THE
LEGALPAD
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
We Lead, We Serve
INSIDE: Convention Info State of NBLSA Member Spotlights International Service Trips
LEGALPAD CONTENTS N I O A S S O
I A T C
23 44th Annual National Convention
03 National Update
State of the Regions
05 Reconstruction of Alumni Division
24 State of MABLSA
NBLSA’s CBC Weekend 07 NBLSA Serves: Congressional Kids Day & More
27 State of MWBLSA
09 Environmental Justice Town Hall
33 State of RMBLSA
12 NBLSA Leads: Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat
36 State of SRBLSA
National Recap 15 Traversing Borders, Transforming Lives 16 Educational & Professional Advancement
30 State of NEBLSA
39 State of WRBLSA
Member Spotlight
42 Member of the Month 45 NEBLSA Alumni Spotlight
18 Building a Pipeline to Diversity One Student at a Time
46 NBLSA Scholarships
20 Featured Article | Black Codes to Photos
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State of NBLSA
Editors:
Yvesner Zamar, National Historian T. Isadora Huntley, National Director of Public Relations Lisa Thelwell, National Director of Communications
State of NBLSA
Chibundu Nnake National Chair
On behalf of the National Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), it is our sincerest pleasure to greet you as we wind down yet another semester of law school.
Antoine Floyd National Vice Chair
As the principal leaders of this organization, we are excited to launch this year’s fall issue of the Legal Pad and hope that you will find the articles it contains to be inspiring, reflective and even provocative. This publication represents the culmination of much hard work and dedication by the members of NBLSA’s National Executive Board. Although you will read more about the programmatic and institutional successes achieved over the past few months in office, we would be remiss if we did not showcase a few memorable moments that have given us excitement, hope, and a renewed sense of our vision as servant leaders.
organization—and have followed in the footsteps of an impressive cadre of Black, service-minded professionals. This past September marked the ten-year anniversary of 9/11: a celebration that commanded our country to refocus its energy on leadership, neighborly love, civility and peace. We also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and their commitment to advocacy and creating policies that positively impact our communities. Finally, in October, the MLK Memorial was revealed in Washington, DC to celebrate one of our nation’s most influential and revered civic leaders. However, alongside these great achievements came tremendous sorrow as we mourned the loss of key figures including Professor Derrick Bell, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, and the boxer Joe Frazier—all great African Americans who were instrumental in the development of greater pride in our communities.
2011 has been a year full of historic milestones. Earlier this year we assumed office as the 43rd National Chair and Vice Chair of this great
NBLSA has also achieved great success this year. In March, we celebrated a successful convention attended by hundreds of our members in the great
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city of Houston, TX, where NBLSA elected its new leaders who would carry the mantle for our organization into 2012. NBLSA is a labor of love and you, our members, have entrusted us to be the caretakers of this beloved organization. Since taking office in April, we have been working diligently to make the decisions and put the processes in place that will positively affect the organization today and move us towards a better tomorrow. Our theme for 2011-2012 is “Building Pipelines for the Future” and it has inspired everything from NBLSA’s programming and advocacy efforts, right on down to our internal structure. As we near the halfway point of this academic year, we hope that you will appreciate the significant progress our administration has made to equip and elevate NBLSA’s membership in 3 unprecedented ways: through the reformation of our Pre-Law Division, the increased development of our Alumni Division, and our push for continued internal improvement. First, alumni are critical to any organization, and that is no different with NBLSA. Our alumni serve as mentors, competition judges, panelists, and sounding boards as we seek career advice and general guidance as we continue along our journey as both professional and community leaders. This year, we are reaching back to our big brothers and sisters to say thanks while celebrating their legacy within our organization through their many contributions. As a result, we implemented a new “Alumnus/a of the Month” program that will recognize a different alumnus every month in every region. This recognition series will culminate with an “Alumnus/a of the Year” being selected and recognized in March at our annual awards gala. Next, and as we embark on our 44th year of service and excellence, NBLSA’s vision of balancing the legal profession remains as important today as it was at our founding in 1968. In order to continue in our mission of diversifying the legal profession, we understood that it was imperative of us to forge a stronger pipeline between our Pre-Law Division and the legal profession. We wanted to counter the declining law-school enrollment trends affecting our youth by strengthening our partnerships with organizations like the National Black Pre-Law Conference, CLEO, Just the Beginning Foundation and SEO to name a few. We also understood that we needed to change the name of our pre-law initiative from the “College Student Division” to a broader “Pre-Law” designation. Now individuals who choose not to matriculate straight from undergrad to law school will have access to all of NBLSA’s programming that aims to increase the number of minority, college graduates entering this profession. Finally, our board has made painstaking efforts to leave NBLSA in a better position than we received it. Our internal endeavors have resulted in many successes and a few shortcomings. We sought to establish an advisory board for the organization, as well as hire an executive director to improve our retention of institutional knowledge and assist in our annual board transitions. We have nearly completed the formation of the inaugural advisory board, but our board decided to table our executive director search until 2012. With an advisory board in place, however, we are confident that NBLSA will be stronger and better through the assistance it will provide our executive leadership. As 2011 comes to a close and we celebrate the hope 2012 brings, we hope you will take this opportunity to reflect on NBLSA’s successes and the progress we have made towards achieving this year’s vision. We found the right mix of servant leaders who possessed the interest and ambition to adequately serve you and NBLSA further. We hope that you will be able to join us in the coming weeks as we celebrate the culmination of our more local efforts at your region’s convention. As you read more about the regional and national events we’ve hosted so far this year, we also invite you to join us for our final stage of national programming during our 44th Annual National Convention in Washington, DC from March 7-11. Registration for both our regional and national conventions is now open for all NBLSA members, pre-law students, alumni and professional affiliates. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and dedication to our organization, and look forward to connecting with you in DC as we share in another successful Convention celebration!
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Reconstruction of the Alumni Division Welcome to the Alumni Division of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). The connections forged through your service and active involvement with NBLSA transcend law school. In recognizing that service through NBLSA has a lasting impact, NBLSA is pleased to be in our second year of reconnecting with you, our alumni. Through its creation of the National Director of Alumni Affairs and Development, NBLSA has reaffirmed its commitment to being a resource to those members who are well past law school graduation.
ALUMNI INITIATIVES The Alumni Affairs and Development Team is pleased to announce some exciting new initiatives. NBLSA recognizes that our alums are effectuating positive change in their legal communities and professional capacities. NBLSA is launching the Alumni Achievement Award program to honor the outstanding achievements of our alumni. Current NBLSA members will nominate deserving alumni and recipients for the award will be selected monthly and recognized at their respective regional conventions. NBLSA will also name an Alumni of the Year to be honored annually at the national convention.
"Become a Member" link under the New Users tab. Follow the steps and create a profile.
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION (https://nblsa.ps.membersuite.com/Login.aspx) Moreover, as a member of the Alumni Division, you are also entitled to receive: •
A subscription to “The netW.O.R.K.,” NBLSA’s alumni newsletter, designed to keep you up-to-date on all the events, opportunities, and programming designed specifically for our alumni;
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A subscription to The Legal Pad, NBLSA's biannual magazine;
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Member-only pricing for NBLSA's national and regional conventions; and
•
Exclusive membership discounts on clothing, travel and lodging.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER The inaugural edition of NBLSA’s alumni newsletter, “The netW.O.R.K.,” (worthwhile opportunities through resources and knowledge), was published in September 2011. The newsletter spotlighted the accomplishments of NBLSA’s alumni and announced upcoming alumni event with the goal of keeping alumni connected with the NBLSA family.
