlasting professional connections.

2012 - 2013 Regional Alumni Affairs Each region will host alumni programming tailored to the regional needs of the national initiatives. Be sure to check out www.nblsa.org/alumnidivision for event updates.

Mid-Atlantic Alumni Affairs Director I am honored to be the Director of Alumni Affairs for the Mid-Atlantic Region of National Black Law Students Association (MABLSA). This year, our regional theme is “MABLSA Strong: Excellence in Action.�

As such, we are committed to developing and executing events that support and empower current students while increasing alumni engagement and involvement. Thus far, happy hours in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia have been well attended by alumni. We also held a Mock Interview Program and Networking Reception on August 2, 2012 at George Washington University School of Law, which was a

Joshua Cox

tremendous success. There are two Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events planned for this year. One will take place in the

Mid-Atlantic Director of Alumni Affairs University of Pennsylvania Law School Class of 2014 mablsa.alumni@nblsa.org http://www.nblsa.org/mablsa 6

fall, while the other will take place during our regional convention in Pittsburgh, PA. Please follow MABLSA via Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on the events in our region. Feel free to also read our blog and view our phenomenal photos from past events. I look forward to connecting with our amazing alumni throughout the course of the year!

Midwest Regional Alumni Affairs This year MWBLSA's theme is "Combat Complacency, Evoke Excellence." As law students, we have a unique opportunity to significantly impact many lives and many different aspects of society. While it is not necessary that we each be passionate about the same things, we must each make it our responsibility to be passionate about something. Successful academic and extracurricular careers in law school are a part of the journey, not the destination. As alumni, you play a vital role in helping us move closer to our destinations! We welcome and encourage your presence at our events throughout the Aisha N. Smith

year, including our annual MWBLSA Regional

Midwest Regional Chair

Convention taking place February 6-10, 2013 in

University of Wisconsin Law School

St. Louis, MO.

Class of 2013 midwest@nblsa.org http://www.nblsa.org/mwblsa

Rocky Mountain Regional Alumni Affairs Director I am humbled and honored to be named the Director of Alumni Affairs for the Rocky Mountain Region. We plan to both grow the database of RMBLSA alumni, as well as, connect our alumni with current law students.

The RMBLSA theme for 2012- 2013 is "Purpose, Passion, and Persistence." Continuing to build on the foundation laid by the tireless efforts of the RMBLSA predecessors, this year's theme strives to encompass RMBLSA's commitment to leadership and professional development. Furthermore, RMBLSA will utilize numerous resources and work tirelessly to provide extensive opportunities that mold exceptional legal professionals as we continue to strive for balance and diversity in the legal profession. In addition, RMBLSA's passion for social action will be evident in the various advocacy initiatives, community service events, and mentoring programs. Please join us for our 44th Annual Regional Convention on January 15-19, 2013 in Dallas, Texas.

Jonathan Jackson Rocky Mountain Director of Alumni Affairs Thurgood Marshall School Law School Class of 2013 rmblsa.alumni@nblsa.org http://www.nblsa.org/rmblsa

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Southern Regional Alumni Affairs Director I have the pleasure to serve as SRBLSA’s Director of Alumni Affairs and Development.

I am a 3rd year law student, attending Samford

University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, AL.

SRBLSA’s

2012-2013 theme is “The YBE Movement- Young, Bold, and Empowered! –There is No Sleep in the Movement!” SRBLSA’s purpose for the academic year is to build the next movement of young, bold, and empowered leaders within the Southern Region.

Stay

connected with SRBLSA by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

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believe that in order for SRBLSA to fulfill this purpose, our members must create and foster long lasting relationships with NBLSA Alumni.

Breauna Peterson Southern Regional Director of Alumni Affairs Cumberland School of Law

Therefore, I will work tirelessly with the National Director of Alumni Affairs to double the number of active NBLSA Alumni and inform NBLSA Alumni of SRBLSA events.

Class of 2013 srblsa.alumni@nblsa.org http://www.nblsa.org/srblsa

Western Regional Alumni Affairs This year WRBLSA will be focusing on "Pressing Towards the Mark of Excellence While We Also Engage Our Communities." An integral part of this theme involves engaging with our alumni. As such, WRBLSA will host a number of events where we hope to draw in our alumni including, but not limited to, an Alumni Networking Event at 330 Ritch in San Francisco, CA on October 20, 2012 from 3-6 PM. Additionally, WRBLSA will hold its Regional Convention in Los Angeles, CA from January 9 - 12, 2012. Stay connected with WRBLSA by following us on Twitter. I look forward to interacting and connecting with you throughout the year.

