ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
“Purpose, Passion, Pers"tence: Bluep#nt For Success”
44 Annual Regional Convention Cro&e Plaza Do&to& Dallas Dallas, Texas
January 16-20, 2013
Convention Guide
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ANDREWS KURTH IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RMBLSA 2013 REGIONAL CONVENTION
Table of Contents National Chair’s Message......................................................................................................5 Regional Chair’s Message......................................................................................................6 Dean’s Welcome Message.......................................................................................................8 JL Turner’s Welcome Message...............................................................................................9 Schedule..........................................................................................................................10-14 Speakers’ Biographies.....................................................................................................15-19
RMBLSA CHAPTERS Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School Oklahoma City University School of Law South Texas College of Law Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law St. Mary's University School of Law Texas Tech University School of Law Texas Wesleyan University School of Law The University of Texas School of Law Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University University of Colorado University of Denver Sturm College of Law University of Houston Law Center University of Montana School of Law University of New Mexico School of Law University of Oklahoma College of Law University of Tulsa College of Law
FOLLOW US: www.twitter.com/nblsa www.twitter.com/RMBLSA http://www.facebook.com/nblsa www.linkedin.com/companies/national-black-law-students-association RMBLSA Facebook Page
RMBLSA: Purpose, Passion, Persistence
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Kendra Brown NATIONAL CHAIR Dave Dambreville NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR Whitney Kenner NATIONAL SECRETARY Eleanor Curry NATIONAL TREASURER LaBrae McMillan NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY Cara Sherman NATIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION Valerie Fontenot NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION Teleicia Rose NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING Ericka Aiken  NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Yvesner Zamar ATTORNEY GENERAL Victoria Walker MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR Aisha Smith MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAIR Bomopregha Julius NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAIR Chukwudi Egbuonu ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL CHAIR Charlyn Stanberry SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAIR Christopher Sanders WESTERN REGIONAL CHAIR Danielle McGee EXTERNAL CHIEF OF STAFF Tyrone Blackburn INTERNAL CHIEF OF STAFF
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January 16, 2013 Dear RMBLSA, On behalf of the National Executive Board, I extend to you a warm welcome to the Rocky Mountain Regional Convention of the National Black Law Students Association. For more than forty years, NBLSA has prepared law students for the challenges they face in the legal profession while reinforcing the importance of remaining committed to our communities. As NBLSA leaders, we stand upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us to pave the way for our opportunities. It is that history which has led us to choose the theme for the 2012- \HDU ´(QKDQFLQJ the Dream.¾ 1%/6$ ZLOO FRQWLQXH to seize the opportunities given to us to make positive social change, serve our community, and diversify the legal profession. While we have not \HW UHDOL]HG WKH ´GUHDP¾ inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.¡V YLVLRQ, we are continually striving to balance and pave the way for African-American students and community empowerment. NBLSA is committed to ensuring we are in line with key issues facing minority law students and we will continue to strengthen our existing partnerships and forge new partnerships with organizations aligned with our mission. We also are committed to advancing issues that have a direct impact on minority law students and work to raise our academic standards to ensure our members are well-prepared in the classroom. Specifically here in the Rocky Mountain Region, Chukwudi Egbuonu and the Regional Executive Board have made key strides in the development of enhanced programming throughout the region and have created amazing alumni networking opportunities for NBLSA members. We applaud the Rocky Mountain Region¡V successful implementation of the mission of NBLSA and look forward to continued programming that will grow RMBLSA for years to come. I look forward to seeing you again at our 45th Annual National Convention in Atlanta, GA March 6 ² 10, 7KLV \HDU¡V QDWLRQDO FRQYHQWLRQ ZLOO EH WKH FXOPLQDWLQJ HYHQW RI D \HDU GHGLFDWHG WR VWUHQJWKHQLQJ our membership, equipping law students with the skills needed for success in the field of law, and our continued pursuit of Enhancing The Dream.
Carla Jordan-Detamore NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS David Stephen NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
In NBLSA Service,
Janea Raines NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Ashley Christopher NATIONAL CONVENTION COORDINATOR Alyssa Locus NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS Shelton Marshall NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION CHAIR Deyaska Spencer NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS COMPETITION Cassye Cole NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT Diepiriye Anga INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR Stanley Settle, II NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PRE LAW DIVISION Ebony Foster NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT Nicole Morgan NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN Catherine Marable NATIONAL HISTORIAN
Kendra Brown Vermont Law School | J.D., Class of 2012 The George Washington University Law School | LL.M. Candidate, 2013 National Chair, 2012-2013 National Black Law Students Association
Charles Tucker, Jr., Esq.
