NBLSA 2011 Volunteer Guide

National Black Law Students Association

43rd Annual

National Convention

Convention Volunteer Guide March 9-13, 2011 | Omni Galleria Hotel | Houston, TX www.nblsa.org/2011convention | volunteer@nblsa.org

43rd Annual National Convention

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Volunteer Guide | 2

Table of Contents 03 | About NBLSA 04 | About the 43rd National Convention 05 | Hotel & Travel 06 | Volunteer Roles 08 | Volunteer Notes 09 | Key Contacts 10 | Schedule at a Glance 15 | Panel Descriptions 17 | Keynote Speaker 18 | Award Recipients

43rd Annual National Convention

A B O U T N B L S A

About NBLSA In 1968, Algernon Johnson ("AJ") Cooper Jr., former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the first Black American Law Students Association (BALSA) at the New York University Law School. In 1983, BALSA revised its name and the word "American" was deleted to encompass all blacks, including those not of American nationality. Later, the word "National" was added to reflect the organization's national expansion, which now includes representation in the law schools of forty-eight states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Today, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), is a national organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of black law students and effectuate change in the legal community. As the largest student run organization in the United States with over 6,000 members, NBLSA is also comprised of chapters or affiliates in six different countries including The Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa. Organized into six regions (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Mid-West, Rocky Mountain and Western Region), the organization has over 200 chapters and is present in all but a few of the nation's accredited law schools, as well as unaccredited law schools.

The headquarters of NBLSA is located in Washington, D.C. NBLSA encourages the development of talented, social conscious lawyers of tomorrow.

Mission The purpose of NBLSA is to utilize the collective resources of the member chapters to: • Articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs and goals of Black law students; • Foster and encourage professional competence; • Improve the relationship between Black law students, Black attorneys, and the American legal structure; • Instill in the Black attorney and law student a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the Black community; • Influence the legal community by bringing about meaningful legal and political change that addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community; • Adopt and implement policies of economic independence; • Encourage Black law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and

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• Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes.

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43rd Annual National Convention

Dear Convention Volunteers, Each spring, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) holds its Annual Convention. This year, we'll convene March 9-13, 2011 in Houston Texas.

The primary purpose of our National Convention is to conduct the business of NBLSA: electing officers, receiving reports, appointing staff members, and committees.

Convention delegates will meet in efficient and productive plenary sessions to obtain a report on the current state of the organization and determine its future direction.

Our National Convention is also an opportunity for selfenrichment. Members have an opportunity to meet and interact with NBLSA members from around the country; participate in competitions and workshops; and network with attorneys, legal employers, and other dignitaries. Our workshops will cover recent legal developments and issues affecting the black community and black attorneys.

Finally, our National Convention is a time for reflection and celebration. It is a time to honor the organization's accomplishment. We recognize outstanding members, chapters, regions, and national initiatives that best exemplify NBLSA's purpose - to strive for racial equity and fairness throughout the legal system. We also reflect on the achievements and sacrifices of those that came before us and pay tribute to their legacy of service and excellence.

Our 2010-2011 theme, “A Legacy of Empowerment�, provides a wonderful backdrop to engage in all three. For only by recognizing the trailblazing efforts of our predecessors and constantly working to improve ourselves do we obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to further NBLSA's mission and ensure its continued growth and longevity.

Having a successful convention requires a tremendous effort from our volunteers. We would not be able to deliver an incredible convention experience without your generous support. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to meet law students and attorneys from across the nation, make valuable contacts, and learn more about the legal profession.

We look forward to seeing you in Houston. Thank you for making our 43rd National Convention the best yet!