Christopher Sanders Western Regional Chair Seattle University School of Law Class of 2013 western@nblsa.org http://www.nblsa.org/wrblsa

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August Alumni Achievement Awards Melinda Hightower personifies the values of excellence and service to others. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Melinda earned her B.S. from Cornell University, her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, and her J.D. from the University of Virginia. While at the University of Virginia Law School, Ms. Hightower served as a Dillard Fellow, was named a Ritter Scholar and was also inducted into the Raven Society, the oldest and most prestigious honorary society at the University of Virginia. She also served as the National Chair of National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) from 2010 - 2011. She is currently an associate at Skadden Arps in Washington D.C. Ms. Hightower demonstrates her commitment to serving others by focusing her legal skills on issues that impact communities of color. She has an avid interest in voting rights and was a field leader for the nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition during the historic presidential election of 2008. She reprised her role for the national mid-term elections in 2010 and will do so again for the 2012 election cycle. Melinda is also the founder of Blueprint JD, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to improving diversity in the legal profession. Ms. Hightower is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She currently sits on the National Advisory Board for NBLSA where she advises NBLSA on strategic and financial implications of decisions made by the organization. She has also served as a tireless and invaluable asset to the Mid-Atlantic Region of NBLSA (MABLSA) where she has been serving as a personal mentor and role model for many of its members.

Oneshia S. Herring is an experienced attorney, advocate, and public policy professional with a background in housing, consumer finance, consumer protection, and civil rights.

A proud native of St. Petersburg, Florida. While earning her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and African American Studies from the Florida State University, she served in several capacities, including President of the National Council of Negro Women, Vice-President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She also served as Founder & Program Coordinator for the North Florida Girls Initiative, Inc., a grant-sponsored educational development program for at-risk youth. Upon graduation, she pursued a career in public service as a Social Studies and Special Education teacher at a Title I school in Orlando, Florida. While teaching full-time, Ms. Herring graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida, where she served as Founder and President of the Black Graduate Student Association.

Ms. Herring continued her studies at the North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude and was awarded the Dean’s Merit Full Tuition Scholarship. While in law school, she served as the National Director of Membership of the National Black Law Students Association. She also worked as a Legal Intern at Microsoft Corporation and a Summer Associate at Bailey & Dixon, LLP. 9

August Alumni Achievement Awards Ms. Herring currently serves as Legislative Counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that works to protect home ownership and family wealth by fighting abusive lending practices toward low-income persons and people of color. She focuses on legislative and regulatory policy issues related to consumer lending, particularly in the area of mortgage lending and fair lending enforcement.

Prior to joining CRL, Ms. Herring worked as Congressional Fellow for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), a non-profit, non-partisan public policy, research, and educational institute which aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities. She began her fellowship as Policy Advisor and Legislative Counsel for the Honorable Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) managing his legislative strategy on housing, judiciary, and community development issues. During her second year, she worked on the U.S. Senate Housing, Banking and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development chaired by Senator Robert Menendez (NJ). In addition, Ms. Herring spent a few months at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handling federal appellate review decisions regarding workplace discrimination claims.

Ms. Herring is a proud member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, North Carolina State Bar, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Vincent Humphrey brings much legal experience and negotiation skills in complex real estate transactions, bank negotiation, long-term relationship cultivation, and adapting in the midst of difficult situations. Mr. Humphrey attended the University of Washington, where he earned a bachelors degree in political science. He continued his education at the University of Idaho College of Law. While in law school, Mr. Humphrey founded the BLSA chapter and served as president for two consecutive years.

Mr. Humphrey is an accomplished young lawyer who is managing his own firm and works as the General Counsel for the Seattle real-estate investment advisory company Shadow Inventory Solutions (SIS). As counsel for SIS, he advises their large client portfolio of institutional and private investors. By sourcing high yield opportunities that even the savviest investors are unaware of, Mr. Humphrey has helped their clients successfully navigate through the shifting investment and capital markets.

Mr. Humphrey was honored as Washington State's pro-bono attorney of the month for the month of July in 2012. Additionally, Vincent was profiled in Washington State's Bar news for his service in the state's Moderate Means Program, a statewide reduced-fee lawyer referral service.

The Western Region of NBLSA is honored to present Mr. Humphrey as someone who truly presses toward the mark of excellence while he continues to engage his community.

Each month NBLSA will select an alumni from each region to receive an Alumni Achievement 10 Award.

If you would like to nominate alumni for September, click here.

You be the Judge!

Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition International Negotiations Competition NBLSA would like to encourage all of our alumni members to volunteer their time and expertise in serving as judges. Each region of NBLSA will host their respective regional conventions throughout January and February, followed by the National Convention in March.

BECOME A JUDGE For more information concerning the respective competitions please contact: Valerie Fontenot, National Mock Trial Director mocktrial@nblsa.org Cara Sherman, National Moot Court Director mootcourt@nblsa.org Deyaska Spencer, National Director of International Negotiations internationalcompetition@nblsa.org

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