LEGAL PAD
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Inside: Obamacare Tweet Stalking Regional Updates and More...
Building Pipelines For The Future SPRING ISSUE // 2012
LEGALPAD CONTENT
N I O I A T C A S S O S T N E D U T S A W L K C A B L L A N O I A T N
Chair’s Final Address............................................................................................3 National Convention Recap ................................................................................. 4 The Effects of Obamacare ................................................................................... 6 Five Tips To Managing Legal Stress ..................................................................... 7 Tweet Stalking: Is it Legal? .................................................................................. 8 Debit Card Fees .................................................................................................. 9 NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. .............................................................................................. 10 Wal-Mart v. Dukes: Did SCOTUS Get It RIght? .................................................... 12 Interview with NBLSA Alum..................................................................................13 Can You Hear Me Now?: AT&T, T-Mobile Merger ............................................... 14 Are You Connected: Law & Technology .............................................................. 15 Apple v. Android: Patent Wars ........................................................................... 16 NBLSA Members of the Month ........................................................................... 17 Service with a Gavel: Judicial Clerkships ............................................................. 21 NBLSA Hill & Government Days .......................................................................... 22 Value of Nonprofits ........................................................................................... 24 Personal Branding ............................................................................................. 25 Lasting Impressions: Dress For Success ............................................................. 26 Regional Convention Updates ............................................................................ 31
LegalPad Committee Members Yvesner Zamar ........................................................................... National Historian Lisa Thelwell ................................................ National Director of Communications Lizeth Lewis ...................................................... National Director of Programming T. Isadora Huntley .......................................... National Director of Public Relations Jomaire Crawford .................................................... National Internal Chief of Staff Tiffany Hilton ................................................ National Chapter Relations Specialist Dave Dambreville .................................................................... Legal Pad Specialist Camille Dixon ............................................................... Legal Pad Associate Editor
Chair’s Final Address Dear NBLSA Family, My how time flies, it seems like only yesterday that I was standing before my mama and you all as your newly-elected National Chair with our other newly-elected officers in the great city of Houston. I was inspired by your spirit, humbled by your belief in us, encouraged by your commitment to NBLSA, and driven by your faith in the future. I was steadfast in my commitment to the members then, and that commitment has only grown stronger over the course of the year. You all have the power to truly effectuate change at your law schools, local communities, and when we band together, throughout the entire nation. That has been shown many times throughout the year. Our 2011-2012 National Executive Team began the year carrying the mantle as servant leaders. We promised one another that we would cherish serving a purpose greater than ourselves. We chose to promote social change in the areas of environmental justice. We hoped to expand the reach of our pre-law and alumni divisions, and we desired to develop greater opportunities for our members to grow professionally. Finally, we wanted to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure as we approach our 50th anniversary. As our administration comes to a close, I am excited to report that we were able to significantly expand our reach internationally by increasing the number of members that were sent to Haiti, and donating over $1000 in books toward our library in Kenya. We were also able to embark on a inaugural service trip to Africa; serving the country of Nigeria and addressing human trafficking in that region. In addition, we successfully hosted an Environmental Justice Town Hall that was live streamed to members throughout the U.S., as well as a provided our Advocacy Webinar Series. We also helped each other and tomorrow’s law students develop through academic retreats, job fairs, alumni networking receptions, Professional Development Online Series, mentoring programs, namely our partnership with the National Bar Association for our NBLSA Fellowship Program, and pre-law student outreach, including our NBLSA Pre-Law Fellows Program. We accomplished these things by working together - an involved membership; two hundred incredible chapter leaders, six innovative Regional Executive Boards and an invested National Executive Team. We celebrated our success at the 44th Annual National Convention in Washington, D.C. with over 1000 law students, pre-law students and attorneys in attendance. You chose our next National Chair at the convention in Washington, D.C. I would like to congratulate Ms. Kendra Brown of Vermont Law School, who will begin her term as National Chair on April 1. She brings an exorbitant amount of NBLSA Executive experience to the position of National Chair. She has been privileged to serve as a Chapter President and most recently as the Northeast Regional Chair. In addition to her executive experience, she has also been able to serve in an advocacy role as the National Congressional Liaison Specialist and also on the event planning side as the Northeast Convention Coordinator. She will be a wonderful and dynamic leader for the coming year. I look forward to sitting back and witnessing all of the great things that Ms. Brown and her administration will accomplish. My term as National Chair is quickly approaching its end, and although my law school career is also about to end, our commitments to NBLSA have only begun. NBLSA needs us to remain involved and be active NBLSA alumni. We have made extraordinary progress this year, but there is still much work to be done. As National Chair Brown stewards NBLSA forward on our road to fifty, she too will need your support. Our liberties are constantly under attack as young African Americans, such as Trayvon Martin and Rekia Boyd, are being murdered in the name of justice, on a regular basis. We have Americans exercising their freedom of speech right to racially slur the President. Finally, Affirmative Action is once again under judicial attack as the Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin case prepares to go to the U.S. Supreme Court. We cannot sit idle while the doors to education, the doors to opportunity and the doors to justice remain closed for so many in the Black community. We must advocate on behalf of others. We must serve our communities and shine as examples and much needed role models. We must be true to the future that we envision today, and be the change that we hope to see because if we do not, who will? Thanks for all of your hard work this year and for your continued commitment to NBLSA. I have been privileged to serve you as we worked toward building pipelines for the future. I look forward to the great things that our members will accomplish in the future, and all the phenomenal things that we will continue to achieve as an organization. God Bless you all! Thank you again and Pleasantries, Chibundu Nnake
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Class of 2012 National Chair, 2011-2012 National Black Law Students Association
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National Convention Recap NBLSA kicked off its National Convention with volunteer opportunities at The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) and The Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV). Convention attendees were given a special opportunity to visit the White House to engage in a White House Roundtable discussion with head officials from the Office of Public Engagement and Council on Environmental Equality. NBLSA hosted the Sadie T. M. Alexander Awards Luncheon and the A. Leon Higginbotham Awards Luncheon. At the Sadie T. M. Alexander Luncheon, Keynote Speaker Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, educated the membership on the release of the most recent Civil Rights Data Collection, which provided in-depth opportunity gap analysis. NBLSA also honored Dean Everett Bellamy, Assistant Executive Director, The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute ; Evangeline Mitchell, Founder, The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair; and Donald Temple, Founder, The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute. At the A. Leon Higginbotham Luncheon, Judge Ann Claire Williams, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, sat down for a thoughtful, retrospective interview with Judge Harry Edwards, former Chief Judge the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The National Champions of our Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (FDMCC), Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (TMMTC) and International Negotiations Competition (INC) were also decided in Washington, D.C. The 2011-2012 FDMCC Winners areNational Champions: Deanne Jackson and Tier Brown, Florida Coastal School of Law (pictured to the left), First Runner-up: Demetri Blaisdell and Dinah Manning, Columbia University School of Law, Second Runner-up: Jarrell Mitchell and Jack Starcher, Columbia University School of Law. The 2011-2012 TMMTC Winners are-National Champion: Loyola New Orleans College of Law, First Runner-up: Florida State College of Law, Second Runner-up: Michigan State University College of Law. The 2011-2012 INC Winners are-National Champion: Dana Branen, Jonathan Evans - Southwestern Law School, First Runner-up: Kwame Christian, Christopher Bordenave - The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, Second Runner-up: Nazareth Haysbert, Valerie Fleurima - The University of Oklahoma College of Law.
The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) held its 44th Annual National Convention in Washington, D.C. from March 7-11, 2012. Over 1000 law students, pre-law students, alumni, and legal professionals gathered in the nation's capital for NBLSA's most highly attended convention to date, themed, "Pipelines & Pathways: Combining Today's Ambitions with Tomorrow's Realities." NBLSA was proudly supported by this year's Title Sponsor, Perkins Coie LLP!
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"The White House Roundtable was a wonderful opportunity to engage in discussions with senior legal counsel regarding their duties as well as on issues affecting law students of color," Nicole Morgan, Louisiana State University
Pipelines & Pathways Combining Today’s Ambitions with Tomorrow’s Realities
This year's convention culminated with the NBLSA 44th Annual Awards Gala and Hall of Fame Induction keynoted by Wade Henderson, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Professor at the UDC-David A. Clarke School of Law. Henderson encouraged members to remember that the pursuit of justice is a marathon not a sprint. NBLSA then inducted Elaine Jones, fourth President and Director-Counsel, Emeritus NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; Congressman Robert "Bobby" Scott, and Chief Judge Robert Bell, Maryland Court of Appeals into the NBLSA Hall of Fame. For a full convention recap, click here.
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DO YOU OBAMACARE? by Abré Conner 30 Million, a number that must remain in the minds of Americans in March 2012.1 When looking at the disparate effects that many Americans, especially minority populations face with health care, the solution seems clear, make it available to mitigate the issue. 30 million people are uninsured and will be affected by the Affordable Care Act, affectionately known as “Obamacare.” 2 Pregnant women or women with pre- existing reproductive conditions will no longer have to worry about changes in their treatment because of those prior medical visits.3 Given the rise in mental health attention, Obamacare significantly increases the coverage for those with mental illnesses. There are several provisions to the Act, addressing issues such as improving public health and insurance coverage.4 However, requiring individuals to buy healthcare by 2014 or pay a penalty has been met with stark opposition.5 26 of our 50 states have outwardly opposed the Act, with Florida being a front-runner. Critics argue the “individual mandate” is unconstitutional and cannot be imposed on people.6 However, those in support argue critics have yet to prove Congress would want the entire Act to fail, based on the individual mandate, and therefore have a weak case.