NATIONAL MOOT COURT ADVISOR A.J. Cooper, Esq. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
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NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming !"#$%#&'()*+#,-#(
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On behalf of the RMBLSA Executive Board, I welcome you to Dallas, Texas for the Rocky Mountain Regional Convention of the National Black Law Students Association. The Regional Executive Board has been tirelessly working to ensure that this is a memorable convention that brings value to you as an aspiring attorney. As we strive to build on the foundation of excellence and service, we reflect on the legacy of our predecessors and reaffirm our commitment to the development of the next wave of talented, involved black attorneys. Over the years, RMBLSA has equipped law students with the necessary tools to face the challenges of the legal profession while emphasizing the importance of remaining committed to our communities. This year RMBLSA implemented initiatives and programming based on this year’s theme, “Purpose, Passion, Persistence: Blueprint for Success,” which allowed us to further cultivate relationships with legal professionals who have displayed an interest in further developing RMBLSA members while strengthening our brand. RMBLSA has made key strides in developing programming that focuses on strengthening the overall academic and professional development of minority law students. This year’s convention provides the opportunity for members to experience informational workshops and panels, advocacy competitions, community service, and networking events. I encourage you to fully take advantage of all the opportunities the RMBLSA Regional Convention has to offer as we culminate our year in Dallas, Texas. This is slated to be an amazing convention week. Thank you again for your support and the humbling opportunity to work with the brightest and the most innovative leaders of tomorrow. It has truly been a privilege and extreme pleasure to serve as the RMBLSA Regional Chair. Best Regards,
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Chukwudi Egbuonu Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University Rocky Mountain Regional Chair National Black Law Students Association
RMBLSA: Purpose, Passion, Persistence
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Texas Southern University
Thurgood Marshall School of Law 3100 Cleburne Avenue ~ Houston, Texas 77004 Dannye Holley Dean & Professor of Law Office: (713) 313-1071; Fax: (713) 313-1057 E-mail: dholley@tmslaw.tsu.edu
January 16, 2013
Greetings Colleagues, Future Attorneys, and Friends: On behalf of Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, I am honored to welcome you to the Rocky Mountain Black Law Students Association’s (RMBLSA) 44th Annual Regional Convention. Our law school is one of the most diverse law schools in the country, and that diversity includes one of the largest cohorts of African-American women professors and students. As I reflect on the 2012-2013 convention theme of “Purpose, Passion, Persistence: Blueprint for Success,” I am reminded of how far we have come in the legal profession. While we have made great strides and have a proud past of an unwavering journey, we must not forget to stoke the flames of “purpose” and “passion” that inspire us to leave a profoundly indelible mark on the legal profession. I encourage each of you to use this conference as not only an opportunity to build your “Blueprint for Success” but also to persist in effectuating positive change in the legal community. Again, welcome to the 2013 RMBLSA Regional Convention! Sincerely,
Dannye Holley Dean & Professor of Law
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Dear Attendees, Welcome to Dallas and to the 44th Annual Rocky Mountain Black Law Students Association (RMBLSA) Regional Convention. We are excited that you choose to host your convention in Dallas, and hope that after graduation you will consider moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and becoming a member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association ("J.L. Turner"). J.L. Turner is the African-American bar association in Dallas and was founded in 1952, to address the social ills and tackle the most crucial issues affecting African-American lawyers. J.L. Turner has an illustrious history and over the years, the members of J.L. Turner have played significant roles in essentially every important racial discrimination case in Texas. One of our founding members, W.J. Durham was counsel on the Smith v. Allwright case, where the United States Supreme Court held that all white Democratic Primaries in Texas were unconstitutional. Mr. Durham was also involved in the Sweatt v. Painter case, where the United States Supreme Court held "the failure to admit Mr. Sweatt to the School of Law at the University of Texas solely because of his race was unconstitutional.” In addition, one of our founders, C.B. Bunkley, was the first black candidate to run for Dallas City Council. While he did not win his race, it was his audacity to challenge popular opinion and conventional wisdom – that an African American could hold public office – that inspired others to follow in his steps and pursue opportunities that were historically not afforded to Black attorneys. Over the years, J.L. Turner has also provided over $650,000 in scholarship assistance to deserving students and in conjunction with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, J.L. Turner members have coordinated the election protection efforts in Dallas County since 2004. The contributions of J.L. Turner and other legal organizations serve as indelible reminders of the capacity of lawyers to effect positive change in our communities and in the world. While the circumstances we live in may be different than those during the civil rights era, the Fisher v. Texas case and the recent rise in legislation to curtail the voting rights of various citizens during the 2012 elections remind us that the need for organizations like J.L. Turner and RMBLSA remains unchanged and our organizations must continue to positively influence social change in our communities. I hope you enjoy the conference and get a chance to explore the city. If you are ever in Dallas, please check out the J.L. Turner calendar on our webpage and join us at one of our events. Warm regards, Mandy Price 2013 J.L. Turner Legal Association President !