Until Houston, Melinda M. Hightower University of Virginia School of Law National Chair, 2010-2011 National Black Law Students Association

H O T E L & T R A V E L

43rd Annual National Convention

Omni Galleria Hotel Four Riverway Houston, Texas 77056 Phone: (713) 871-8181 FROM GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT (approximately 30 minutes) I-45 South to Loop 610 West (becomes 610 South); exit Woodway and make a right and proceed west for approximately two blocks. Turn left on Riverway, indicated by two large red walls on your left hand side. Continue on Riverway until you reach the hotel.

Other transportation options from the airport: •

Taxi Service: Approximately $53 per way per person

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Shuttle Service: Approximately $24 one way per person (Super Shuttle 1-800-258-3826)

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Limo Service: Approximately $70 (arrange with concierge)

FROM WILLIAM P. HOBBY AIRPORT (approximately 25 minutes) I-45 North to Loop 610 West (becomes 610 North); Exit at Memorial/Woodway. Turn left at Woodway and proceed two blocks. Turn left on Riverway, indicated by large red wall.

• Taxi Service: Approximately $44 one way per person • Shuttle Service: Approximately $19 one way per person DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH – DALLAS/FORT WORTH Take I-45 South to 610 West. Take 610 West to 610 South. Exit Woodway. At the traffic light turn right. Proceed 1/4 mile. Hotel entrance is on the left (watch for 2 large red stucco walls).

DIRECTIONS FROM THE EAST – BEAUMONT, TX AND BATON ROUGE, LA Take I-10 West 2nd 610 South exit (approx. 20 miles past 1st exit). Take 610 South to Woodway.

Turn right at the traffic light. Proceed 1/4 mile. Hotel entrance is on the left (watch for 2 large red stucco walls).

DIRECTIONS FROM THE WEST – SAN ANTONIO Take I-10 East to Loop 610 South. Take 610 South to Woodway. Exit on Woodway. Turn right at the traffic light. Proceed for 1/4 mile. Hotel entrance is on the left (watch for 2 large red stucco walls).

DIRECTIONS FROM AUSTIN Take 290 East to 610 South. Take 610 South exit Woodway. Turn right at the traffic light. The hotel entrance is on the left (watch for 2 large red stucco walls).

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43rd Annual National Convention

Competition Bailiff - One person will be assigned to each advocacy competition round to ensure its smooth operation. The duties include: •

Confirming the competition room is setup in a courtroom format

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Keeping track of each speaker's time

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Ensuring competition judges submit a correct and complete scoresheets

Convention Registration Volunteer - Six to ten people will be assigned during each shift to help with registration. The duties include: •

Welcoming new attendees to the convention

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Distributing name badges, registration bags, etc. to attendees as they arrive

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Helping answer simple questions about the convention

Directional Helper - One to two people are assigned to direct attendees during each shft.

The duties include: •

Being familiar with the convention layout and location of workshops, competitions, and other events

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Greeting attendees and providing assistance locating a session or other event

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Helping answer simple questions about the convention

Floaters - Floaters may be assigned to any of the other positions listed based on additional needs that develop throughout the conference. A floater may have several different assignments within the course of a day.

Networking Event Volunteer (Host, Ticket Taker, & VIP Escort) - Ten to twelve people will be assigned to each major social function (banquets and receptions) during the convention.

The duties include: •

Helping with crowd control before the event

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Assisting with taking tickets and/or checking badges

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Assisting with getting attendees seated in a timely manner

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Reserved seating will be provided for volunteers who serve at the Sadie T.M. Alexander Luncheon, the A. Leon Higginbotham Luncheon, and the 43rd Annual Convention Awards Gala

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43rd Annual National Convention

Panel Monitor - One person is assigned to monitor each seminar. The duties include: •

Greeting attendees at the entrance and checking for registration badges

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Directing attendees to fill seats in the front and center of room first and helping latecomers find seats if available

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Acting as the speakers’ immediate contact and reporting any audio-visual or other problems to an NBLSA staff member

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Distributing and collecting evaluation forms

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Recording the number of people attending the session at the beginning and midpoint on the session evaluation envelope