Nevertheless, the idea of universal health care is not a new one. Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the idea of a second Bill of Rights which would include a right to health care, and a few years later, the United Nations preserved the right to health care.7 Already in place in the Patient’s Bill of Rights is the right to health care. Nevertheless, the passing of this Act has been called an “abrogation of liberty rights.”8 Experts believe the Supreme Court decision is unclear at the moment with 4 liberal and 5 conservative Justices. With the high stakes for Americans, those 30 million individuals who may have a better quality of life should be considered. There is case law and statutory interpretation to support both arguments but if the “right to pursue happiness,” is considered, which one attorney believes is a strong argument,9 the answer should be clear—without good health, the likelihood of a person being happy is minimal. The likelihood of 30 million having healthcare is almost impossible.
Abré Conner is a third-year law student at American University Washington College of Law and currently the National Attorney General for NBLSA. She is interested in advocacy and helping underrepresented communities; she translates this passion by creating programming and speaking with organizations and communities about various
1 The
Court is hearing three cases to address the Act. No. 11-393 Nat. Fed'n Indep. Business v. Sebelius, Sec. of H&HS, et al.; No. 11-398 Dept. of Health and Human Services, et al. v. Florida, et al.; No. 11-400 Florida, et al. v. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Et al.. 2 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 26 U.S.C. §5000A; LAURA SUMMER, THE IMPACT OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ON THE SAFETY NET. (2011), available at http:// www.academyhealth.org/files/FileDownloads/AHPolicybrief_Safetynet.pdf. 3 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 26 U.S.C. §5000A. 4 Id. 5 Adam Liptak, Health Law puts limits on federal power, THE NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 13, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/us/politics/health-law-debate-puts-focus-on-limit-offederal-power.html?_r=1. 6 Id. 7 Miles Zaremski, The Supreme Court's Health Law Cases -- Is Health Care 'Happiness'?, THE HUFFINGTON POST, Feb. 10, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-j-zaremski/thesupreme-courts-health_b_1262812.html. 8 Id. 9 Id.
Effects of Obamacare • 2.5 million young adults have health insurance coverage on a parent’s plan through age 26 • 105 million Americans no longer have lifetime dollar limits on their coverage • More than 17.6 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage • 54 million Americans can now receive a free preventive service 6 | The Legal Pad
Five Tips to Managing Legal Stress by Tori M. Howse Tori M. Howze is a Christian and law student at Southern University Law Center who strongly believes in the success of the generation following her own. In addition, she firmly believes in serving others in any capacity that she is humanly possible to do so.
1. ONLY CHOOSE A CAREER YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. Too often, we choose a career path to please someone else. Selecting a career field you are unhappy with causes stress and can impact your work product negatively. Do your research in advance so you choose a legal career that works with your lifestyle. 2. MAINTAIN GOOD QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS. Personal time with friends and family is limited when balancing a busy career. It is important to ensure that the people surrounding you are positive and supportive. Avoiding negative people and situations can enhance your success and keep stress levels at a minimum. Be sure to spend time with loved ones and maintain good relationships with family and friends. 3. BALANCE YOUR CAREER AND PERSONAL LIFE WITH A HEALTHY HOBBY. Find an activity unrelated to the legal field you enjoy. From volunteering at a local humane society to cooking, sports, or the like, a hobby can help relieve stress that comes from work or school. 4. MAINTAIN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE. Balancing your spiritual life can help regulate stress. Reading spiritual writings, meditating, or attending a religious service are just a few ways to work on your spiritual well-being while alleviating stress. 5. EXERCISE Exercising is good for both healthy weight maintenance and stress relief. Find a routine you are comfortable with like running, walking, or yoga. Working out regularly burns calories and naturally reduces stress.
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Somebody’s Watching Me! Tweet Stalking: Is It Legal? by Teleicia J. Rose In December of 2011, Judge Rodger Titus addressed the issue of “twitter stalking”— which is likely to be more prevalent with the increased reliance upon social networking sites and the sharing of highly personal information through cyberspace. U.S. v. Cassidy, 814 F. Supp. 2d 574 (D. Md. 2011), raises the issue of the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 2261 A(2) (A), when applied to instances of cyberstalking. Section 2261 (A)(2)(A), enacted in 1996, is an interstate stalking statute and makes crossing a state line with the intent to injure or harass someone, a federal crime. The case arose after the friendship between the defendant—William Lawrence Cassidy and Buddhist religious leader—Alyce Zeoli deteriorated. Cassidy subsequently took to cyberspace to air his grievances against Zeoli, liberally using blogs and Twitter to launch verbal attacks against Zeoli. Over a two month period Cassidy wrote over 8,000 tweets referencing Zeoli, but did not "mention" her in the traditional sense by linking her twitter account to the tweets.. The contents of the tweets were disturbing and violent, often goading Zeoli to commit suicide or encouraging others to kill her. Cassidy also participated in invasive and calculated behavior by frequently changing his Twitter handle in order to avoid Zeoli’s attempts to block his access to her account. As a result of Cassidy’s cyber attacks Zeoli isolated herself, became reclusive and feared for her life. Zeoli became so disturbed that she contacted the FBI to report Cassidy’s behavior and seek protection from the continued attacks. Subsequently, a criminal complaint was filed against Cassidy, alleging that his acts of cyber-stalking violated the federal interstate stalking statute because Cassidy resided in California while Zeoli lived in Maryland. In response to the allegations, Cassidy raised a First Amendment challenge to the statute, arguing that a criminal conviction for cyber-stalking would violate his right to free speech. Judge Titus agreed, and subsequently dismissed the case—concluding that the issue at bar did not fit within the traditionally recognized First Amendment exception known as “true threats.” In holding that the tweets targeting Zeoli did not constitute “true threats,” the court reasoned that the claimant failed to meet the high bar required for content-based restrictions on speech. While the court emphasized the disturbing content of the blog and tweets, the lack of direct targeting was crucial to the holding. While Cassidy explicitly mentioned Zeoli in the content of his tweets, he did not “tag” her in them. Moreover, the blog content, while disturbing, was also not sent directly to Zeoli—the facts support the conclusion that Zeoli subsequently discovered the cyber posts. While many may herald this recent decision as a huge victory for free speech, it is likely to serve as an impediment to protection from new age stalking tactics. The court’s reasoning indicates that those victimized by cyber-stalking through public networking sites such as Twitter or public blogs have little legal recourse. Subsequent legislation will be necessary to strike the appropriate balance between providing protection from harassment and attacks through cyberspace and the constitutional guarantee of free speech. However, until such legislation is enacted, the decision in U.S. v. William Lawrence Teleicia J. Rose is a 2013 Juris Doctor Candidate at The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law and currently the National Director of Alumni Affairs and Development for NBLSA. She plans on pursuing a career in labor and employment law, specifically focusing on labor issues in professional sports.
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Debit Card Fees The Durbin Amendment Aftermath by Camille L. Dixon Consumers breathed a collective sigh of relief when major banks announced they would not charge a $5 fee to make purchases with a debit card. Banks abandoned the debit card fee, but did not abandon raising other fees. Consumers may be wondering why the banks wanted to charge $5 fees for using debit cards to make purchases.2 In 2010, the Senate approved the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”).3 The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, reforms financial system regulations and protects consumers.4 The Senate also approved Amendment 39895, in addition to the Dodd-Frank Act. Amendment 3989 was coined the “Durbin Amendment.”6 The Durbin Amendment limits the interchange fees7 debit card issuers charge or receive to amounts that are reasonable and proportionate to the transaction.8 At first blush, both consumers and retailers appear to benefit. Lower debit card fees mean the consumer saves money and the retailer pays lower fees for processing debit card transactions. Banks and debit card issuers did not share in the savings benefit. The Durbin Amendment regulates debit
after the passage of the Durbin Amendment, coupled with other financial regulations, and a failed $5 debit card transaction fee? Banks and debit card issuers will find other ways to institute fees and eliminate discounts for consumers and retailers over time. Visa and MasterCard eliminated retailer discounts for small transactions.10 Small transaction retailers may have to provide incentives for consumers paying in cash, refuse any kind of debit cards, require that consumers purchase a minimum dollar amount, or raise prices.11 Larger retailers may raise prices as well.12 Consumers and retailers will eventually pay, but it is unclear how banks and debit card issuers will incorporate the fees. card fees. As a result, banks and debit card issuers are scrambling to make up for the anticipated $6.6 billion loss in revenue.9 The $5 debit card transaction fee was initiated to make up for revenue loss. Outraged consumers pressured banks to back down by complaining, moving their money to different banks, or both. Where are consumers and retailers left
Camille L. Dixon is a second-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California. Camille enjoys advocating for indigent clients on various legal matters, including criminal law and procedure.