ALUMNI RECEPTIONS The Alumni Division of NBLSA will host alumni receptions throughout the country, with at least one reception being held in every individual region. The goal of the receptions is to give our current members an opportunity to expand their network and connect with NBLSA Alumni while providing a forum for alumni to act as mentors by sharing invaluable advice through the interaction with current members. To become a member of the Alumni Division and to be added to our guest list for receptions, please register using the link below, and then click on the
NBLSA is excited about continuing its efforts to reconnect with you. This year’s theme, “Building Pipelines for the Future,” is the embodiment of your past contributions to NBLSA. The current success of NBLSA is the direct result of your hard work and commitment during your law school tenure. Furthermore, the continued success of NBLSA depends on your continual support, guidance and participation. Thank you for all that you have done in the past and all you will continue to do in the future to help NBLSA achieve its mission of promoting the professional needs of minority students, assisting in the recruitment and retention of minority students, and fostering professional competence amongst our membership.
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CBCWEEKEND 6 | The Legal Pad
NBLSA Serves: Congressional Kids Day & More
Once again, NBLSA volunteers served the Washington, DC community through the Congressional Kids Day event as well as additional service opportunities. On Friday, September 23, 2011, in connection with NBLSA’s Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Weekend and Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat in Washington, DC, more than 40 NBLSA volunteers served two local high schools (Coolidge & Ballou), The Father McKenna Center, DC Kitchen and the Community for Creative Non-Violence. Aligning with NBLSA’s Youth Empowerment Initiative, Congressional Kids Day is held annually at Washington, DC schools to educate children about democracy and the importance of their participation in the political process.In consideration of the upcoming 2012 election, NBLSA volunteers focused on educating junior and senior high school students on exercising their right to vote. School teachers and students were given access to a short essay to read about the CBC
Keven Leveille National Director of Community Service
ahead of time and volunteers were given a longer version of the same essay to read. Volunteers then went into classrooms to engage students in meaningful dialogue about the CBC and to answer any other questions by the students. An essay entitled “The Expansion, Organization, and Rising Influence of African Americans in Congress, 1971- 2007” was the basis of this year’s history lesson on the CBC. The essay focused on the early members of congress who organized the CBC, the barriers they faced in getting recognition as a group and the legislative issues that were of importance to them. The objective of the essay and lesson that followed was to educate the students about the history of the CBC, the need for the CBC during its founding years and the continued need for the CBC today. Students
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were also encouraged to understand the issues facing AfricanAmerican communities, the importance of the CBC in dealing with those issues and how those issues personally affect the students. Students gathered in small groups and discussed socioeconomic, social justice and political issues that directly impact them in their schools and communities. They shared their concerns with their classmates and suggested proactive methods to increase awareness and promote change in their communities. The lessons were met with great enthusiasm from the students. Students were genuinely interested in learning more about their right to vote and the political process. In addition, students reflected on their personal aspirations while seeking advice from the NBLSA volunteers. Additionally, NBLSA volunteers served the homeless by attending their support group meeting and engaging in meaningful dialogue about their concerns at The Father McKenna Center. The Center largely serves previously incarcerated African-American men that have found reentry difficult. NBLSA volunteers also provided much needed assistance at the DC Central Kitchen with food preparation and meal service to local prisons and shelters. At the Community for Creative Non-Violence, NBLSA volunteers completed various small projects such as center clean-up and organizing supplies and provisions.
“My experience was extremely enlightening. In 2011, in the nation’s Capitol and arguably the most progressive area of the country respective to education, politics, and affluent wealth, bright black students still question their potential and suffer from a lack of resources.I was also encouraged and empowered by the positive impact we seemed to have in such a short time. NBLSA’s reach is endless if we continue to exert a concerted effort.”
Congressional Kids Day was very successful with zealous NBLSA volunteers interested in serving the DC community. The NBLSA volunteers who participated in the service programs gave positive feedback about their experience.
-Lorraine Young, National External Chief of Staff Ballou High School NBLSA Volunteer
“Powerful, simply powerful.” [describing his
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experience] -Jennito Simon, Southern Region Treasurer Father McKenna Center NBLSA Volunteer
Building Pipelines to Better Communities: Environmental Injustice In Our Own Backyards by Abre’ Conner, National Attorney General Leukemia, brain tumors, breast and prostate cancer and birth
His studies demonstrated that many of the toxic waste
defects are some common side
facilities that cause serious
effects of environmental racism and its affect on minority
health implications were located in, or in close proximity
communities. Health risks, economic impacts and social
to, minority communities. Although the results were
justice may not be the first
startling, an updated study was
thoughts that come to mind when thinking about
done twenty years later in optimistic hopes of improved
environmental issues.
results. The stark outcome was that the conditions worsened in
However, during the wake of the Civil Rights era, social justice leaders considered these implications when
Environmental inequities touch many different areas.
fighting for equality. During 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Homeowners drive many of the policies in place; however, for
was an active leader in the
those who do not own homes,
black garbage workers movement in Memphis,
their voice is usually minimal when addressing these
Tennessee.1 In 1979, Bean v. Southwestern Waste
concerns. Homeownership is directly correlated to race in
Management Co. challenged
many places and as a result,
Environmental Justice issues in Texas.2 During the 1980’s, Dr.
Blacks have been institutionally at a disadvantage in this area.
Robert Bullard was coined the “ F a t h e r o f E n v i ro n m e n t a l Justice” and created a report that analyzed problems within minority communities as it related to environmental issues.
1 2
certain areas.
Although Environmental Justice addresses various areas, social action is pushed minimally across the board. Many of the reasons for the lack of
Luke W. Cole & Sheila R. Foster, Environmental Racism and the Rise of the Environmental Justice Movement 19 (2001) Bean v. Southwestern Waste Management Corp, 482 F.Supp. 673 (1979)
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advocacy are related to the level of knowledge about Environmental Justice issues. Over the past several years, because of the realization by agencies, community groups, and the Administration of these deadly issues, more knowledge has been disseminated around the country. Recently, President Obama signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which assisted in issues relating to discrimination in certain areas that lead to health risks for underrepresented communities. The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) has also realized the importance of this issue and has made Environmental Justice once of its key initiatives this year. NBLSA National Attorney General, Abre’ Conner, attended the National Environmental Justice Conference in Detroit, Michigan with leaders from around the country and led by the Environmental Protection Agency to learn more about implementation and resources. This was furthered with meetings with the White House Office of Environmental Quality to learn about Environmental Justice plans moving forward. During NBLSA’s Congressional Black Caucus weekend, NBSLA hosted “Building Pipelines for Better Communities: Conversations about Environmental Justice,” which was a social media interactive Environmental Justice town hall meeting. The conversation was lead by diverse panelists who were passionate and well-versed about Environmental Justice issues. The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Patrice Simms of Howard University School of Law.
Panelists
included Michele Roberts, Campaign and Policy Coordinator, Advocates for Environmental Human Rights; Vernice Miller-Travis, Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities; Dr. Sacoby Miguel Wilson Chair of the Alpha Goes Green Initiative, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Assistant Professor
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(tenure track) at the University of Maryland-College Park at the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus; Coy McKinney, President of the Student Environmental Action Coalition; Stephanie Maddin, Associate Council, Earth Justice; and Mike Ewall, Founder of Energy Justice Network. Mayor Gow Fields, of Lakeland, Florida, utilized NBLSA’s Livestream capabilities and addressed the in-person attendees as well as those listening across the country. The panel incorporated many of the different issues that arise in looking at Environmental Justice as a civil or human right. Panelists entertained questions and comments received from in-person attendees as well as those received from Twitter and Livestream chat. Many of students used their Twitter and Facebook accounts to tweet and update their status relating to the education they received while attending the town hall. Attendees were given action items when they left the town hall to better understand how to move forward in combating these issues within their local communities. This town hall was just the first step for people to understand that Environmental Justice is a fundamental issue. Title VI prevents any discriminatory act by a program if the program receives federal funding and is much of the framework for civil rights law.3 With the many implications of Environmental Justice as it relates to Title VI, there are legal concerns if jurisdictions do not uphold their duty to these communities. One out of five Black children have lead poisoning and almost half of the urban housing units in low socioeconomic areas live near facilities which report toxic waste emissions.4 Having basic health equality, clean water and clean air is as important for Black communities as any other issue. If there is no one to advocate on behalf of Environmental Justice concerns, we will continue having our community members die at a much earlier age than other races. As burgeoning social justice agents for change we must rise to the occasion and do our part to keep our local communities alive and with necessities that other communities have available.