Plenary Session Monitor - One person is assigned to monitor each plenary. The duties include: •

Greeting attendees and directing delegates and guests to their respective assigned seating

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Being familiar with the members of the Board of Directors (photos are in the program guide) and directing them to the front of the room for VIP seating

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Assisting latecomers with finding seats, if available

Pre Convention Volunteer (Stuffing Bags/Registration Setup) - Eight to ten people are assigned to assist with pre-conference setup. The duties include: •

Stuffing attendee bags and name badges

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Setting up registration areas

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Placing signs outside of sessions and in convention area

Transportation Leader - Three to five people are assigned to direct attendees to transportation. The duties include: •

Greeting attendees and directing them onto shuttles

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Ensuring shuttles are full or close to capacity prior to departure

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Informing attendees about shuttle arrival and departure times

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Informing NBLSA staff about late or early shuttle departures and arrivals

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43rd Annual National Convention

Convention Volunteer Notes Below please find information about the operation of our volunteer program.

Arrival & Check-In. Volunteers are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to their shifts. All volunteers must check-in at volunteer registration located on the second floor in the main convention space prior to beginning their volunteer shifts.

Attendance/Absences. The conference depends on volunteers to work the hours they have committed. If you cannot make it or are going to be late, please notify Wilneeda Emmanuel, the volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@nblsa.org or (281) 870-2833 as soon as possible.

Attire. This is a professional conference, so volunteers’ professional appearance contributes favorable to the public image of NBLSA and the convention. While on duty you are expected to wear your badge at all times. The dress code for volunteers is as follows: •

Competition Bailiff: Business Casual

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Convention Registration Volunteer: Business Casual

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Directional Helper: Business Casual

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Floaters: Business Casual

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Networking Event Volunteer: Business Casual

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Panel Monitor: Business Casual

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Plenary Session Monitor: Business Casual

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Pre-Convention Volunteer: Casual

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Transportation Volunteers: Business Casual for shifts beginning before 9pm. Event appropriate for shifts beginning after 9pm.

Please note that the above denotes our minimum expectations for your attire. You may wish to adjust your dress if you plan to attend workshops or other events. For instance, for shifts denoted as Business Casual, attendees will be in Business Professional.

Attitude & Personal Conduct. NBLSA is a professional nonprofit organization. Staff and volunteers alike are asked to speak quietly and to be courteous and considerate of other volunteers, staff, and attendees.

Check-Out. At the conclusion of your shift, please stop by volunteer registration or check-in with your onsite volunteer coordinator to hand in any information (e.g., panel session evaluation forms) and to give a brief recap of your experience.

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43rd Annual National Convention

Confidentiality. Volunteers are expected to treat all information about attendees or convention operations in a confidential manner. This includes all information that may be passed via word of mouth, computer documents, or other records.

Emergencies. If you have an accident or incident or see one happen nearby, please inform the volunteer coordinator immediately.

Event Attendance. In appreciation for your time commitment, volunteers have complimentary access to the career fair as well all panel and workshops for the day they volunteer. Complimentary admission is not available for networking events unless you have specifically volunteered for that event (e.g., Welcome Reception Host, Sadie T.M. Alexander Luncheon Ticket Taker).

Shift Assignments. While you have been assigned to a specific shift, please note that you may be reassigned due to additional needs that develop during the course of the convention.

We thank you in advance for your flexibility.

K E Y C O N T A C T S

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43rd Annual National Convention

Volunteer Contacts

Convention Contacts

Volunteer Line: (281) 870-2833

NBLSA Main Line: (202) 618-2572

Ms. Wilneeda Emmanuel VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR volunteer@nblsa.org

Ms. Melinda Hightower NATIONAL CHAIR chair@nblsa.org

Mr. Chibundu Nnake CONVENTION COORDINATOR volunteer@nblsa.org

Ms. Jeree Harris NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING 2011convention@nblsa.org

Ms. Myrlin Young ONSITE CONTACT myrlin@manceandassociates.com

Mr. Courtney Lindsay NATIONAL CHIEF OF STAFF chiefofstaff@nblsa.org

Please call if you are running late or won’t be able to volunteer.