1 Bernard, Tara Siegel, In Retreat, Bank of America Cancels Debit Card Fee, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/business/bank-‐of-‐america-‐drops-‐plan-‐for-‐debit-‐card-‐fee.html (last visited Jan. 3, 2012). 2 Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Interchange Fee Regulation In Wall Street Reform Bill Passed by Senate (June 3, 2010) (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Financial Services Emerging Issues). 3 Crowley, Daniel F.C., Erhbar, Nicole B., Heiman, Bruce J., Dodd-‐Frank: One Year Old _The Gains and Losses (July 26, 2011) (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Finance Services Emerging Issues). 4 Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP at 1-‐2 (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Financial Services Emerging Issues); Id; Crowley, Erhbar, Heiman, Dodd-‐Frank: One Year Old _The Gains and Losses at 1 (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Finance Services Emerging Issues). 5 Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP at 1-‐2 (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Financial Services Emerging Issues). 6 The interchange fee does not apply to card issuers with assets below $10 billion. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP at 1-‐2 (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Financial Services Emerging Issues). 7 Miller, Fred H., Henning, William H., Incorporating the Truth in Lending Factor, The Squeeze Factor, Consumer Credit Report (January 2012) (available at 45 NO. 11 U.C.C. Law Letter 4); Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP at 1-‐2 (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Banking and Financial Services Emerging Issues). 8 Supra note 1 9 Sidel, Robin, Debit-‐Fee Cap Has Nasty Side Effect, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204319004577084613307585768.html (last visited Jan. 3, 2012). 10 Id. 11 Id.
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NBLSA C.A.R.E.S
NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. (Contributing through Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Service) is a program designed “to expose law students to international issues, while nurturing their interest in international law. Students are given the opportunity to serve on an international level, which allows NBLSA to touch more lives," said National Director of International Relations, Crystal Ikanih.
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Traversing Borders, Transforming Lives
This year, from January 2-7, 2012, ten NBLSA student-members traveled to Haiti to work in partnership with the Vincentian Family Worldwide's Zafèn Project, an initiative dedicated to effectively serving marginalized people around the world. NBLSA also sent a delegation of four NBLSA members lead by Crystal Ikanih to Nigeria to work in partnership with Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking. The Haiti delegation evaluated projects that promote the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by assessing their sustainability and effectiveness on human/economic development within a human-rights model. In conjunction with the service trip, NBLSA donated $1,000 to the Zafèn Project to support the development of small businesses in Haïti. Click here to read the full report from the Haiti delegation. The Nigeria delegation assisted with rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts of trafficked persons, while learning how human trafficking affects Nigerian law. Additionally, NBLSA donated $1,000 to WOTCLEF to assist in their work against human trafficking. Click here to read the full report from the Nigeria delegation.
Increasing our presence around the WORLD!! 11 | The Legal Pad
Women of Wal-Mart Did The Supreme Court Get It Right? by Dave Dambreville In the 2011 decision of Wal-Mart v. (Betty) Dukes, the Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit's class certification of 1.5 million women who claimed that the world's largest retailer engaged in sex discrimination. What would have been the largest class action suit in U.S. history was brought to cessation by the nation's highest court when it found that the plaintiffs lacked a "common question" to certify its class. Attorneys and court observers have since quarreled over whether or not the Court's decision was correct. The issue that the Court wrestled with was not whether Wal-Mart had indeed discriminated on the basis of gender, but rather the procedural query of what constitutes a "common question." The reverberating effects of the Court's ultimate decision on this matter made an impact on the
entire landscape of class action litigation. On one side of the discussion, commentators agree with the Court's decision. Their agreement is based on the contention that allowing millions of workers into a class as plaintiffs, regardless of whether they personally have suffered harm, is fundamentally unsound and unfair. Commentators in agreement with the Court’s decision also point out that proving
Does lack of a discriminatory policy equal a lack of discrimination?
bias grounded mostly on statistical disparities is an improper application in class certification. On the other side of the discussion, observers contend that the Court's decision failed to acknowledge the existence of a discriminatory culture at Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, proving a discriminatory culture is far more difficult than proving a discriminatory policy or practice. Those who share this point of view reason that, today, discrimination does not usually advertise itself on “white’s only” signs or “woman wanted” ads. Ageism, racism and sexism are deeply rooted in American culture, often in the most subtle ways. Dave Dambreville is a second-year law student at The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law and the newly elected National Vice Chair of NBLSA. He plans to pursue a career in corporate law with a focus on tax litigation.
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Q: What was the most significant aspect of BLSA and your most memorable moment in the organization?
On January 21, 2012, I had an opportunity to speak with Jeffery Tribble - the Executive Director of the Musicianship, a 2011 Graduate of the George Washington University and an alumnus of NBLSA. I was honored that he took the time to speak with me and share some of his most intimate thoughts. Here is what he said:
A: Mentoring was a significant aspect of BLSA. The help provided to incoming 1Ls and 2Ls, by assisting with exam preparation or being someone to talk to after having a stressful day alleviated a load stress and anxiety, which was key. As Social Chair for two years ,one of my most significant accomplishments was being able to bring together students from law schools and med schools around DC for an annual event.
THE MUSICIANSHIP Q: I know the MusicianShip is an organization that you established while in law school. Can you tell me about the MusicianShip? A: The MusicianShip is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides music lessons and musical experiences and opportunities for at risk youth. We have been approved by the DC Public School system to provide free music lessons to students.
POST LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Q: You have many accomplishments under your belt. What are you doing now? A: Following law school, I became a staff attorney for a private company where I review, reformat, and draft contracts between my company and the contractors and consultants that we bring onboard to complete projects. I came on under a 4-million dollar Department of Labor contract and I work on labor and employment contracts.
Q: I have heard a lot about the MusicianShip in the last couple of years. What are some of the major accomplishments of the MusicianShip? A: In two days, we raised a thousand dollars to fund a local schools' trip to Pennsylvania. The trip allowed the students to share in a competition experience where they were exposed to not only new music, but also had the opportunity to travel outside of the state —something that they are rarely able to do. Q: How did the MusicianShip start? A: During the second year of law school, I contacted a friend on the drum line with me at Howard—Dianne Grainger—and told her that I wanted to start a music school. We sought to maintain a good rapport with local music educators because we understood that if the educators were involved, they would share the program with students. I was fortunate to have a true legend in our midst when I started the organization— Dianne's dad, Gregory Grainger. He was a world-renowned percussionist with Whitney Houston and is now with Acoustic Alchemy. Dianne passed in August of 2009 so a lot of the effort is driven by her memory. We want to see her dream fulfilled through our efforts. Q: What are some of the milestones of the MusicianShip?
Q: What is one of your goals for the future?
Interview w/ Jeffrey Tribble Executive Director, MusicianShip By Antonette Jefferson the most performers on stage in the Terrace theatre. We featured classical, jazz, drum and a marching percussion ensemble. Q: What is your vision for the MusicianShip? A: My vision is to see the MusicianShip as a nationally recognized premier organization that is dedicated to helping children change their lives through music.
BLSA Q: How did BLSA change your law school A: The MusicianShip has been in existence experience? for two years as of October 15, 2011 and in that short period of time, we have been A: Without BLSA, I don’t feel as though there awarded a Google grant of thousands of would have been as much support. As you dollars for in-kind advertising on Google. We know Antonette, we came from HBCUs also sold out the Kennedy Center through a where there weren’t many outstanding joint effort with Beethoven's Found. We cultural differences and where there were a funded 50 students to participate in the lot more commonalities then differences program. Performers included the National among students. But going to GW and Symphony Orchestra, Julian Nixon and competing with students from Harvard, Howard's drum line. The Kennedy Center is Stanford, Yale and Berkeley, you need time one of the top three performing arts venues in around people who have had similar the United States and we hold a record for experiences and to engage in camaraderie.
A: I want to continue to grow the MusicianShip. And, it would be ideal to do the MusicianShip concurrently with entertainment law. As a musician, I want to marry my passion for music and interest in the law and entertainment law is the best way to do that. Q: Do you have any sage advice for law students? A: Yes, I definitely do. Don’t subscribe to institutionalized thinking. Don’t be linear in your thinking. You carve your own path and your own journey. Don’t feel as though you have to chase what everyone says chase and you have to do it one way. Grades and journal are great, but don’t feel like that is the only way to achieve and those things don’t equal happiness. Know who you are and create the life that you want.
Antonette Jefferson is a third-year law student at The George Washington University Law School. Ms. Jefferson is the author of four books and plans to marry her artistic interests with her legal training in her future practice.