3
Luke W. Cole & Sheila R. Foster, Environmental Racism and the Rise of the Environmental Justice Movement 52 (2001) Lead Poison: A Preventable Health Problem, http://www.hartford.gov/healthyhartford/Lead_Poisoning/HtfdPb_Intro.htm (last visited October 30, 2011). 4
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Hamilton Houston NBLSA Leads: Charles Leadership Retreat On Saturday, September 24 , 2011 NBLSA hosted its 6th Annual Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat. The event was co-sponsored by the law firms of Patton Boggs LLP and Hughes Hubbard and Reed. Over one hundred participants attended leadership building workshops dedicated to enhancing NBLSA’s local chapters and strengthening its leaders. NBLSA National Chair, Chibundu Nnake, and the National Director of Corporate Relations, Ademola Adewale-Sadik, kicked off the retreat by leading a workshop on fundraising and sponsorship. The two panelists gave participants advice on preparing a fundraising plan for events and soliciting funds and donations.
Lizeth Lewis National Director of Programming
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The second workshop was a membership building workshop educating NBLSA leaders on chapter maintenance and growth. The National Vice-Chair, Antoine Floyd, gave an in-depth explanation the benefits of NBLSA membership. The third workshop was an organizational leadership panel hosted by NBLSA’s Regional Chairs: Kendra Brown (Northeast), Sheila Isong (Mid-Atlantic), Jamie Davis (Southern) and Elizabeth Humphrey (Rocky Mountain). Each regional chair shared her experiences and lessons learned from leading an executive board and being directly accountable to hundreds of members. They also shared their successes and failures in membership building, event planning, fundraising and board leadership to help chapter leaders avoid the common
fundraising and board leadership to help chapter leaders avoid the common pitfalls. After the first three workshops, there was a mid-day break for a luncheon featuring keynote speaker Raheemah Abdulaleem, a senior trial attorney at the Department of Justice. Attorney Abdulaleem attended Harvard Law School and worked as a Labor and Employment Associate at Ballard Spahr LLP and King & Spalding LLP before joining the Department of Justice, where she handles Title VII civil litigation. She also serves on the board of directors of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights and Operation Understanding, an organization designed to develop AfricanAmerican and Jewish-American leaders. Mrs. Adulaleem gave an inspirational and dynamic speech regarding her path from law school to government work, highlighting the importance of doing work you can stand behind. In closing, she reminded the participants not to put their lives on hold, but to work towards a healthy balance of work and life by drawing clear boundaries with employers and their schedules.
featured a Department of Justice trial attorney, a public defender, legal counsel to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and the senior recruiter for the United States Air Force’s Judge Advocate General program. The Non-Traditional Legal Career panel featured an arbitrator and mediator who also serves as an adjunct professor at Howard University School of Law and the Director of Governmental Relations for Wal-Mart. The Associate to Partner panel featured attorneys from Patton Boggs LLP and F o l e y & L a r d n e r L L P. T h e p a n e l s encompassed discussion on the work involved in the various areas of practice, an opportunity for questions from the participants and chance to network with the panelists. We would like to thank all the participants for making it a successful retreat and look forward to your feedback in order to improve upon next year’s retreat.
The retreat culminated with workshops dedicated to career development. The workshops were divided into three rotating panels: Careers In Government, NonTraditional Legal Careers and Associate to Partner for students interested in firm practice. The Careers In Government panel
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NATIONAL PROGRAM RECAP Updates from NBLSA
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Traversing Borders Transforming Lives On October 10, 1996, Charlotte Awino was one of 139 girls that were abducted, by the Ugandan rebel Lord’s Resistance Army from her school. At fourteen years-old, Charlotte was taken to Sudan where she and other victims were raped, beaten and forced to work in the gardens and carry luggage. Charlotte managed to escape death at the age of 22, but not before giving birth to two children. 1
Association (NBLSA) has made human trafficking this year’s national issue in efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change. Through the annual NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. (Contributing through Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Service) Alternative Break Service Trip, members will raise awareness and provide assistance to victims toward eradicating this widespread crime.
According to the United Nations, human trafficking is the third largest source of money for organized crime. Human Trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for purposes of labor, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery. In most instances, victims are coerced, tricked or lured out of the country on false promises of a brighter future. Victims are taken from their home countries and transported to another country with no means of escape.
NBLSA is proud to announce that it will also send volunteers from NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. to Nigeria this winter. NBLSA members will travel to Nigeria as representatives to dedicate their services to the eradication of human trafficking. From January 1-8, 2012, the student representatives will assist our partner organization Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF). WOTCLEF is a NonGovernmental Organization dedicated to the eradication of trafficking in persons, child labor and violent abuses of the rights of women. NBLSA members will assist with rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of trafficked persons. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Nigerian Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficker Persons (NAPTIP) to learn about the legal aspect of human trafficking in Nigeria.
In a report issued by the U.S. Department of State in 2005, it was stated that 70 percent of women and children trafficked into the United States are forced to become part of the sex industry. While prevalent in the United States, human trafficking is also a global problem. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has named Nigeria as one of eight countries with the highest rate of human trafficking in the world.
Crystal Ikinah National Director of International Relations
Recognizing the importance this global crisis, the National Black Law Students
Mark Lacey, Escape From Rebels Leads to a Reunion, New York Times, Oct. 10, 2004, available at http://www.nytimes.com/ 2004/10/10/international/africa/10uganda.html 1
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Educational & Professional Advancement
“Building Pipelines That Will Foster and Cultivate Our Emerging Leaders in Academia and their Careers,” is the National Black Law Students Association’s (NBLSA) theme for education and career development this year. NBLSA’s two target areas for education and professional
Julie Wenah National Director of Education & Career Development
development for its membership are: Personal Branding: Distinguishing Yourself; and NonTraditional Careers. Seven programs fall under the purview of NBLSA’s Education and Career Development: •
NBLSA Job Fairs
• •
Academic Leadership Retreats Attorney Spotlight Series
• •
E-Development Podcast Series E-Career Consultant Series
•
NBLSA’s National Bar Association Fellowship
•
NBLSA Scholarships NBLSA JOB FAIRS
This fall, NBLSA’s National Job Fair Team has worked diligently to ensure efficient and successful job fairs in each region. NBLSA facilitated five job fairs across the nation and will be releasing surveys to assess member and employer feedback. ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP RETREATS National and Regional Academic Retreats are an excellent channel for NBLSA members to gain useful information and skills to further their educational and career goals. During NBLSA’s Congressional Black Caucus weekend, NBLSA discussed professional and career development during the Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat. The culminating workshop at the Retreat involved Personal Branding and Professional Development. Our panel of speakers gave excellent advice and tips to our NBLSA chapter leaders that we hope will in turn be shared with members of the represented local chapters.
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ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT SERIES NBLSA is implementing a video series highlighting interviews with practicing attorneys to provide its membership with insight in regards to the day in the life of an attorney within a particular field. Not only will the series examine the career duties and obligations of these attorneys, but it will also examine what these attorneys have done in order to set themselves apart from their colleagues. It is imperative that NBLSA members recognize the importance of branding and distinguishing itself . E-DEVELOPMENT PODCAST SERIES The E-Development Podcast Series will focus on both education and career development; however, there will be a heavier weighted focus on educational development. The first podcast series is with the Center for Legal Pedagogy at Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law discussing learning styles and academic success. E-CAREER CONSULTANT SERIES The E-Career Consultant Series is a joint partnership with the National Bar Association that provides for an interactive experience with legal professionals. NBLSA members will be able to dial into a conference call where I will pose questions to the legal professional. Then, there will be an opportunity for members to ask questions and seek advice from these attorneys. NBLSA’S NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION FELLOWSHIP This is the pilot year for NBLSA’s National Bar Association Fellowship. This is a unique opportunity for law students to work with African-American attorneys who are leaders and scholars in the legal profession. The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage law students to engage in section areas that will not only cultivate a desire to ascertain their practice area, but also create a sense of accountability to the National Bar Association upon graduation of law school.