43rd Annual National Convention

S C H E D U L E

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 11:00AM - 05:30PM 02:00PM - 04:00PM 04:30PM - 05:30PM

04:00PM - 05:30PM 06:00PM - 06:30PM 06:00PM - 06:30PM

06:30PM - 07:30PM 07:30PM - 01:00AM

Competitions (Casual) Competitors’ Meetings Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition International Negotiations Competition Reception & Social Events (Casual) Chair’s Poolside Welcome Reception NBLSA Lounge @ Black Swan

Thursday, March 10, 2011 08:30AM - 05:30PM 07:00AM - 09:00AM

07:30AM - 08:30AM 08:30AM - 11:30PM 11:30AM - 01:00PM

08:30AM - 12:00PM 08:30AM - 10:30AM 11:00AM - 01:00PM 12:00PM - 02:00PM 01:30PM - 05:00PM 02:30PM - 04:30PM

Convention Registration and Information Continental Breakfast Community Service Community Service Training Community Service Event Legacy of Service Lunch Reception The Ensemble Theatre | 3535 Main Street | Houston, TX Competitions (Business) Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Round 1 Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Round 1 Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Round 2 Competitors’ Lunch Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Round 2 Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Round 3

02:30PM START 05:00PM - 06:00PM

Plenary (Business) Plenary Session 1 - National Board Floor Nominations National Board Floor Candidates’ Meeting

03:00PM - 04:30PM 05:00PM - 06:00PM

Workshops - Afternoon Sessions (Business) Workshop 1 | Road to Academia Hosted by SALT (Society of American Law Teachers) Workshop 2A | Does Diversity Matter? Minority Hiring in Large Law Firms Workshop 2B | Census 2010 Aftermath: The Impact of Redistricting on Black Communities

06:30PM - 08:30PM

10:00PM - 02:00AM

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Convention Registration and Information National Executive Board Meeting National Executive Board Pre-Certified Candidates’ Meeting

Receptions & Social Events Welcome to Texas Reception (Business Attire) The Grove Restaurant | 1611 Lamar Street | Houston, TX Mardi Gras Masquerade (Cosmopolitan Atiire) The Bell Tower at 34th Street | 901 W 34th St | Houston, TX

43rd Annual National Convention

S C H E D U L E

Friday, March 11, 2011 08:30AM - 05:30PM 07:00AM - 09:00AM 09:00AM - 05:00PM

08:30AM - 12:00PM 09:00AM - 10:30AM 08:30AM - 10:00AM 10:30AM – 12:30PM

Competitions - Morning Session (Business) Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Quarter-final Round Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Quarter-final Round International Negotiations Competition Round 1 International Negotiations Competition Round 2

09:00AM - 10:00AM

Workshops - Morning Sessions (Business) Workshop 3 | Racial Profiling in 2011: Immigration Law and the Rise of Legalized Discrimination

10:15AM - 11:15AM

Workshop 4A | Sister to Sister: How Black Women Can Have it All – Wealth, Health, and Happiness Workshop 4B | Brother to Brother: How to Combat Stereotypes and Create Your Blueprint for Success

11:15AM - 12:30PM

Workshop 5A | Career 360: Solo Practice Practitioners’ Roundtable Workshop 5B | Career 360: Judiciary Roundtable Workshop 5C | Career 360: In-House Counsel Roundtable

12:30PM - 02:00PM

A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Luncheon

02:00PM - 03:30 PM 02:00PM - 03:30 PM 04:00PM - 05:30 PM 02:00PM - 05:30 PM

02:00PM START

04:00PM - 05:00PM

05:00PM - 06:00PM

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Convention Registration and Information Continental Breakfast Career Development Expo