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Can You Hear Me Now? AT&T drops its bid for T-Mobile by Christopher Hollins
Shortly before Christmas 2011, it became apparent to T-‐ Mobile users that they (we) would not be geAng iPhones anyCme soon. AT&T ended its nine-‐month aGempt to buy T-‐ Mobile USA, a $39 billion deal that was a key part of AT&T’s plans for growth through acquisiCon. Had the deal gone through, it would have made AT&T the largest of only three major cellular companies leR in the country (the other two are Verizon and Sprint Nextel). This fact alone is one of the major reasons why regulators opposed the deal—the Obama administraCon believed that anCtrust oversight had become lax under its predecessor, and it saw the AT&T/T-‐Mobile merger as a grand opportunity to right the ship. OpposiCon to the proposed deal sprung up almost as soon as it was announced. On March 28, 2011, eight days aRer the deal went public, Sprint Nextel announced its belief that the deal would “harm consumers and harm compeCCon at a Cme when this country can least afford it.” ExecuCves from AT&T and T-‐Mobile were called to tesCfy before Capitol Hill on May 11. On July 21, Senator Herb Kohl (D-‐Wis.), chairman of the Senate’s AnCtrust, CompeCCon Policy and Consumer Rights SubcommiGee, urged regulators to block the deal. On August 31, the JusCce Department sued to block the merger in the District Court of Washington, D.C., claiming that it would result in higher prices to consumers and decrease incenCves for the creaCon of
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innovaCve products. Seven states joined the lawsuit on September 21. Labor unions, however, supported the merger. The Federal CommunicaCons Commission joined the opposiCon bandwagon in late November, and on November 24, AT&T and T-‐ Mobile withdrew their applicaCon from the FCC to join their cellular phone operaCons. AT&T formally dropped its bid on December 19, 2011. The collapse of the merger will hurt both companies—T-‐Mobile, the weakest of the four major cellular carriers, is now uncertain about its future. AT&T, which hoped to use T-‐Mobile’s infrastructure to offer faster service to smartphone users, must now figure out an alternate soluCon. AT&T will also have to pay $4 billion in breakup fees to Deutsche Telekom, T-‐Mobile’s parent company. Over a dozen major law firms were involved in making, defending, and opposing the proposed deal. AT&T’s lead corporate law firm was Sullivan & Cromwell, while T-‐Mobile’s was Wachtell, Lipton. Rosen & Katz. Arnold & Porter and Sidley AusCn headlined AT&T’s team of anCtrust counselors.
Christopher G. Hollins is a J.D. student at Yale Law School and an M.B.A. student at Harvard Business School. He plans to pursue a career in corporate law and finance.
Are You Connected? 21st Century Legal Community by Tiffany Hilton
Not a day goes by that someone is not checking their phone, email, Facebook, Twitter and more. In fact, according to JeffBullas.com, people spend 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook and an average of 190 million tweets per day occur on Twitter. But how does this affect the legal community? Law students are the primary benefactors of the new age technology. For example, no longer do law students need to spend hours upon hours in the stacks at their law library to do research for class, a professor or even legal writings for publications. Now with sources such as LexisNexis and WestLaw, law students can achieve an almost exhaustive search on thousands of legal topics from the comforts of their home. One of the biggest advantages of technology for law students comes from the advancement of bar prep programs. From BarBri, Kaplan PMBR, MicroMash, Adaptibar, Themis Bar Review and more, many popular bar prep review courses offer an online component. Many online components allow you to re-watch lecture videos that you may have missed or need to refresh your memory, as well as offer mobile applications that allow you to study on the go. While a lot of these bar prep review courses offer high-tech advantages to their subscribers, many also offer assistance to first-year and upper-level students in their respective law school courses. A student can easily access a lecture, flash cards and practice test right from their phone or tablet. But there are some drawbacks for law students who are linked in to all things technology. Many employers are screening potential employees’ Facebook and Twitter pages. While you might not lose a job because of the content on your social media pages, you could open
yourself up to scrutiny amongst those in the profession that you are seeking to join. Another drawback to being dependent upon technology is that it may negatively affect your classroom performance. Many law professors forbid the use of laptops and other gadgets from being used in their classrooms. Some professors have even asked students that violate the “no-laptop” rule to be excused. But technology has also immensely helped those who are practicing attorneys. With the use of smartphones and tablets, attorneys can be alerted to any major changes in case law that they are relying on for a client. Also, it can help attorneys build a better rapport with clients by increasing the ability to be reached at any desired time; as well as reducing sanctions by a state bar association for not responding to clients in a timely fashion. While technology advances everyday, so do users of technology. To find out more about the National Black Law Students Association, follow us on Twitter, ‘Like’ us on Facebook and connect with us on Linkedin .
Tiffany Hilton is a third-year law student at Florida A&M University College of Law. After graduation, she plans to work in a state attorneys office within the state of Florida.
15 | The Legal Pad
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!
S
The Battle Over Patents by Camille Dixon
martphones are the new personal computers.2 Apple’s iPhone and Android’s operating system phones both have touchscreen applications and many other features in common. However, the iPhone preceded the Android phone and Apple alleges that Android phones infringe on many of Apple’s patents. High Tech Computer (“HTC”) and Motorola Mobility Holdings (“Motorola”) both claim to have
patent rights to the same operating system, multi-touch processes and other smartphone features as Apple.3 Patent infringement litigation is going back and forth between Motorola, Apple, and HTC in U.S. District Courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”).4 First, Motorola filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple.5 Apple unsuccessfully countersued Motorola for patent infringement.6 Apple filed a patent infringement lawsuit against HTC and HTC countersued Apple for patent infringement.7 The ITC found in favor of Apple regarding one claim.8 HTC is required to remove the infringing feature from the phone.9 Any infringing phones will not be allowed into the United States.10 Absent from the patent infringement litigation is Google. Apple has not filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Google, but Google is indirectly part of the litigation between Apple, HTC, and Motorola. Both HTC and Motorola play a part in Google’s Android smartphone. Google acquired Motorola and transferred patents from Motorola, Palm, and Openwave patents to HTC. Apple may want to resolve the current litigation between
Camille L. Dixon is a second-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California. Camille enjoys advocating for indigent clients on various legal matters, including criminal law and procedure, evidence and post-conviction remedies, civil issues, civil rights complaints, immigration, family and property issues.
HTC and Motorola, which are smaller corporations, before taking on Google.11 Either the iPhone market or the Android market will control the smartphone technology.12 1 2
Greene, Robert Lane, Apple v. Google, http://www.moreintelligentlife.com (last visited Jan. 5, 2012).
Collins, Catriona M., A Perspective on the Patent Wars over Mobile Technology (March 25, 2011) (available at LEXIS, Emerging Issues, Patent Law Emerging Issues); Mueller Florian, Apple v. Motorola: now 42 patents-insuit (24 Apple and 18 Motorola patents) http://fosspatents.blogspot.com/2010/12/apple-vs-motorola-now-42-patents-in.html (Dec. 3, 2010). 3 Chaudhari, Papool, Navigating Recent Mobile Patent Lawsuits: An Immediate Look at the Impact of Smartphone Technology on Patent Cases, A Primer on Mobile Phone Patent Litigation: Recent Developments and Practice Tips (December 2010) (available at 2010 Aspatore Special Rep. 23). 4 Mueller Florian, Preliminary ITC Ruling doesn’t hold Motorola to Infringe Three Apple Patents (including a strategically important one), http://fosspatents.blogspot.com/2012/01/preliminary-itc-ruling-doesnt-hold.html (last visited Jan. 13, 2012). 5 Id. 6 Poomima Gupta, Diana Barth & Gary Hill, ITC to Review a Ruling on HTC Patent Suit v. Apple, http://www.reuters.com/articleidUSTRE7BF2642011216?irpc=932 (last visited Jan. 13, 2012). 7 Cheng, Roger, HTC Loses Key Patent Battle: How does it affect you? http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57345657-94/htc-loses-key-patent-battle-how-does-it-affect-you/ (last visited Jan. 22, 2012). 8 Id. 9 Id. 10 Estes, Adam Clark, Google’s Already Using Their Motorola Patents to Sue Apple, http://www.m.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/09/googles-already-using-their-motorola-patents-sue-apple/42196/ (last visited Jan. 13, 2012); Florian, supra note 4. 11 Estes, supra note 10. 12 Slivka, Eric, Android and iOS Now Control Over 80% of Smart Phone Sales in U.S., http://www.macrumors.com/2011/12/13/android-and-ios-now-control-over-80-of-smartphone-sales-in-u-s/ (last visited Jan. 22, 2012).
presents...
NBLSA’s MemberoftheMonth
As part of their sponsorship of the member of the month program, BarBri provides a free full bar review course for each member of the month. The course is valued at approximately $1500.
17 | The Legal Pad 17 | The Legal Pad
Kristy Avery
University of Kentucky Member of the Month, MWBLSA Kristy Avery is a third-year student at the University of Kentucky College of Law. She earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Communication with a concentration in Media and Production in 2007. Prior to law school, she worked in advertising. While in law school, she has been involved with her local BLSA chapter, serving as the web content director during the 2009-2010 academic year, vice president during the 2010-2011 academic 18 | The Legal Pad
year, and presidential advisor currently. She has also organized the annual Habitat for Humanity service project as well as the Law Student for a Day program, which aims at increasing minority enrollment at her school. She has participated in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition for two years and currently serves as a member of the NBLSA Convention Challenge Team. Kristy has demonstrated a commitment to serving her community, participating in the UK
Legal Clinic, which assists needy clients in civil matters, as well as the UK Tax Clinic. During the summer following her 1L year, Kristy interned for the Mecklenburg County District Attorney in North Carolina. Following her 2L year, Kristy was a law clerk at the Wright Law Firm of Charlotte, preparing pro bono criminal cases for indigent defendants. Originally from Statesville, North Carolina, Kristy intends to take the North Carolina Bar Examination and is interested in criminal litigation, civil litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Kristy lives by the motto, “God helps those who help themselves.�
Kwadwo A. Yeboah-Kankam Kwadwo A. Yeboah-Kankam is originally from Ghana, West Africa, where he spent the first ten years of his life. In 1995, he migrated to the United States with the rest of his family, in search of a better life and in pursuit of the American Dream. He remembers having to share a bedroom with his three brothers in a small apartment and many nights dreaming about a day when he would have a bedroom to himself. In 2002 this dream was realized, when after many years of hard work and saving, his family purchased its first home in Stafford, Virginia. He would spend his senior year of high school in Stafford, where he participated and excelled in the Governor's school program, graduating with numerous honors.