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Building a Pipeline to Diversity
As the number of law school applications increase, the number of African-Americans attending law school has declined. This startling statistic illustrates why it is important that the National Black Law
Nathan Williamson National Director of the Pre-Law Division
Students Association (NBLSA) work to ensure the future of the black law student. In order to ensure that NBLSA is more responsive to the needs of prospective law students, the College Student Division has transitioned into the Pre-Law Division. More than just a name change, this transition allows us to reach an often over looked segment of pre-law students--college graduates. These non-traditional students have obtained a college degree and decided to take time off prior to pursuing a legal education. NBLSA aims to respond to the needs of this segment of prospective law students and implement programs to help them successfully navigate through law school application process. Beyond expanding the reach of the Pre-Law Division, NBLSA has implemented programs that recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by Pre-Law Division members. The Member of the Month Program recognizes an individual who has contributed to his local community, fellow pre-law students and implemented the National Theme “Building Pipelines for the Future.� The program celebrates members like Deitra Jones, President of the Georgia State University Chapter of the Pre-Law Division, who has diligently served her chapter while exhibiting the aims of the organization. Additionally, this year will be the inaugural year of the National Pre-Law Division Chapter of the Year Competition. The competition will recognize a chapter that exemplifies the mission of NBLSA and the Pre-Law Division. The winning chapter will be recognized during the 44th Annual National Convention in Washington, DC.
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One Student At A Time The Pre-Law Division is committed to advocating for and cultivating the next generation of social engineers who will undoubtedly transform the future of the legal profession. NBLSA strengthens the pipeline to law school through mentorships, programming and scholarships. The Pre-Law mentorship program pairs pre-law students with current law students who can advise them on the application process and life as a law student. Regional law camps provide mock first-year classes and an opportunity to speak with law school admission counselors, financial aid professionals and professors. Additionally, NBLSA sponsors the Nelson Mandela Scholarship, which is administered exclusively to students of African descent, helps defray the rising cost of attending law school. Pre-Law Division members will also have an opportunity to network with fellow pre-law students, current law Beyond an
unparalleled networking experience, students will have the opportunity to attend panels created specifically for them. These panels will include LSAT reviews, admissions advice and tips on how to prepare for the rigors of law school. This year will prove to be an unprecedented year of involvement for the Pre-Law Division at the national convention. As the Pre-Law Division continues to grow it is important that NBLSA continues to reach out to as many prelaw students as possible. Local chapters are encouraged to reach out to undergraduate students and institutions and encourage them to become a part of the Pre-Law Division.
Pre-Law Division
students and legal professionals during the 44th National Convention in Washington, DC.
Want to pay it forward and help pre-law students succeed? Support a Pre-Law Chapter Today!
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Black Codes
In some states, owning a concealed handgun takes precedent over a college education when it relates to voter identification requirements. This is only a glimpse of a disenfranchised future. Given the history of voting, there should be more awareness of these issues. It was almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was passed that Black men were given the right to vote. Even after that time, many Black men were still denied the right to vote. Before the Fourteenth Amendment was passed, Black men were counted as three-fifths of a person. Interestingly enough, “Black Codes” were implemented to keep Black men from exercising their right to vote. Poll taxes and hidden polling locations were utilized as calculated ways to keep Black men from exercising this fundamental right. It was not until the Civil Rights movement that these repressive tools were formally dismantled with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.2 The basic doctrines of the Act made it illegal to use arbitrary tests to prevent people from voting.3
Abre’ Conner National Attorney General
The palpable issues with using these methods forced voting rights to be at the forefront of the Civil Rights era. Two of the most important sections for those involved with litigation and voting were Sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Section 2 became more important in the 1980’s as it gave the Attorney General and private parties the right to sue jurisdictions who were disenfranchising their constituents.4 Section 5 was used as a way for the government to oversee states who may implement restrictive practices.5 Although there was negative feedback, some states welcomed the idea of allowing the government to monitor its work in this area. Section 5 was enacted in 1965 and was intended to be a temporary solution for issues regarding redistricting and voter protection issues at the time. However, the provision has been extended numerous times since its inception. Most recently in 2006, a controversial reauthorization of Section 5 was passed. Although most changes in the past have not caused much controversy, with new disenfranchising provisions, this may change. Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. §§ 1973–1973aa-6 Id. Voting Rights Act of 1965 42 USCA § 1973 4 Voting Rights Act of 1965 42 USCA § 1973 c 5 According to the Brennan Center, 34 States have legislation dealing with Photo ID laws. Wendy R. Weiser and Lawrence Norden, Voting Law Changes in 2012, Brennan Center for Justice (2011), available at http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/ archivesrestoring_the_right_to_vote_gains_momentum/. 1 2 3
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to Photos Even with strides in the voting arena, state legislatures have recently raised the idea of using mandatory photo identification to protect against voter fraud.6 On the surface, much like past disenfranchisement efforts, this new provision seems reasonable to protect the overall welfare of those who are voting. 7 However, the effect these new laws have on the minority community is startling. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, twenty-five percent of African-Americans do not have photo identification.8 Overall, studies estimate about eleven percent of the voting age population in the country does not have proper photo identification.9 Although this seems to be the focus, proper photo identification deters less than five percent of those who would be engaging in this activity. Similar to “Black Codes,� Voter ID laws have a stark disenfranchising affect on Black people. Although the noticeable problems resounded within Black Codes, photo identification requirements are a much more sophisticated version carrying the same effects. Not only is the likelihood of disenfranchisement for the Black voter population high overall, but the new voter ID laws effect students as well. Interesting tactics have been implemented to carry out these laws. In Wisconsin, at the inception of its Voter ID laws, students could not use their student IDs at all.10 However, the state has amended this exception to include acceptable student IDs.4 New Hampshire actually emphasizes its special requirements for students and members of the military. New Hampshire’s legislation would have prevented those who lived elsewhere from acquiring voting residency in the state.11 Another controversial state, Texas, would allow gun licenses but not student IDs. These are just a few of the examples of ways that students have been discriminated against as it relates to these new laws. Since Crawford v. Marion County Election Board,12 it has been increasingly difficult to make any constitutional argument about these practices. In Crawford, Indiana law stated those without a photo ID must vote by provisional ballot.13 The Supreme Court agreed with the state in a 6-3 opinion holding that it is a legitimate state interest to be concerned about voter fraud among other issues. The disheartening affects of this decision have left voting rights advocates with fewer tools to combat issues. The Voting Rights Act is one of the best tools; however, Section 5 only covers a few jurisdictions. For many of the states implementing these laws, there is no supervision under this section. However, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is still a viable way to litigate in all jurisdictions. Opponents may argue litigation is costly; nevertheless, it is one of the few legal remedies to combat these laws. Social action and community organizing will always be a major component of any social harm as well. The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) has been an active participant in Election Protection coalitions and the Respect my Vote! Coalition. NBLSA understands the importance of a strong legal team. Students have engaged in research for increased polling places on campuses, research of how states are implementing these new Voter ID laws and active discussion with other organizations about how to work in unity to educate students and the general community of these issues.
Id. Right now there are 19 laws that have been passed and numerous others that are pending action. Id. Id. 9 Id. 10 However, according to the Brennan Center, large schools such as the University of Wisconsin do not even meet these standards. Wendy R. Weiser and Lawrence Norden, Voting Law Changes in 2012, Brennan Center for Justice (2011), available at http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/archives/restoring_the_right_to_vote_gains_momentum/. 11 Wendy R. Weiser and Lawrence Norden, Voting Law Changes in 2012, Brennan Center for Justice (2011), available at http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/archives/ restoring_the_right_to_vote_gains_momentum/. 12 Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 553 U.S. 181 (2008). 13 Provisional Ballots take into consideration your vote 7-10 days after the voting process. 6 7 8
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!