Competitions - Afternoon Session (Business) Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Semi-final Round International Negotiations Competition Round 3 International Negotiations Competition Round 4 Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Semi-final Round Plenary (Business) Plenary Session 2 - National Chair Candidates’ Debate Workshops - Afternoon Session (Business) Workshop 6A | Practice Insight: Careers in Energy Law Workshop 6B | Practice Insight: Careers in Sports, Media & Entertainment Law Workshop 6C | Practice Insight: Careers in Intellectual Property Law Workshop 7A | Practice Insight: Careers in Environment Workshop 7B | Lessons in Empowerment: Lawyers in the Civil Rights Movement

06:30PM - 09:30PM

Reception & Social Events Legacy of NBLSA Reception & Houston Legacy Tour (Business Casual) African American Library at the Gregory School | 1300 Victor Street | Houston, TX

10:00PM - 02:00AM

NBLSA Night Out The Drake | 1902 Washington Avenue | Houston, TX

43rd Annual National Convention

S C H E D U L E

Saturday, March 12, 2011 08:30AM - 05:30PM 07:00AM - 09:00AM 08:00AM - 09:00AM

08:30AM - 10:00AM 08:30AM - 12:00PM 09:00AM - 12:00PM 10:30AM - 12:00PM 10:00AM START

Competitions (Business) International Negotiations Competition Quarter-Final Round Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Final Round (Offsite) Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Final Round (Offsite) International Negotiations Competition Semi-Final Round Plenary (Business) Plenary Session 3 - Constitution & Bylaws Amendments

09:00AM - 10:00AM

Workshops - Morning Session (Business) Workshop 8 | The State of Black Professionalism: The Impact of Media Images on Black America

10:15AM - 11:30AM

Workshop 9A | A Generation Lost: Youth in the Adult Court System Workshop 9B | World-Changers: Using Your JD for Social Justice

10:00AM - 11:00AM

College Student Division - Morning Session CSD Session 1 | Law School Unplugged: Students Give the Uncensored Truth About Law School

11:15AM - 12:30PM

CSD Session 2 | Do We Need the Divine Nine? A Look at BGLOs and Community Empowerment

12:30PM - 02:00PM

Sadie T.M. Alexander Luncheon

02:00PM START

Plenary

Plenary Session 4 - National Elections

02:00PM - 03:30PM

Competitions International Negotiations Competition Final Round

02:00PM - 03:00PM

College Student Division - Afternoon Session CSD Session 3 | Decisions, Decisions: How to Get a “Yes” from the Law School of Your Dreams

03:15PM - 05:00PM

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Convention Registration and Information Continental Breakfast Breakfast Roundtable with Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr.

CSD Session 4 | LSAT Breakthrough: Tips from Kaplan Test Prep’s Teacher of the Year

06:00PM - 07:00PM 06:30PM - 07:30PM

Receptions & Social Events Black Carpet Photos Pre-Gala Reception (Black Tie)

07:30PM - 10:00PM

43rd Annual National Convention Awards Gala & NBLSA Hall of Fame Induction

10:00PM - 02:00AM

Convention Afterglow/Finale Party

43rd Annual National Convention

S C H E D U L E

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Sunday, March 13, 2011 09:00AM -11:30AM

Convention Registration and Information

09:30AM - 11:00AM

Prayer Breakfast

11:00AM - 12:00PM 12:00PM - 02:00PM

National Appointees Interest Meeting National Executive Board Transition Meeting

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43rd Annual National Convention

Panel Descriptions Breaking In: The Road to Legal Teaching Hosted by SALT (Society for American Law Teachers) The disproportionately low number of minorities in law school not only affects the legal profession, but our law schools. This program aims to encourage law students to consider a career in the legal academy. Learn more about how to become a competitive applicant for the academy and the resources available to prospective law professors.