University of Richmond Member of the Month, MABLSA
The following year, he would attend Virginia Tech, where he attained a B.A. in Business Management in December of 2007 and another B.A. in Political Science in May of 2008. In 2004, Kwadwo became a proud member of the Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He would serve as the Chapter President from 2006-2007, leading his chapter to historic heights and laying the foundation that would propel his chapter to national prominence just two years later. In 2009, The Theta Iota Chapter would win the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the year, and place third at the National stage amongst all Alpha Phi Alpha undergrad chapters nationwide. Kwadwo conducted over 500 hours of community service during his undergrad tenure, and he credits his vast undergrad experience and especially his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha, for making him the man he is today. After Virginia Tech, Kwadwo successfully ventured into different business roles in marketing, sales and management. In 2010, he returned to school in pursuit of his law degree. Kwadwo currently serves as the historian and community service chairman of the BLSA Chapter at the University of Richmond. In this capacity, he works diligently to ensure that his chapter is not only one of the best organizations on campus, but that it is also one of the best BLSA chapters in the nation. Kwadwo has excelled inside and outside of the law school, landing an internship with Williams Mullen, studying abroad at Cambridge University (UK), serving as a new associate on The Journal of Global Law and Business, and mentoring his peers. In the spring of 2012, Kwadwo hopes to publish an article he has been working on, and he also has plans to apply to the MBA Program at the University of Richmond.
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Tiece Dempsey is a third-year law student at Oklahoma City University School of Law. A graduate of Northeast High School, in Oklahoma City, she began her collegiate studies at Oklahoma State University, where she was involved with the Afro-American Student Association and became a member and president of the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ms. Dempsey earned a Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Public Health. During her graduate studies, Ms. Dempsey was recognized as the Most Outstanding Minority Leader and published an article in the Oklahoma State Medical Journal, entitled "Let's Get Physical: A Policy on Increasing Physical Activity in School Aged Children." In the fall of 2009, Ms. Dempsey entered OCU and has not only been committed to doing well academically but has made community service a priority. As the 2010-2011 community service chair of the OCU Black Law Student Association, she organized and participated in several service projects including, working at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Make a Will Saturday event, and mentoring high school students. Ms. Dempsey was elected as the president of the OCU BLSA chapter for the 2011-2012 year. Other law school accomplishments include: receiving the 2011 Oklahoma Bar Foundation Fellows Scholarship, the 2011 Deans Summer Pro Bono and Public Interest Law F e l l o w s h i p , a n d C a l i Aw a rd s f o r Outstanding Achievement in "Religion and the Constitution" and "Government Practice Externship." She was also selected for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Inn of Court Pupilage Class. Ms. Dempsey worked as a legal intern at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, is currently a research assistant, and working toward completing her law degree with a Health Law Certificate. 20 | The Legal Pad
Tiece Dempsey
Oklahoma City University
Member of the Month, RMBLSA
Alisha Burgin’s
Service w/ a GAVEL! A guide to securing a coveted judicial clerkship
What is a clerkship? Judicial Clerks, or law clerks, work closely with a judge (on the federal, state, or local level) preparing research memorandum, making recommendations for rulings on motions, and drafting orders and judicial opinions. Judicial clerkships are typically post-graduate positions for a term of one or two years, though some judges hire career clerks. Judges may hire straight out of law school, however, some prefer to hire clerks with some legal work experience. Why should I pursue a Judicial Clerkship? Clerkships provide great learning opportunities and are likely to be your best legal job. You get to work closely with a judge and gain insight into the working of the legal system from the inside. You will also gain significant exposure to trial and motion practice, an experience that is not generally available in law school. Additionally, you get a first-hand view of trial and appellate advocacy, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn by observing lawyers at work. As a consequence you will gain significant insight into factors influencing judicial decision-making, insight that will be useful as you transition to practice. Most importantly, you establish a close working relationship with a judge, providing opportunity for significant learning and growth through mentorship. How do I pursue a judicial clerkship? Your first step is becoming a competitive candidate. Earn the best grades you can while in law school, particularly in core courses such as evidence, criminal procedure, and constitutional law. Attempt to join your school’s law review, or a
secondary journal, and seek opportunities to improve your legal analysis and writing ability. If your school provides opportunities to extern for a judge during the summer or academic year, consider pursuing such opportunities. Finally, speak with your school’s career services department, which will likely have a program in place to assist you in your search for the perfect clerkship. If you’re interested specifically in federal judicial clerkships, get familiar with OSCAR, central online resource for federal law clerk and appellate court staff attorney hiring. Learn more about clerkship opportunities and the application process from organizations dedicated to assisting law students of color: • Just the Beginning Foundation - Share the Wealth Judicial Clerkship Referral Program http://www.jtbf.org/index.php? src=gendocs&ref=ShareTheWealthClerks hips&category=Programs
• For People of Color – Judicial Clerkship Guide | available at: http://www.jtbf.org/ index.php? src=gendocs&ref=ShareTheWealthClerks hips&category=Programs Alisha Burgin is a third-year student at the UCLA School of Law, where she served as Symposium Editor of the UCLA Law Review, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the National Black Law Journal, and as a mentor and academy scholar with the UCLA Law Fellows Outreach Program. Alisha is currently externing for a District Court Judge in the Central District of California; she is also pursuing opportunities for post-graduate federal clerkships.
21 | The Legal Pad
NBLSA HILL and
First Annual Hill & Government Days Reception hosted by Reed Smith.
The trainings and Congressional meetings occurred on Capitol Hill and one student, Sydney Snow—a second-year law student at Hofstra University, reflected by saying “what I learned during Hill Day is that while life on the Hill has it's perks, it is not all glitz and glamour. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to work on the Hill. The young, professional world that NBLSA introduced us to motivated me to do more in my own community. It reminded me of why I want to pursue politics; to create real, social changes.” NBLSA students advocated for the Safe Chemicals Act, which was introduced by Senator Lautenberg and against H.R. 7, known as the Transportation Bill. The Safe Chemicals Act would allow for more regulation of chemicals such as lead, which has been a leading cause of brain defects within juveniles in the African American community. H.R. 7, however, cuts millions of dollars for public transportation methods that communities find vital to commute to work, grocery stores, and other essential life functions. Affordability would be a major concern for many members of communities which NBLSA serves.
There are hundreds of chemicals that are loosely regulated that can cause brain defects and other health risks. Both of these issues have direct correlation to the African American community and as rising attorneys, NBLSA students have the opportunity to relay these issues, and more, to Congressional offices. NBLSA’s Hill & Government Days provided a students, from across the country, an opportunity to learn about advocacy and Environmental Justice. This year, there were multiple workshops from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice, with speakers from the Sierra Club, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Maryland Coalition on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities and Advocates for Environmental Human Rights. Guests such as Congressman Jim Clyburn and Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, came to speak with participants. Additionally, other top officials from the EPA and White House CEQ discussed Environmental Justice at NBLSA’s
Having the opportunity to learn about how to advocate effectively and implement this knowledge is
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to work on the hill.” - Sydney Snow, 2L
government days
something NBLSA strives to accomplish each year. Students were also given the opportunity to discuss career options with a host of past and current Congressional staffers and networking opportunities at the First Annual Hill & Government Days reception. Becoming a social agent of change is the very roots of NBLSA’s history. Hill & Government Days is the opportunity to exercise this mission.
23 | The Legal Pad
The Value of Nonprofits! by Kendra Brown
While these are the duties of the officers of a board of a nonprofit The Mission
organization, members of an organization must also be active participants in the overall programming of the organization. This ensures
Nonprofit organizations often are categorized by the
the programming continues to meet the needs of the organization
phase in their lifecycle.1 Organizations are often
because active members will raise and address concerns, which will
groups of individuals aligned behind a common goal
allow the organization to move forward more efficiently.
spurned by shedding light on an issue, helping
The Work
others, assist in answering an issue common to a large number of people, or simply by uniting behind
An organization should always maintain a level of meaningful
a common goal to make a change. The aim of any
engagement: engagement of ideas, engagement of member
nonprofit organization should be to remain relevant
participation and engagement of stakeholder communication. Proper
and on target in serving the mission upon which the
engagement leads to the ability to enhance the work being undertaken
organization is founded.
because only then can you begin the process of measuring results of the
The Duty Officers of a nonprofit board are held to three standards:
organization’s programs progress towards overall benchmarks. The value of a nonprofit organization will continue to be the ability to further the mission of the organization. All units of the organization must work in tandem to ensure the mission remains the primary focus. When
1) Duty of care – They must be active
the mission remains the focus, the programming remains relevant, and
participants while using their best judgment.
the membership is engaged, the value of the nonprofit is realized.