National Black Law Students Association 44th Annual
National Convention Pipelines & Pathways: Connecting Today’s Ambitions with Tomorrow’s Realities
Washington, DC March 7-11, 2012 43rd Annual Capital View Hotel Renaissance
NATIONAL CONVENTION flyer
Participate in Rewarding Programs and Panels • Pipelines: Personal and professional development workshops • Pathways: Panels that focus on practice area insights • Exciting mock trial, moot court, and negotiation competitions
Enjoy Luxury at the Renaissance Capital View • Close to DCA Reagan Airport • Accessible to downtown Washington, DC • Near exceptional shopping at the Pentagon City Mall • Signature dining at SOCCi restaurant and Esspressamente illy
Network Daily with Law Students and Attorneys • Robust Career Fair with onsite interviewing by employers including Navy JAG • A. Leon Higginbotham Luncheon honoring the Judiciary • Awards Gala at the National Building Museum
Join Us! Convention Registration is Now Open!
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT A 2011 RECAP FROM NBLSA’S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
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Mid-Atlantic Region BLSA
State of MABLSA
The Mid-Atlantic Region is the most active and energetic region of the National Black Law
Leadership Retreat was cancelled due to the s e v e re w e a t h e r f o re c a s t s ; h o w e v e r, t o
Students Association and for the 2011-2012 year we have compiled beneficial programming for our members. Before the official school year began, we hosted happy hours in Baltimore,
supplement, our members we will be releasing a membership guide with all the information they need regarding MABLSA and our goals and initiatives for the year.
Philadelphia, Richmond and Washington, DC during the months of June, July and August. Our summer happy hour series provided an
opportune environment to meet the regional board and get to know other MABLSA members in a relaxed setting. We began the school year with our annual Job Fair & Leadership Retreat weekend. Despite the presence of Hurricane Irene, the Job Fair was a success. Students from across the country traveled to Bethesda, Maryland to interview for positions with top law firms, government agencies and public interest organizations. Patton Boggs LLP, a long-time MABLSA supporter, kicked off our “Back in Action” reception that weekend. After the interviews and workshops were completed on Saturday, everyone enjoyed a social night of karaoke and networking. Unfortunately, our
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September brought cooler skies, NBLSA’s Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) weekend and our academic retreat. Our academic retreat was held at the Washington, DC office of Patton Boggs LLP. It featured poignant panelists, educational workshops and MABLSA’s talented and eager students. The event was a great success. Numerous MABLSA 1Ls were in attendance and eager to get involved with the organization on a regional level. CBC weekend came and went and MABLSA was there every step of the way. We attended. We volunteered. We made our presence known. Kudos to the NBLSA team that put the entire show together. MABLSA will always be there to support NBLSA’s advocacy efforts.
October was filled with law camps and a focus on our pre-law division members and prospective members. We traveled to Baltimore, Maryland on October 8th; Richmond, Virginia on October 15th; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 22nd. Our law camp program consisted of presentations to undergraduate and continuing students interested in going to law school. Law camps focus on what to do once admitted to law school and career opportunities that are available to those who obtain the ever-elusive juris doctor. It is an energetic day of events like these that inspires MABLSA to continue to support those who pursue this noble profession. To continue our tradition of unity, action and excellence we must provide insight for those who will come after us. Like NBLSA, we are also invested in building pipelines for the future. Catch us at your nearest city, if you can. We closed out October with our participation in the annual AIDS Walk and raised $1,135 for HIV/AIDS awareness. Thank you to those who joined the MABLSA team and marched for a good cause.
November and December we wound things down a bit because after all, we are first and foremost students. We want to make sure our students are given the opportunity to succeed in the classroom; however, this does not mean we will disappear. We will be hosting our first of two Environmental Justice summits so stay tuned for further information regarding this event. Additionally, be on the lookout for sub-regional events in one of our four exciting sub-regions: DC/Maryland, Philadelphia, Virginia and Pennsylvania/West Virginia. The spring semester brings warmer weather and a line-up of fun and educational events for our members! We will host our second environmental justice summit and our annual ski trip. This year we will be teaming up with the Northeast region for our ski trip where we will be traveling to the slopes of eastern Pennsylvania. It will not be a weekend to miss. The start of 2012 also means another thing: the 44th Annual MABLSA Regional Convention. This year we will be graciously hosted by the city of brotherly love: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our convention boasts our annual Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competitions. It also features our Welcome to Philadelphia reception, Legacy of MABLSA and Alumni reception, Career Expo, panels, workshops and everything culminates with our annual awards gala and celebration. It will be an epic event that you do not want to miss as we continue to keep things MABLSA STRONG and usher in the new era of MABLSA leaders. MABLSA is an organization that promotes advocacy, awareness, competence, independence and support. We are truly a family and hope that you will take time out of your busy schedules to come out and participate in some of our wonderful programming. We even have some surprises up our sleeves so please don’t be a stranger…reach out to anyone on the executive board members at a Mid-Atlantic chapter near you. Most importantly, be active, and remember, in the words of the great Charles Hamilton Houston, “A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.”
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Strong: A Tradition of Unity, Action & Excellence
Midwest Region BLSA
State of MWBLSA
This year’s regional theme is “Getting to Esquire and Beyond: Overcoming Obstacles, Opening Doors, and Securing Opportunities.” The Midwest region’s programming will focus on giving its members the skills vital to success in law school and equip them with the necessary tools to succeed in the ever-changing legal environment. The 2011 MWBLSA Academic Retreat was held on October 7-9 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was a phenomenal success. We kicked off the retreat on Friday with an Alumni Networking Reception at the “WXYZ Bar” of the Aloft Minneapolis. On Saturday, students from various schools throughout the region gathered at the University of Minnesota Law School to learn new ways to improve their academic development and meet fellow BLSA members. First-year law students participated in the “Academic Boot Camp,” hosted by Professor Peter T. Wendel of Pepperdine University School of Law, author of Deconstructing Legal Analysis: A 1L Primer. Moji Olaniyan, Assistant Dean and Director of the Academic Enhancement Program at the University of Wisconsin Law School, also hosted a workshop on exam writing and preparation for first-year law students entitled “Showing What You Know.” Second and third-year law students participated in intimate panel discussions with attorneys from the Minneapolis area, including “From Call Backs to Job Offers,” a panel designed to help students prepare for successful second interviews with potential employers. Students also learned about which skills might be most useful to develop for specific areas of practice during the panel entitled, “So How Does This Apply in the Real World?”
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All students gathered with Darryl Thomas of Larson King, LLP for a discussion on stress management. Participants shared tips on dealing with law school, persona, and work related stress. Hennepin County District Court Judge, Pamela Alexander, shared her experiences and wisdom during her keynote address on the necessity of using a law degree to help the community. The 2012 Regional Convention will be held February 15-19, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio at the Marriott Renaissance and will be hosted by the Ohio State University and Capitol University Law School BLSA chapters. Over 200 law students are expected to join us for community service, workshops, competitions and networking receptions. In all, our goal is to culminate this year with a convention that creates lasting memories. In addition to the Academic Retreat and Regional Convention, our programming year is filled with worthwhile events and beneficial initiatives including law camps, community service initiatives, advocacy and social action programming and networking events at major cities throughout the Midwest region. We encourage all members to attend the programs, support the initiatives, and take advantage of the benefits that come with being a part of MWBLSA. With your support, our region will forever be the Mighty Mighty Midwest!
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Northeast Region BLSA
State of NEBLSA
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The Northeast Black Law Students Association’s (NEBLSA) theme for 2011-2012 is “United, We Climb.” While we understand the focal point of our programming is to build the individual student, we recognize that our collaborative efforts unify us and allow our students to stand upon the firm foundation which is NEBLSA. This foundation and support structure serves as a launching pad and training ground for the practice of law. Our mission is to provide the NEBLSA membership with worthwhile and effective programming while focusing on professionalism, perseverance, preparation and progress. Our objectives are as follows: • P r o f e s s i o n a l i s m : To o f f e r c a r e e r development opportunities, build a stronger relationship with alumni, and act as a positive representation of our national organization, region and respective chapters. • Perseverance: To establish strong partnerships and volunteer opportunities of service within our communities and ensure the positive impact of our students on the lives of individuals within the Northeast region. • Preparation: To ensure that we are meeting the needs of our membership by providing stellar preparation for students applying to law school, those currently attending law school, and those preparing for coursework and a professional career beyond graduation. • P ro g re s s : To a c t i v e l y e n g a g e o u r membership, collaborate with other p ro f e s s i o n a l o rg a n i z a t i o n s , e n s u re membership is informed through strong communications, and facilitate relevant and timely advocacy and social action initiatives.