Does Diversity Matter? Minority Hiring in Large Law Firms Diversity is a value-added in all context. Come learn about diversity programming and minority hiring at large law firms. Learn how to identify committed and robust diversity programs. Additionally, learn about how and why firms are recognizing the importance of reaching out to the black legal community.

Census 2010 Aftermath: The Impact of Redistricting on Black Communities Census 2010 could result in major changes, particularly in districts with minorities that are historically underrepresented in the census. This workshop will address the impact of redistricting on black communities, particularly impoverished communities and communities that have faced crises.

Racial Profiling in 2011: Immigration Laws and the Rise of Legalized Discrimination In April 2010, Arizona enacted stringent immigration laws. The laws not only permit, but encourage the police to stop individuals who "look illegal." Now representatives in other localities are asking their states to follow Arizona's lead. This workshop will address how the rise of racial profiling of immigrants will affect minority communities in 2011?

Career 360: Solo Practitioners' Roundtable Have you always had an entrepreneurial spirit? Have you always wanted to be your own boss? This workshop panel will discuss how to start and grow a successful solo practice.

Career 360: Judiciary Roundtable The prestige, the challenge, and of course the black robe. This workshop panel of distinguished judges will discuss how they entered the judiciary and what black law students can do now to work towards a career in the judiciary.

Career 360: In-House Counsel In-House Counsel work is unique. Attorneys become familiar not only with the law, but with the business of their corporation. This workshop panel will discuss life as an in-house counsel attorney and how it compares to work in a law firm, the government, and other legal fields.

Practice Insight: Careers in Energy Law Sponsored by Perkins Coie LLP From the Department of Energy to In-house counsel for an energy company, there are a number of opportunities in energy law that are becoming increasingly urgent. The push to become energy independent influences the work of attorneys practicing energy law. Come learn why this is one of the fastest growing practice areas today.

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43rd Annual National Convention

Panel Descriptions Practice Insight: Careers in Sports, Media & Entertainment Law Lights, Cameras, Attorneys. This workshop panel will discuss the role of attorneys in the entertainment world.

Practice Insight: Careers in Intellectual Property Law Sponsored by Microsoft Corporation With the rise of internet media, intellectual property is a growing and dynamic legal field. This workshop panel will discuss a range of legal opportunities in intellectual property.

Practice Insight: Careers in Environmental Law Sponsored by Baker Botts LLP Join panelists as they discuss their careers in environmental law, contemporary environmental issues, and opportunities for involvement in environmental law.

Lessons in Empowerment: Lawyers in the Civil Rights Movement Many of us are familiar with Charles Hamilton Houston's charge to Black attorneys: "A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society." This workshop panel explores the contributions of Black attorneys to the civil rights struggle and discusses how those entering the legal profession, no matter their path, can continue to work as social engineers.

The State of Black Professionalism: The Impact of Media Images on Black America BET, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, the evening news, everyday media images of Black America influence American society’s perception of Blacks and Blacks perceptions of themselves. This panel will discuss what young Black professionals can do to further positive images of Blacks within their communities and in society.

A Generation Lost: Youth in the Adult Court System Every year thousands of youth are transferred to adult court and locked up in adult jails and prisons. A disproportionate number of youth transferred to the adult system are black. Recent studies have shown that youth in adult prisons are more likely to be physically abused and have higher recidivism rates than youth placed in juvenile facilities. This workshop will address the impact of youth as young as thirteen and fourteen being placed in adult prisons.

World-Changers: Using Your JD for Social Justice Sponsored by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP From Thurgood Marshall to Barrack Obama, black attorneys have a history of using their JDs to empower communities and bring about social justice. This workshop is about the ways black law students can plan to make a difference though public service work, both domestic and abroad, and pro bono service.