2) Duty of loyalty – The needs of the organization
Kendra Brown is a third-year law student at Vermont Law School. She will pursue her LL.M. Degree in the 2012-2013 school year and plans to have a successful education in the field of higher education.
remain the top priority. 3) Duty of obedience – They must remain true to the organization’s mission and purpose through compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
1 The Nonpro*it Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives, 2nd Ed. Board Source 279 (2007).
24 | The Legal Pad
Building Your Personal
by Ademola Adewale-Sadik & Julie Wenah The manner in which you dress, speak and carry yourself is a direct reflection of your self-esteem as a professional. In an ever-flattening world with increased global competition for educational opportunities, employment, and personal progress, creating immediate and lasting positive impressions on all of those with whom you meet is of vital importance.
Lastly, mien is very important. Mien entails a professional’s demeanor and personality. A young professional can have perfectly laundered clothing, great articulation, but if there’s an air of arrogance or entitlement, a potential employer or fellow colleague can be quickly turned off. Humility and graciousness will take you a long way in your demeanor.
As aspiring young professionals, we should endeavor to send consistent messages that clearly communicate selfrespect and ambition to those around us. This is personal branding. Personal branding is a dangerously overlooked topic of discussion that young professionals avoid or ignore at their own peril. The idea of crafting a unique persona that one extends to the world is central to developing a strong career path and carving a niche in both the legal field and the business world.
Although at this point we run the perilous risk of waxing philosophical, the fact of the matter is that we are the heirs to one of the world’s most unique ideological pilgrimages. As we reflect on the historic nature of the past four years and the pivotal moment that this November will represent in our professional lives as attorneys and professionals, we must remember that it is not only a privilege, but it is indeed a duty, to be able to earn a professional doctorate, network with like-minded individuals, and opine on topics such as personal branding. It is because of the pathpaving efforts of many of those who came before us that we are able to have these conversations. We are the heirs to the legacy of Yale’s Higginbothom, Harvard’s Houston, Howard’s Marshall, and UPenn’s Alexander, and our gratitude is in our attitude.
Dressing for success is key. It is important to wear professionally laundered clothing. Although we are law students on a limited budget, dry-cleaning is not an expense that can be eliminated. A potential employer can quickly distinguish a polished professional law student. Invest in yourself. Next, word articulation and word choice play a role in first impressions. It is hard at times, because many of us may have accents associated with different regional areas of the United States and even from foreign countries of the world. As the rise of the global economy emerges, encountering professionals with different accents is expected. However, what needs to remain constant is that we are speaking with clarity, utilizing appropriate words, and speaking at a speed that is not hurried or rushed.
Ademola O. Adewale-Sadik is part of the Class of 2013 at the Yale Law School J.D. Mr. Adewale-Sadik will spend the Summer of 2012 as a summer associate with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York City. Julie Wenah is a JD/MPA student at Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the Barbara Jordan - Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. Julie has a passion for International Development and Business with plans on integrating her love for youth in STEM education into her legal career.
25 | The Legal Pad
Lasting Impressions A guide to making lasting first impressions by Etienne Toussaint Time and again we have all heard the saying, “First impressions are lasting ones.” The hackneyed phrase has been ingrained into various professional development seminars. As ambitious law students striving to make a lasting impact in our community, NBLSA members know that the quality of our work, both in the classroom and in the office, is paramount to our success as future attorneys.
“Positive first impressions will ensure you get the opportunity to showcase your talent.”
Yet, researchers have noted that professionals frequently form lasting impressions about one another within the first few seconds of meeting. First impressions are heavily influenced by non-verbal cues, not the legal skills we develop in lecture halls. While we cannot prevent people from making snap judgments about our character, we can make strategic decisions to ensure that initial impressions work in our favor.
Dressing For Success: The Basics Dressing for success begins by mirroring the temperature of your environment. Law students should err on the side of conservatism when attending recruiting and networking events. 26 | The Legal Pad
Is Dressing Well Enough? Our choice of clothing is only the first step in “dressing for success.” It is equally important to convey a sense of confidence and passion through our demeanor and body language. Here are five ways to ensure you leave a lasting first impression: 1. Walk with Confidence People often draw conclusions about your character by the way you walk into a room. You can instantly project a sense of confidence by standing tall and walking with your head held high. 2. Smile A genuine smile can make you appear warm and inviting. It is important to convey a sense of appreciation for the other person’s time and willingness to share their experiences. 3. Give a Firm Hand Shake The handshake is an important custom in the legal community. A handshake conveys respect and appreciation. The physical contact helps establish a sense of trust and equality. 4. Make Eye Contact Good eye contact can help convey respect, interest in the conversation and demonstrate selfconfidence to others. Look directly at the person you are speaking with to express interest with the new connection. 5. Be Prepared Conduct research on the firms or speakers that will be in attendance and write down a few questions to ask in advance. Bring your resume and be prepared to highlight a few of your most relevant experiences. By dressing for success, NBLSA members can make the most of every new encounter. Etienne Toussaint is currently in his third year at Harvard Law School. He will begin his legal career in the fall of 2012 in Washington, D.C. as an associate with Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, focusing on international project finance.
The Basics: Business Professional Attire • Solid color (typically dark grey or navy blue), conservative suit. • White long sleeved shirt, or a coordinated blouse for women. • A conservative tie for men. • Black/dark brown oxford shoes for men. Conservative heels for women. • Neat, professional hairstyle pulled away from the face. • Neutral socks for men. Tan or light hosiery for women. • Limited jewelry or flashy accessories, such as large watches or bracelets. • Limited or subtle make-up and a very light perfume or cologne. • Neatly trimmed and manicured nails and in a neutral color for women. • A portfolio or briefcase to hold important documents and resumes.
27 | The Legal Pad
NBLSA Demands Monday, March 26, 2012, marked the one month anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death. On this day, NBLSA asked its members to stand in solidarity in remembrance of Trayvon by holding a vigil to raise awareness on the issue and demand #JusticeForTrayvon. This is how the members responded!!!
Loyola University of Chicago School of Law
Georgetown University Law Center
Valparaiso University Law School
Duke University School of Law
Yale Law School
Suffolk University Law School
#JusticeForTrayon
UDC-David A. Clarke School of Law
Emory University School of Law
Notre Dame Law School
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Michigan State University School of Law
Harvard Law School
“A lawyer’s either a social engineer or he’s a parasite on society.” – Charles Hamilton Houston
SRBLSA Write-On Law Journal
Write-on Competition Starts 5/14/2012 The Southern Region Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) Law Journal was created in 2005 as an answer to law students' and other professionals' concern of a lack of a representative voice for issues facing southern Blacks. The Journal strives to serve as a forum for sound legal scholarship reflecting the interests of southern Black communities that will stimulate thought and simultaneously trigger positive change. While the Journal's primary focus is on the southern Black populace, it affords writing opportunities to all persons and appeals to a plethora of audiences regardless of race. A studentrun publication, the Journal endeavors to provide an outlet for both professional and student-authored works that embody the Journal's mission of serving as a vehicle for social, economical and political upliftment.
Being a part of the Journal is an excellent way for students to improve their research and writing skills, and make themselves more attractive to employers. Any student who has completed their first year of law school may apply. Applicants do not have to be BLSA members at the time of application, but will have to join BLSA if they are selected. If you have any questions, please visit the Journal website, or email: eic@srblsalawjournal.org. Regards, Donnalee Donaldson
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Applications
Applications for editorial positions for 2012-2013 will be available on May 14, 2012 at http://www.srblsalawjournal.org/. If selected, editors will spend late summer and fall writing a case note or comment for possible publication. Our Executive Editors will assist new editors with topic selection, outlining, and revising their work. In the spring, editors will focus on editing and cite- checking the submissions selected for publication.
Regional Convention
Wrap  Up! 31 | The Legal Pad
Mid-Atlantic Region
2012-2013 Mid-Atlantic Regional Board Victoria Walker, Chair Gobriella Davis, Vice Chair Naoka Clyburn, Secretary Cameron Williams, Attorney General Simone Delerme, Treasurer Difie Osborne , Director of Programming Rosa Parks, Director of Community Service Aminta Moses, Director of Programming Aaron Gober-Sims, Parliamentarian
2012 Mid-Atlantic Region
Board Member of the Year Victoria Walker Dave Dambreville
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The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention & Celebration took place in Philadelphia, PA at the Radisson Plaza- Warwick Hotel on February 1-5, 2012. It was a tremendous success. Drexel University served as the host chapter for the Convention. This year, over 250 students united under a common theme, "MABLSA Strong: A tradition of unity, action, and excellence." We are happy to announce that for the fifth year Patton Boggs LLP has signed on as MABLSA's title sponsor and their contribution is greatly appreciated! The MABLSA Board would like to thank all Convention attendees and Sponsors. The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention featured dynamic programing to include community service, multiple networking opportunities, social events, and workshops. Arriving attendees received a warm Philadelphia welcome on Wednesday night and from the MABLSA Board at the "Meet the Board Social." Convention attendees were given a service learning opportunity where participants worked with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project at Temple University. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak with various employers at the MABLSA Career Expo. Afterwards they were officially welcomed to Philadelphia with the "Welcome to Philadelphia Reception," which featured keynote speaker Shelley R. Smith, Philadelphia City Solicitor. The Honorable Susan Wigenton served as the keynote at a dynamic luncheon. Additionally, MABLSA held its second Annual Legacy of MABLSA Reception and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Students were invited to network with local Philadelphia attorneys from firms such as Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel LLP and the Barrister's Association of Philadelphia. MABLSA was proud to induct two qualified individuals to its Hall of Fame. The 2011-2012 inductees were Ms. Latoya Asia, an associate at McGuire Woods and Ms. Charisse Lillie, Vice President of Community Investment of Comcast Corporation & President of the Comcast Foundation. In addition to her induction, Ms. Lillie served as the keynote speaker for the event. To cap the night off on Friday, Convention attendees were invited to attend MABLSA's Annual Moonlight Boat Cruise. Attendees danced the night away while cruising in elegant style and grace.