SUMMER HAPPY HOURS AND FALL WELCOME BACK EVENTS In an effort to ensure our membership is acclimated to their return (and start) to law school, NEBLSA hosted a series of Summer Happy Hour Series and Fall Welcome Back Events for members and alumni. The summer events were a huge success and were well attended by students and alumni. The events were held in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Our Welcome Back Events were held in Boston, New York and Hartford. SUMMER CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERIES Our inaugural Summer Career Development Series began in New York, NY on Wednesday, July 13th with a panel discussion and reception hosted by Kelley Drye & Warren entitled “Maximizing Your Summer Experience.” The event was a huge success and will be incorporated in our planning for next year. The remaining Career Development programming for the summer included the LexisNexis “Interviewing Skills” webinar and additional Job Fair programming. JOB FAIR AND CHAPTER LEADERSHIP RETREAT The theme for the 2011 NEBLSA Job Fair and Leadership Retreat was held in August and reflected in our Regional Theme: “United, We Climb”. Our goal this year was to equip our members with the tools necessary to prepare for and excel in their interviews. Thus, we strategized with LexisNexis to develop research and interview tools. LexisNexis created a webcourse for our members to research the employers prior to bidding, to ensure that our members would make educated decisions. In addition, the webcourse contained links to handouts, LexisNexis Webcasts, Tutorial and a Research Guide, as well as over 100 links to pre-set Martindale-Hubbell searches. The 2012 NEBLSA
Job Fair and Leadership Retreat will be held at New York Law School. We reached out to all employers who have participated in the past several years as well as new and non-traditional employers and successfully registered more employers than last year. Additionally, in an effort to meet the desires of our membership, we conducted a survey of NEBLSA members to find out the type of employers students wanted to have participate during the Job Fair. We had a total of 73 employers register and 73 employers attend the Job Fair. LEADERSHIP RETREAT The purpose of the leadership retreat was to inform chapter leaders of their duties & responsibilities, programming best practices, and overall chapter governance and structure. NEBLSA Regional Board members gave presentations to Chapter leaders. The presentations outlined the events of the upcoming year, deadlines and due dates. Each chapter leader was given a copy of the presentations on a USB drive provided by LexisNexis and the presentation was forwarded to those chapter leaders who were not present. After the board members’ presentations, Kaplan gave a PMBR overview and invited our members to become representatives of Kaplan. Following Kaplan, a LexisNexis representative gave a live interview workshop, focusing on how to use LexisNexis products to research firms and prepare for interviews. The Leadership Retreat culminated with the Alumni & Member Reception. The Reception went well and was a success. ALUMNI AFFAIRS We will have several alumni events throughout the year and they are all currently on track. In addition to alumni networking events, we will have an Alumni Corner as a part of our Newsletter. We are incorporating the NEBLSA Ask-AnAlumni question on our Website. COMMUNITY SERVICE The NEBLSA Community Service Initiative foci are 1) Literacy, 2) Mentoring, 3) Civic Education, and 4) Service. The initiative serves children, adults, prisoners and law students. The types of service vary from ongoing projects to stand-alone events. To support Literacy, NEBLSA will volunteer with the Prison Book Project in Quincy, MA.
NEBLSA held a successful event at the Children’s Literacy Project on Thursday, July 14th in New Britain, CT. To support Mentoring, NEBLSA has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to incorporate a mentoring initiative throughout the region. Additionally, our goal is to have chapters implement mentoring programs among students to ensure students have the tools and school-specific advice needed to succeed in law school. To support Civic Education, NEBLSA will focus on youth empowerment and youth scholarship through our NEBLSA Annual Scholarship and Essay Contest. Additionally, we will work with Street Law, Inc. to work with Youth to work with educators, civil rights leaders and hundreds of youth along the Northeast corridor covering topics such as conflict resolution, advocacy, Civics, and civil rights. Some of our volunteer initiatives will be with Feeding America (State Food Banks), Covenant House New York and Covenant House New Jersey. NEBLSA held a successful Community Service event with Literacy Volunteers of Connecticut over the Summer. Additionally, NEBLSA members volunteered at the Covenant House of New York where they wrapped gifts for teens who reside at Covenant House. NEBLSA ACADEMIC RETREAT The NEBLSA Academic Retreat was held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Northeastern University School of Law. The retreat hosted sessions related to academic and professional preparation geared to each of the following groups: 1L (course preparation), 2L (job preparation), 3L (bar preparation), and LLM Students (research preparation). Our Pre-Law Camp ran concurrently with our Academic Retreat. The camp was geared at preparing undergraduates and those considering law school for the law school application process and LSAT preparation. ADVOCACY The NEBLSA Advocacy programming includes NEBLSA Capitol Day, the NEBLSA “We Care” Earth Day Celebration, the NEBLSA Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting, a webinar on the DREAM Act, and the NEBLSA Voters Rights Forum. Our focus is on environmental justice & sustainability, combating environmental discrimination, community advocacy, voter protection and voting rights.
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Rocky Mountain Region BLSA
State of RMBLSA
The Rocky Mountain Region of the National Black Law Students Association (RMBLSA) is working extremely hard to provide its membership with access to programs and events that prepare them for a successful legal career. Instead of fearing the uncertainty of the current economic climate, RMBLSA encourages its members to use that uncertainty as motivation to develop the academic and professional skills necessary to propel to the top of the legal field while advocating for positive change in policy areas affecting our community. Accordingly, our theme for the year is “Fortifying the Foundation of Our Future.” RMBLSA’s programming will focus on improving our membership’s legal research and writing skills, developing wealth-building strategies and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. The region’s annual Job Fair and Academic Retreat took place on October 14th and 15th at the University of Houston Law Center. Over the course of the Job Fair, a number of employers, including Fulbright & Jaworski, Baker & McKenzie, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, interviewed over thirty RMBLSA members for summer and post-graduate employment opportunities.
Employer participants were thoroughly impressed with our members’ credentials and professionalism. The Academic Retreat featured panels and workshops focused on educating RMBLSA members on how to maximize their law school experience. Although the workshops were geared toward 1L students, they served to enhance the academic and professional skills of all RMBLSA members. In “The Gift of Gab,” members learned Bluebooking strategies, LexisNexis and Westlaw navigation strategies and how to organize research to prepare effective legal writing. In “Professionalism Growing Pains,” members learned how to effectively market themselves to employers, prepare cover letters, research employers and appropriately present themselves in an interview. In “Going With Your Flow,” members learned about the importance of developing their own study strategy and schedule and various ways to avoid getting caught up in the exam fever. Overall, the Academic Retreat provided members with valuable information and an opportunity to network with fellow RMBLSA members, professors and local attorneys.
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RMBLSA will sponsor a 5K Run on NBLSA’s Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service in Houston, Texas in an effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices. RMBLSA Chapters will participate in a fitness challenge leading up to the event and encourage community members to sponsor them for the 5K. Proceeds from the 5K will go to a charitable organization to be announced. The region’s annual convention will take place February 8-12th at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel and Spa in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The convention will host various workshops including those that will feature the Innocence Project and National Black Prosecutors Association. The Innocence Project will provide information to the membership explaining the various facets to get involved. The National Black Prosecutors Association will lead a discussion on the relevance of practicing black prosecutors and the need for prosecutors of color. In addition, there will workshops focused on the new state voter registration laws and other prevalent issues. RMBLSA members will also compete in the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition for an opportunity to advance and compete at the national competition in Washington, DC. RMBLSA’s goals for the year are only possible through the continued support and participation of its local chapters. All RMBLSA chapters are encouraged to participate in regional and national events as often as possible. If you have any ideas for programming or events, please contact the RMBLSA Chair, Elizabeth Humphrey, at rockymountain@nblsa.org.