43rd Annual National Convention

K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R

Keynote Speaker Kim Keenan, is a native of Buffalo, New York. She is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and the University of Virginia School of Law. After law school, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable John Garrett Penn in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She is currently the General Counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”). Prior to joining the NAACP, she was the principal of the Keenan Firm in Washington, D.C. where her practice has focused on complex medical malpractice litigation, mediation and arbitration, litigation consulting, and public speaking.

Prior to establishing her own firm, she served in the litigation practices of two nationally recognized law firms for more than eighteen years. She was recently honored as a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer and is recognized as a Top Lawyer by Washingtonian Magazine. In May 2007 the Women’s Bar Association named her “Woman Lawyer of the Year” for her contributions to the profession. She is currently the Immediate Past President of the District of Columbia Bar, the second largest jurisdictional bar in the country. Although she was the 38th President of the organization, her service marked the 8th time that a woman has served as president.

Her career demonstrates a strong commitment to important issues affecting women and people of color, public service, and improving the legal profession. Ms. Keenan served as the sixty-second President of the National Bar Association (NBA), the oldest and largest bar association of lawyers of color in the world with a network of more than 50,000 lawyers, judges, and law students. She is the first woman from the District of Columbia to be elected to this position and only the eighth woman in the organization’s eighty-six year history to serve in the NBA’s highest elected office. During her tenure as President, the NBA deployed thousands of lawyers throughout the nation to educate voters regarding new voting laws. She was awarded the Maryland Bar Foundation’s Professional Legal Excellence Award for her national effort to provide nonpartisan voter education. She is also a Past President of the Washington Bar Association, one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the NBA which was founded in the same year of the NBA. Ms. Keenan is highly active in the District of Columbia community. In December 2007 she was nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the District of Columbia City Council to the Board of Trustees of the University of District of Columbia. Since 2002, Ms. Keenan has chaired the District of Columbia Bar’s Landlord -Tenant Implementation Committee, which received the Frederick B. Abramson Award for superior service to the legal profession in June 2004. She is a member of the Women’s Bar Association and served as a speaker for the organization’s groundbreaking initiative Creating Pathways to Success, which focused on the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession. In 2006, Ms. Keenan was recognized by Girls Inc. for her work in law, policy, and as a mentor to women.

She received the Distinguished Black Woman Award from Black Women In Sisterhood for Action (BISA) for her public service. She has served as Treasurer of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the largest voluntary bar in the District of Columbia and is the first African-American woman to serve in this position. She is a member of the Leadership Metropolitan Washington Class of 2000 and was elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2001 in recognition of her professional attainment and distinguished service.

We are very excited to have Ms. Kim Keenan as the keynote speaker at the 43rd Annual NBLSA Awards Gala on Saturday, March 12.

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Award Recipients

Justice Carl Stewart

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Award Recipient

Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange U.S. District for the Western District of Oklahoma

A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Award Recipient

Barbara Arnwine

Executive Director of The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Sadie T.M. Alexander Award Recipient

43rd Annual National Convention

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Hall of Fame Award Recipients

Algernon Johnson Cooper Jr. Founder of NBLSA, National Chair from 1968-1969 Hall of Fame Recipient

Congressman Al Green Ninth District of Texas Hall of Fame Recipient

A Special Thanks to Our Convention Sponsors Title Sponsor Akin Gump Andrews Kruth Baker Botts BarBri Bracewell & Guiliani Cadwalker Crowell & Morning DLA Piper Fried Frank Golden State Foods Jackson Walker Jones Day Kaplan PMBR Latham & Watkins LexisNexis

Perkins Coie

Kilpatrick Stockton Kirkland & Elllis McGuire Woods Microsoft Navy Jag Paul Weiss Skadden Arps Southern Poverty Law Center Southwest Airlines Texas Southern University University of Houston Vinson & Elkins Wachtell Weil, Gotshal & Manges Wal-mart Stores

March 9-13 |Omni Galleria Hotel | Houston, TX www.nblsa.org/2011convention | volunteer@nblsa.org