Convention wrap up
The convention culminated with another luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Zane D. Memeger, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the 44th Annual Convention Awards Celebration and Gala at the Westin Philadelphia Hotel. The keynote speaker for the Gala was the empowering Michael Tucker, President & General Counsel of Avis Budget Group. The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention came to a close on Sunday after the inspirational non-denominational prayer breakfast, transition meeting and appointed officers interest meeting. 2012 Mid-Atlantic Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
2012 Mid-Atlantic Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: University of Pennsylvania Ayana Boswell and Ginette Lewis
Champion: Widener University Law School Jahlee Hatchet, Jennifer Friend-Kelly, Roderick Thompson and Kenneth Williams
First Runner-up Washington & Lee University Kassandra Haynes and Curtis Wilson Second Runner-up University of Baltimore School of Law Nicole Harris-Crest and Aasia Hux Best Petitioner Brief Georgetown Law Said Saba and Christopher Rollins Best Respondent Brief University of Pennsylvania Ayana Boswell and Ginette Lewis Best Oral Advocate University of Maryland School of Law Lissette Burton
First Runner-up Washington & Lee School of Law Britteny Jenkins, Amber Boyd, Joshua Laguerre and Doris Okafor Second Runner-up University of Virginia Sean Suber, Amanda Gray, Layi Ali-Ajibode and Nicole Hrusovsky
2012 Mid-Atlantic Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions University of Pennsylvania Ayana Boswell and Ginene Lewis
2012 Mid-Atlantic Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions
Widener University Law School Jahlee Hatchet, Jennifer Friend-Kelly, Roderick Thompson, Kenneth Williams
2012 Mid-Atlantic Region Chapter of the Year William & Mary Law School
33 | The Legal Pad
Midwest Region
2012-2013 Midwest Regional Board
The Midwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association hosted its annual regional convention February 15-19, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law was the convention title sponsor. This year's convention theme was Getting to Esquire & Beyond: Overcoming Obstacles, Opening Doors, and Securing Opportunities. Students were tasked with using the convention as an opportunity to learn, explore, network and serve.
Aisha Smith, Chair Jenee Gaskin, Secretary Candace Moore, Attorney General Darnell Martemus, Sub-Region 1 Director Rasheda Armstrong, Sub-Region 2 Director Rosanna Cochran, Director of Community Service Aminta Moses, Director of Programming
2012 Midwest Region Chapter of the Year Indiana University Maurer School of Law
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Over 250 law students, coaches and sponsors joined us for community service, workshops, competitions and networking receptions. This year's convention was a success and a culmination of what will undoubtedly be enduring memories for participants and sponsors alike. The convention kicked off on with the first-ever Competitors' Reception sponsored by Roetzel & Andress LPA. The convention gave members the opportunity to serve Columbus through our Community Service Project, sponsored by Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, at Independence High School. While there, our members helped the local Anti-Violence Task Force develop an Anti-Bullying Program to be used at the school. MWBLSA held a Welcome to Columbus Reception, sponsored by Squire Sanders. The Reception was held at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Attendees had the opportunity to explore an exhibit entitled RACE: Are We So Different? The exhibit explained the true differences among people and revealed the reality-and unreality-of race. Convention attendees joined MWBLSA alumni at the Ohio State University sponsored Alumni Reception, which was held at the exclusive Barrister Club. At the reception, MWBLSA recognized Dean Robert Solomon III, The Ohio State University, with an award for his commitment to ensuring the success of the 2012 Midwest Regional Convention. Attendees also participated in a lecture series and a plethora of panel discussions.
Convention wrap up
The convention ended with the Awards Gala where the Honorable Algenon L. Marbley shared his experiences and wisdom during his keynote address on the challenges of being a successful attorney in the current global market.
2012 Midwest Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
2012 Midwest Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: Saint Louis University School of Law Jerina Phillips and Stephanie Hudson
Champion: University of Notre Dame Law School Alvin Adjei, Steven Baugh, Colin Diamond and Christopher Regan
First Runner-up John Marshall Law School Dionte Durham and Mallory Littlejohn Second Runner-up Cleveland Marshall College of Law Brandon Cox and Theophilus Hudson Best Petitioner Brief University of Akron School of Law Eric Foster & Brande Smith Best Respondent Brief Thacker University of Illinois College of Law Michael McGuire & Christina Best Oral Advocate Capital University Law School Weeya Baysah
First Runner-up Chicago-Kent School of Law Hazel Gumbs, Brittany Prichett, Johanna Ojo and Rachel Oliver Second Runner-up Michigan State University College of Law Alyssa Floyd, Jerome Crawford, Anastasa Williams and Ariel Lett
2012 Midwest Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions Saint Louis University School of Law Jerina Phillips and Stephanie Hudson
2012 Midwest Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions University of Notre Dame School of Law Alvin Adjei, Steven Baugh, Colin Diamond and Christopher Regan
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Northeast Region
2012-2013 Northeast Regional Board Bomopregha Julius, Chair Byron Conway, Vice Chair Clais Daniels-Edwards, Treasurer Chris Ellis, Moot Court Director Shantal Sparks, New York Metro Subregional Director
2012 Northeast Region Chapter of the Year Harvard Law School
The NEBLSA Convention opened with a Welcome Reception sponsored by Chadbourne & Parke, LLP, where law students mixed and mingled while registering for the convention. Convention attendees participated in a DKMS Bone Marrow Drive. DKMS is the largest bone marrow donor center in the world and has their headquarter office in New York, New York. Their mission is to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors for blood cancer patients. NEBLSA is committed to furthering their mission and encourages BLSA members to organize bone marrow drives at their respective schools. Throughout the convention, several workshops were held discussing various topics including the areas of relevant laws that have a direct impact on education system, the next steps to protecting voter's rights, and how to stay relevant in the field if you are not immediately employed. The convention featured a diversity luncheon with ConTracy High, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell, focusing on ways to maintain a commitment to diversity. The first annual Deans Luncheon was a huge success for both Deans and students alike. NEBLSA members who attended appreciated the opportunity to share a meal with one of the thirteen Deans in attendance from the regional schools. Deans also enjoyed the opportunity to network with other Deans and students. In addition to the luncheon, two alumni networking events were held. Meet the Lawyers, featuring fifteen (15) attorneys representing a wide variety of legal areas. The other event was the member & alumni reception at Pace Law School, featuring live jazz entertainment. The events provided NEBLSA members an informal opportunity to ask about the areas of law in which they have an interest, and make some valuable connections with individuals in that area. The Awards Gala gave convention attendees a chance to get dressed to the nines. Sunny Hostin, legal analyst with CNN, served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening, adding a refreshing spark of charisma and charm to the event. She was followed at the podium by remarks from the current National Bar Association
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Convention wrap up
President Daryl D. Parks and our very own dynamic NEBLSA Regional Chair Kendra F. Brown. Closing the evening were heartfelt remarks by legendary Susan L. Taylor, the soul of ESSENCE Magazine, who discussed her National CARES Mentoring Movement. The convention culminated with the Sunday Morning Empowerment Breakfast with Skadden Arps Partner, Rossie Turman, offering wonderful words of reflection on the balance of life and the legal profession. 2012 Northeast Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
2012 Northeast Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: Columbia Law School Demetri Blaisdell and Dinah Manning
Champion: Massachusetts School of Law Kellie Tiller, Katisha Brown, Patrick Brown and Anthony McDuffie
First Runner-up Columbia Law School Jarrell Mitchell and Jack Starcher Best Petitioner Brief Columbia Law School Demetri Blaisdell and Dinah Manning Best Respondent Brief Columbia Law School Amal Deria and Miheer Mhatre
First Runner-up St. John’s University Emmanuel Ulubiyo, Dominique Saint-Fort, Stephanie Y. Grenald and Steve Fils-Aime Second Runner-up Massachusetts School of Law Darryl Caffee, Allenston Sheridan, Felicea Robinson and Tradia Vereen
2012 Northeast Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions Columbia Law School Demetri Blaisdell and Dinah Manning
2012 Northeast Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions Massachusetts School of Law Kellie Tiller, Katisha Brown, Patrick Brown and Anthony McDuffie
Best Oral Advocate Columbia Law School Jack Starcher
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Rocky Mountain Region
2012-2013 Rocky Mountain Regional Board
The 2012 RMBLSA Convention was held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We would like to express our gratitude to the University of Oklahoma School of Law and all of our sponsors for making the convention a huge success. The convention provided chapters from around the region the opportunity to fellowship, serve, network and learn about valuable professional and academic development strategies.
Chukwudi Egbuonu, Chair
This year’s community service took place at the Oklahoma Blood Institute where we donated blood and made Valentine’s Day cards for patients at the Oklahoma University Children’s Hospital. Several of convention attendees signed up to be bone marrow donors as well. Our members are happy to serve the Oklahoma City community!