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National Black Law Students Association
Rocky Mountain Region “Fortifying the Foundation for Our Future” Annual Regional Convention Oklahoma City, Oklahoma February 8-12, 2012 Hosted by The University of Oklahoma School of Law Hotel Information Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel and Spa $109/night Must book by January 1, 2012
Registration opens October 1st!!!
Convention Workshops Laying Your Own Foundation Voter Education The Happy Healthy Lawyer Social Media & Your Legal Career Convention Highlights FDMC Competition TMMT Compeition Convention Reception Networking Opportunities Register at https://customer67479b47.portal.production.memb ersuite.com/Login.aspx
For more information please contact Bianca Bryant at convention.RMBLSA@gmail.com
Southern Region BLSA
State of SRBLSA
This year’s theme for the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association
by over 50 students, alumni, the D.W. Perkins Bar Association and other members of
(SRBLSA) is "Advancing to the Next Level, Fulfilling the Dream, Advocating for the Future."
Jacksonville’s legal community.
SRBLSA’s primary goals are to increase active participation and to strengthen relationships amongst the region SRBLSA and chapter presidents. SRBLSA is currently achieving its
North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. Each consisted of workshops, seminars and panels with local attorneys, judges, and business men. SRBLSA hosted two
goals with an increased presence at the local level and stronger communication.
law camps for undergraduate and graduate students interested in attending law school. The law camps placed an emphasis on increased
SRBLSA has successfully wrapped up its Chapter Presidents’ Retreat, Job Fair and five Academic Retreats held across the region! SRBLSA held its Chapter Presidents’ Retreat and annual Job Fair at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. The retreat was
minority enrollment in law school with sessions a n d p a n e l s o n L S AT a n d l a w s c h o o l applications. Carter G. Woodson once said, "the true meaning of leadership is service." The chapters of
designed to give local chapter presidents an opportunity to gather important information regarding the National and Regional initiatives. The keynote speakers were past National Chair
SRBLSA have been hard at work planning service events that align with NBLSA and SRBLSA’s initiatives. At SRBLSA’s President’s Retreat, the region kicked off its community
(2004-2005) and Attorney Chris Chestnut and Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division, Tremaine Reese. Attorney
service efforts by donating to the Florida Innocence Project’s Exoneree Emergency Fund. Exonerees, absent the support of family and
Chestnut discussed networking and job strategies for members to make themselves marketable in this challenging economy. Mr.
friends are released with nothing. This fund helps to provide the necessities to begin readjusting to life. Also, on October 22, 2011,
Reese led a discussion on leadership and networking with the participants.
SRBLSA honored its commitment to each other and the community by participating in an Environmental Justice service event that kicks off NBLSA’s week of service.
The event was SRBLSA’s most successful job fair to date. Eleven firms from eight states participated in the fair as either “direct interview” or “resume collect” firms. Twenty-one students from nine states were selected for OCI-style interviews. The networking mixer was attended
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The academic retreats were held in Florida,
Advocating for the future is one of SRBLSA’s primary aims. In the sprit of that commitment, SRBLSA members banded together during the region’s Advocacy Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia
on November 5, 2011. SRBLSA members took to the classrooms of Druid Hills High School and engaged in an
The convention will commence with a welcome reception held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the
interactive discussion on voter's rights, the importance of knowing your rights and the necessity of voting.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. At the welcome reception, private walking tours of the permanent exhibitions will be given. On Thursday, January 19, 2012 competitors will kick off the Thurgood Marshall Mock
SRBLSA hosted its first Advocacy Weekend at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the Advocacy Weekend was to educate SRBLSA members on involvement with the legislative process, community advocacy training and grassroots organizing for voter’s rights via several workshops and panels. SRBLSA’s 41st Annual Convention will be held at the Sheraton of Birmingham, in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama, nicknamed the ‘Magic City,’ from January 18-22, 2012. Samford University Cumberland School of Law is enthusiastically hosting the prestigious Convention. Students from across the South will come together to compete in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and Frederick Douglass Moot Court advocacy competitions, participate in SRBLSA’s Job Fair, volunteer in community service initiatives, attend professional and
Trial and Frederick Douglass Moot Court advocacy competitions, while non-competing attendees volunteer throughout the Birmingham area and engage in workshops designed to facilitate future attorneys’ advancement to the next level in their legal career. On Friday, January 20, 2012, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in SRBLSA’s Annual Job Fair, interview sessions, workshops offering information to help law students fulfill dreams and network with SRBLSA Alumni during the networking mixer held at Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis, LLC. The convention will culminate on Saturday, January 21, 2012 with the Martin Luther King Jr. prayer breakfast and the annual black tie Awards Gala.
educational workshops, as well as network with legal professionals.
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Western Region BLSA
State of WRBLSA
Focused on the goals of building a foundation of professionalism, developing a culture of excellence, and leaving a legacy of achievement, WRBLSA is working tirelessly to provide its members with quality programming that provides both academic and professional support. Directed towards the goal of building a foundation of professionalism, WRBLSA hosted its annual Job Fair in Los Angeles, California on August 13 th . The job fair was extremely successful, with many students receiving second interviews. The job fair was also viewed as a success by the participating employers, many of whom reported being impressed by the quality of student membership involved in WRBLSA. WRBLSA also hosted an Academic Success Workshop in Los Angeles, California to promote and develop a culture of academic excellence. The workshop provided first year law students with valuable advice on succeeding in law school from top professors. The workshop was well attended by WRBLSA members from the Southern California area. The workshop also drew the attention of many non-WRBLSA members, many of whom requested additional WRBLSA programming. Recognizing the importance of leaving a legacy of achievement, WRBLSA is planning several law school bootcamps for the spring of 2012. These camps will aid WRBLSA’s pre-law members as they make decisions about and preparations for law school and a legal career. Tying together all of these goals, the regional board is eagerly anticipating the WRBLSA
Convention, to be held January 11-15, 2012 in S e a t t l e , Wa s h i n g t o n . W i t h t h e t h e m e , “Continuing the Dream: Advocating for the Future,” the convention will provide opportunities for WRBLSA members to have positive professional, academic and social experiences. Through guest speakers, panel discussions, career and networking fairs and receptions, WRBLSA members will learn how to advocate effectively for the future of both themselves and their communities. WRBLSA has also recognized that leaving a legacy of achievement requires a commitment to the younger generations. This year, WRBLSA is focused on developing in the areas of community service and mentorship. WRBLSA is planning to provide a “Know Your Rights” workshop and basic legal knowledge to high school and middle school students at the Regional Convention. WRBLSA is also encouraging its members to develop organic mentoring relationships with college and high school students and encourage them to consider the legal profession. Recognizing that a legacy of achievement mandates awareness and involvement in issues surrounding social justice, WRBLSA has committed to raising awareness of Environmental Justice. Environmental law is quickly expanding, with legal and political decisions having disproportionate effects on minority communities. WRBLSA is planning awareness events at the Regional Convention and law schools throughout the Region in the spring of 2012.
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NBLSA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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presents NBLSA’S MEMBER OF THE MONTH
With more than 40 years experience and over one million alumni, BARBRI is the #1 provider of bar-review courses and student resources. Whether you're entering law school, working through your second or third year - or preparing for the bar exam - BARBRI provides everything you need to succeed. By offering NBLSA members the highest level of faculty, flexible - and comprehensive - study options and personalized feedback, BARBRI provides an array of proven resources; including review lectures, outlines, multiple choice questions, essay practice questions and more. For those on the go, the BARBRI mobile app allows you to access BARBRI anytime, anywhere for no additional charge. At BARBRI, we believe when it comes to the bar exam you should do it once, do it right and never do it again.
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WRBLSA Member Jaliesa Bolds Jaliesa Bolds is a third year student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (UCLA Law). Ms. Bolds is pursuing a career in public interest law and will graduate with a specialization in Critical Race Studies. During her time at UCLA Law, Ms. Bolds has participated in several clinics including the Prisoner Re-entry Clinic and the Landlord/Tenant Clinic. Currently, she serves as the co-chair of the Landlord/Tenant clinic where she oversees over fifty student volunteers. Ms. Bolds also serves as a mentor in the Law Fellows Program--a program dedicated to increasing the number of minority students applying to and attending law school. Ms. Bolds is also actively involved in the UCLA Law Black Law Student Association (BLSA) chapter. She currently serves as a third year student mentor to first year students in the UCLA Law BLSA chapter. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Ms. Bolds served as the secretary of the UCLA Law BLSA chapter. Additionally, she served as a delegate for the UCLA Law BLSA chapter at the 2011 Western Region Convention. During her first year summer, Ms. Bolds worked as a law clerk for the Western Center on Law and Poverty where she spent time working on affirmative cases in the areas of housing and government benefits law. During the summer immediately following her second year, Ms. Bolds worked for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles ("LAFLA") in their Housing and Eviction Defense Center. As a law clerk at LAFLA, Ms. Bolds worked on affirmative cases against landlords and helped to represent defendants in eviction cases.Prior to attending law school, Ms. Bolds graduated cum laude with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Southern California in both Political Science and African-American Studies.
SRBLSA Member Sutania Radlein Sutania Radlein is a third-year law student at the University of South Carolina School of Law and is the current Chapter President of the Black Law Students Association. This year, Ms. Radlein started a new Attorney Mentor Program for incoming first-year BLSA members and she developed a series of academic events led by USC Law professors that will prepare first-year students for their final exams. Ms. Radlein is also the current Associate Editor-in-Chief of the ABA Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Journal. Additionally, she is a student member of the John Belton O'Neall American Inn of Court, the USC Law Pro Bono Board, Phi Delta Phi and the Student Bar Association. Ms. Radlein is a merit scholarship recipient, a USC Law Student Ambassador, a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Richland County CASA and a volunteer Juvenile Arbitrator for Lexington County. She was a USC Law Student Peer Mentor for the 2010-2011 academic year, helping first-year students transition into law school. Ms. Radlein was born in Bronx, New York to Jamaican parents but raised in Miami, Florida. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with a minor in Business Administration. Ms. Radlein was a law clerk at Rogers, Townsend & Thomas, PC in Columbia, South Carolina during the summer of 2010 and the 2010-2011 school year. She also clerked at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, PA in Columbia, South Carolina during the summer of 2011. Ms. Radlein plans to take the South Carolina bar exam and is interested in litigation, real estate and estate planning. During her downtime, she enjoys being with her family and friends.
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NEBLSA Member Daphney Gachette Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Daphney Gachette graduated cum laude from Hunter College with a B.A. in philosophy in 2008. After graduating from Hunter College, Ms. Gachette incorporated her interest in philosophy with the law when she commenced her legal education at St. John's University School of Law in 2009. During her time at St. John's, Ms. Gachette has received numerous honors including the NYC Bar Association Diversity Fellowship. While she has had the opportunity to work in the civil litigation department of the Bank of New York Mellon and the litigation bureau of the New York State Attorney General's Office, her most gratifying experience, to date, has been her work in the Elder Law Clinic, one of St. John's legal services organizations. There, Ms. Gachette had the opportunity to represent elderly citizens in the Queens Community of New York City. Now, in her final year at St. John's, Ms. Gachette works as a student Assistant District Attorney with the Queens County District Attorney's Office. Aside from her academic success, Ms. Gachette is actively involved in her community. She serves as a mentor with the NYC Bar Association and she is the vice-president of the St. John's chapter of BLSA. As the vice-president, Ms. Gachette is involved with the fundraising and organization of the chapter's alumni event. Additionally, Ms. Gachette assists in the coordination of the chapter's mock trial, moot court and international negotiation teams as well as the chapter's community service events. Devoted to pursuing a career in public interest law, Ms. Gachette looks forward to continuing to promote NBLSA's values of excellence and leadership as she graduates from St. John's in June of 2012.
NBLSA Member of the Month Nominations NBLSA will select six financially active members to become a Member of the Month; one Member of the Month from each respective region. The Members of the Month will be selected based on an essay of no more than 500 words that describes how the nominee has contributed to his/her community, contributed to his/her fellow NBLSA members, and implemented this year's National Theme "Building Pipelines for the Future." National Member of the Month Nomination forms must be submitted by the 20th of each month per the timeline below. Member of the Month Nomination Timeline: January: MABLSA Member of the Month submissions are due December 20, 2011 February: RMBLSA Member of the Month submissions are due January 20, 2012 March: MWBLSA Member of the Month submissions are due February 20, 2012 If you have questions please contact the National Director of Membership at membership@nblsa.org.
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NEBLSA Alumni Spotlight Paula Edgar, Esq. by Danielle McGee, Northeast Director of Alumni Affairs
Paula Edgar is currently an Associate Director of Career Services at Seton Hall University School of Law, where she is responsible for providing comprehensive career counseling to law students and alumni. Ms. Edgar is also a member of the law school’s Diversity Council, where she serves on the Diversity in the Profession Committee. Ms. Edgar previously served as the Executive Director for Practicing Attorneys for Law Students Program, Inc. (PALS), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the legal profession and providing mentoring, academic support, and networking opportunities to law students and junior attorneys of color. Prior to working at PALS, Paula practiced law as an Attorney in the Law Enforcement Division of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. She is a member of the New York City Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and New York County Lawyer’s Association. Ms. Edgar is also dedicated to the important work of specialty bar associations and diversity-focused organizations such as the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, The National Black Law Students Association and Latino Justice PRLDEF. In 2011, Ms. Edgar was awarded the Distinguished Alumni award from the Black Law Students Association at CUNY Law School. NEBLSA celebrates Ms. Edgar; she provides immense guidance and support to NEBLSA membership. She has spoken on networking and professionalism at many NEBLSA events, including our recent Academic Retreat in Boston. She is an impeccable asset to our organization as a mentor and future colleague. Ms. Edgar received her B.A. in Anthropology from California State University (Fullerton) and her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law.
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NBLSA SCHOLARSHIPS WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY TODAY Deadline | Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Sandy Brown Memorial Scholarship The Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association is pleased to announce the annual Sandy Brown Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is named after the late Sandy Brown, a past NBLSA Western Regional Director and will be given in her honor. To be eligible for this award, entrants must currently be in their first or second year of law school. Apply today!
Randy Pulliam Memorial Scholarship The Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association is pleased to announce the annual Rodney Pulliam Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Pulliam served as our National Chair for the 1998-1999 academic year. Mr. Pulliam was an inspiration to all who knew him as a husband, father, minister, attorney and community activist. This award will recognize a NBLSA member who exemplifies Mr. Pulliam's dedication to social action and community service and is intended to be used exclusively toward a bar preparation course. To be eligible for an award, entrants must be a third year law student graduating Spring 2012. Apply today!
NBLSA Most Outstanding Student Award The purpose of this award is to recognize the NBLSA member who has excelled academically, in addition to being active in their BLSA chapter and community. To be eligible for an award, entrants must be first, second, or third year law students. Apply today!
Nelson Mandela Scholarship The scholarship is offered exclusively to two (2) Pre-Law Division members to be applied towards law school expenses. Scholarship recipients will travel to the 2012 NBLSA National Convention held in Washington, DC to accept their awards and will receive two nights of complimentary hotel accommodations. Apply today!
www.nblsa.org/scholarships
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What has your chapter done lately? We want to know. Submit an article to the Legal Pad programming@nblsa.org or historian@nblsa.org
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BLSA LEGAL PAD
National Black Law Students Association 1225 11th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001 T 202-618-2572 F 202-280-1106 www.nblsa.org