Dominique Ross, Vice Chair Johali Muzaliwa, Secretary Erick Harris, Attorney General Jared Gaither, Social Action Chair
2012 Rocky Mountain Region Chapter of the Year University of Texas School of Law
RMBLSA welcomed convention attendees to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, also known as “Bricktown.” Competitors were briefed on competition rules and procedures and convention attendees were given the opportunity to tour downtown Oklahoma City. On Thursday, Jackie Jemison, a representative from the University of Central Oklahoma Department of Admissions and Financial Aid, discussed financial aid payment strategies with convention attendees. Casey Delaney, the Director of the Office of Professional and Career Development at the University of Oklahoma School of Law, discussed the dangers of social media and how to use social media to protect and promote personal branding. Damario Solomon-Simmons, a successful legal entrepreneur from Tulsa, discussed various entrepreneurship strategies and the tragedy of Black Wall Street. Professor Cheryl Wattley discussed her experience with the Innocence Project and ways our members can get involved. Dean Harroz from the University of Oklahoma spoke at our Dean’s Luncheon and proved to be an extremely enlightening and entertaining speaker. Friday evening RMBLSA members enjoyed a night of bowling at the Red Pin in downtown Bricktown.
Convention wrap up
RMBLSA members discussed regional business and received board reports of 2011-2012 Executive Board. Saturday evening attendees networked with employers and sponsors at the Sunset Cocktail Hour. At the RMBLSA Awards Gala, we recognized our competitions and Chapter of the Year winners. Roger Stong, the president of Crowe and Dunlevy, spoke as our keynote speakers. We are very appreciative of Crowe and Dunlevy’s support of the RMBLSA convention! 2012 Rocky Mountain Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
2012 Rocky Mountain Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: South Texas College of Law Maria Bradley and Byron Alfred
Champion: Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law Idris Ashimi, John Houston Tower, Jesse Corona and Dulce Salazar-Valle
First Runner-up University of Texas School of Law Alexandria Johnson and Meagan Armstrong Second Runner-up University of Texas School of Law Rigel Farr and Melissa Wyatt Best Petitioner Brief South Texas College of Law Maria Bradley and Byron Alfred Best Respondent Brief University of Texas School of Law Rigel Farr and Melissa Wyatt Best Oral Advocate South Texas College of Law Maria Bradley
First Runner-up St. Mary's School of Law Second Runner-up Texas Wesleyan School of Law DeAndrea Jackson, Antonio Allen, Marcus Johnson and Matthew Jackson
2012 Rocky Mountain Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions University of Texas School of Law Alexandria Johnson and Meagan Armstrong
2012 Rocky Mountain Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law Idris Ashimi, John Houston Tower, Jesse Corona and Dulce SalazarValle
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Southern Region
2012-2013 Southern Regional Board Charlyn Stanberry, Chair Adrienne Holland, Treasurer Irene Williams, Parliamentarian Ashley Ray, Pacific NW Sub-Region Director Temica Smith, Northern Sub-Region Director Alisha Trotter, Pre Law Director
2012 Southern Region Chapter of the Year Florida State University College of Law & University of South Carolina School of Law
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The 41st Annual SRBLSA Convention hosted by Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, was a major success and the SRBLSA Board would be remiss if we did not give thanks to all competitors and convention attendees! This year's theme was "Advancing to the Next Level, Fulfilling the Dream, Advocating for the Future" and we welcomed over 300 students. On Wednesday, the Cumberland School of Law welcomed all convention attendees to Birmingham, Alabama, also known as "Magic City." Attendees were given the opportunity to tour the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and network with faculty, staff and students of Cumberland School of Law. On Thursday, convention attendees participated in community service, workshops and the Chair's Luncheon. The guest speaker for this year's Chair's Luncheon was Phyllis P. Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Wal-Mart. On Friday, attendees were given the opportunity to speak one on one with firm recruiters at our Job Fair Expo. Participating employers included: the AFL-CIO; Air Force JAG Corps; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Bradley Arant Boult Cumming LLP; Burr & Forman LLP; Navy JAG Corps; Southern Environmental Law Center; and the US Attorneys' Office for the Northern District of Alabama. From there, attendees joined Judge Tracie A. Todd from the Birmingham Municipal Court, for her insightful meet and great luncheon and took part in a number of amazing workshops. On Saturday, attendees began the day with our annual MLK Prayer Breakfast which featured Pastor Vanable Moody from the Worship Center Christian Church, and continued the day with enriching and thought provoking workshops. Saturday night, all attendees joined together for our wonderful Awards Gala.
Convention wrap up
This year, SRBLSA members were honored with the presence of A.J. Cooper, founder of the first Black American Law Students Association at the New York University Law School, and the Honorable U.W. Clemon, Alabama's first black federal judge. Also in attendance was Tremaine Reese, National Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division. 2012 Southern Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
2012 Southern Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: Florida Coastal School of Law Deanne Jackson and Tier Brown
Champion: Loyola University New Orleans' College of Law Bonycle Thornton, Shari' Graham, Germani Hardeman and Thaddeus Johnson
First Runner-up University of Alabama School of Law Ambria Lankford and India Williams Second Runner-up St. Thomas University School of Law Kevin Bailey and Keila Weekes Best Petitioner Brief Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center David Pointer and Barry Edwards Best Respondent Brief John Marshall Law School Sharee Tumbling and Ashley Barnett Best Oral Advocate John Marshall Law School Sarah Redparth
First Runner-up Florida State University College of Law Josiah Graham, Belicha Desgraves, Chevonne Christian and Kyesha Mapp Second Runner-up Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center Lykisha Vaughan, Charles Watkins, Reshonda Thompson and Bryan Francis
2012 Southern Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions Florida Coastal School of Law Deanne Jackson and Tier Brown
2012 Southern Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions Loyola University New Orleans' College of Law Bonycle Thornton, Shari' Graham, Germani Hardeman and Thaddeus Johnson
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Western Region
2012-2013 Western Regional Board Christopher Sanders, Chair Trecinna Lankford-Abundis, Vice Chair Adrienne Holland, Treasurer Irene Williams, Parliamentarian Ashley Ray, Pacific NW Sub-Region Director Temica Smith, Northern Sub-Region Director Alisha Trotter, Pre-Law Director
2012 Western Region Chapter of the Year UCLA School of Law
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WRBLSA hosted its 2012 Regional Convention in Seattle, Washington. Students from across the region descended upon Seattle from January 11-15 for a convention centered around "Continuing the Dream: Advocating for the Future." Special thanks to Perkins Coie LLP for sponsoring the convention. Convention attendees were given the opportunity to attend many meaningful workshops and networking receptions. On Thursday, January 12, Stoel Rives hosted a panel on health care law, featuring Tony Miles and Chris Alston. The informative panel was followed by a reception attended by Stoel Rives attorneys, and many members of the Langston Hughes Bar Association. The opportunities for matchless networking continued on Friday, when attendees were privileged to hear from Ambassador Andrew Young at Seattle University. Special thanks to Dean Niles, of Seattle University Law School, who graciously arranged and extended the invitation for WRBLSA students to attend this presentation. Attendees were inspired by Ambassador Young to continue in passionate community service, and were able to do so by making gifts and inspirational cards for children in the hospital. The day continued with a panel on the ways to implement the legal education in ways useful to the black community, featuring Professor William Covington of the University of Washington School of Law and Jamila Johnson. Attendees later had a networking reception with attorneys from across the city, including managing partners from Perkins Coie-Seattle, President of the National Bar Association, Daryl D. Parks, and members of the Langston Hughes Bar Association. Saturday began with panels on the role of African-Americans in the criminal justice system, featuring defense attorneys and attorneys from the City Attorney's office. The informative sessions continued with a panel on entertainment law and litigation. Attendees then had the opportunity to learn about becoming a partner in a law firm at the luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Felix Gavi.
Convention wrap up
The convention culminated with the Gala Awards Dinner. WRBLSA was honored to have remarks brought by Linda Walton of Perkins Coie LLP - Seattle, Dean Niles of Seattle University School of Law and Dean Testy of University of Washington School of Law. Keynote speaker, Ms. Paula Boggs, challenged students to reach for greatness, seek to impact the community and remember that the dream requires personal sacrifice. 2012 Western Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Champion: UCLA School of Law Mickheila N. Jasmin and Tara Kearns First Runner-up Trinity Law School Sadara Mayhan and Viviana Escobar Second Runner-up University of San Diego School of Law Hayat Succar and Chantal McCoy Best Petitioner Brief Trinity Law School Sadara Mayhan and Viviana Escobar Best Respondent Brief University of San Diego School of Law Hayat Succar and Chantal McCoy Best Oral Advocate Trinity Law School Viviana Escobar
2012 Western Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
2012 Western Region Frederick Douglass Moot Court Champions
UCLA School of Law Mickheila N. Jasmin and Tara Kearns Champion: Thomas Jefferson School of Law Antionette Scott, Adeyinka Glover, Christine Vacha and Eichelle Thomas First Runner-up Seattle University School of Law James Johnson, Philip Chu, Jackee Walker and Sarah Elerson Second Runner-up UCLA School of Law Kia Hayes, Jasmine Hernandez, Duwayne Carr and John Reynolds
2012 Western Region Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Champions Thomas Jefferson School of Law Antionette Scott, Adeyinka Glover, Christine Vacha and Eichelle Thomas
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