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Convention Schedule Wednesday, January 16, 2013 3:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m.: REGISTRATION 6:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.: THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION COMPETITORS’ MEETING: Meet with Regional Mock Trial Director to Discuss Rules & Procedures of Mock Trial Competition, Q&A. Dress: Business Casual Location: Crowe Plaza - Gaston Room 6:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.: FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION COMPETITORS’ MEETING: Meet with Regional Moot Court Director to Discuss Rules & Procedures of Moot Court Competition, Q&A. Dress: Business Casual Location: Crowne Plaza - Dealey Room
Thursday, January 17, 2013 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: REGISTRATION 8:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: MOOT COURT AND MOCK TRIAL COMPETITIONS: First round of competition. Transportation to Frank Crowley will begin at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided at competition location. (Courtroom Attire) Location: Frank Crowley Court Building 133 N. Riverfront Dallas, Tx 75207 6:00 a.m. -- 9:00 a.m.: COMMUNITY SERVICE – RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE: RMBLSA is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas to prepare and serve breakfast for families at the house. Dress: Business Causal Location: Ronald McDonald House of Dallas 4707 Bengal Street Dallas, Tx 75235 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: CHAPTER OF THE YEAR PRESENTATIONS Location: Crowne Plaza - Kessler Room 2:00 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m.: SUCCESS TIPS FOR YOUNG LAWYERS PANEL: Panelist will explain what senior lawyers really want from junior lawyers, and what makes a client notice a young attorney. Panelists: Elizabeth Campbell (Andrews Kurth, LLP), PJ Putnam (Calvert Companies, LLC), Navin Rao (Michaels Stores, Inc.), Cherika Latham (GuideStone Financial Resources), Cynthia Jon-Ubabuco (Bank of America), Michael Olvera (Xerox Business Services, LLC) Location: Crowne Plaza – Dealey Room
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Convention Schedule 3:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m.: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & DIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE: Discussing the Fisher v. Texas case along with issues facing minority students in law schools and the workplace. Panelists: Elizabeth Campbell (Andrews Kurth, LLP), Dawud Crooms (Haynes Boone) Location: Crowne Plaza – Gaston Room 6:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m. WELCOME TO DALLAS - NETWORKING RECEPTION: An evening of networking and socializing with members of JL Turner Legal Association, NBLSA alumni, current RMBLSA members, and other legal professional in the community. (Business Professional) Sponsored by: Andrews Kurth, LLP & JL Turner Legal Association Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Campbell, Andrews Kurth, LLP Location: Crowne Plaza - Thrive Restaurant
Friday, January 18, 2013 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: REGISTRATION 6:30 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE: SESSION I: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. THE BRIDGE HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CENTER: Location: 1818 Corsicana Dallas, Tx 75201 SESSION II: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. THE STEWPOT: Location: 1835 Young Street Dallas, Tx 75201 8:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: MOOT COURT AND MOCK TRIAL COMPETITIONS: Second round of competition. Transportation to Frank Crowley will begin at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided at competition location. (Courtroom Attire) Location: Frank Crowley Court Building 133 N. Riverfront Dallas, Tx 75207 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.: CAREER & PRE-LAW EXPO: Law and Pre-law students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from different law firms and legal organizations from around the region. 11:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m.: PLENARY SESSION I: Chapter Delegates will meet with RMBLSA Board to discuss agenda items: Officer Reports, Regional Board Nominations, Internal Business, and Updates. (Business Attire)
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Convention Schedule 12:00 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.: LUNCH: Dean’s Luncheon – Sponsored by Thurgood Marshall School of Law Dress: Business Professional Keynote Speaker: Dean Dannye Holley, Thurgood Marshall School of Law 12:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m.: ATTORNEY CLE: Criminal Law CLE Location: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 3520 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Tx 75219 2:00 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m.: GENERAL COUNSEL FORUM Panelist: Carlos White (AGC Networks), Justin Sauls (Nation Star Mortgage, LLC), Cedric Powell (K&L Gates), Leslie Obinegdo (Strausburger Price), Lisa A. May (Xerox Business Services), Adam H. Alexander (Sammons Corporation) Location: Crowne Plaza – Dealey Room 3:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m.: SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FORUM Panelist: Jammy Kiggundu (Douglass & Kiggundu, P.L.L.C.), Ricky Anderson (Anderson & Smith, PC), Tamara Bennett (TM Bennett Law Firm), Tommie Harris (San Diego Chargers), Ty Simpson (NFL Office – IP Transactions), Donavon Kemp (Dallas Cowboys) Location: Crowne Plaza – Gaston Room 5:30 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m.: ALUMNI NETWORKING RECEPTION: An evening of networking and socializing with members of JL Turner Legal Association, NBLSA alumni, current RMBLSA members, and other legal professionals in the community. Dress: Business Professional Sponsored by: Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the African American Lawyers Section - State Bar of Texas Location: Tower Club Thanksgiving Tower 1601 Elm Street #4800 Dallas, Tx 75201 10:00 p.m. -- 2:00 a.m.: NIGHT ON ELM ST. AFTER HOUR MIXER: Enjoy the sights, sounds, & nightlife of Downtown Dallas. RMBLSA members & convention attendees are free until 11:00 p.m. $10 after 11p.m. Location: Glass Lounge 1899 McKinney Avenue Dallas, Tx 75201
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Convention Schedule Saturday, January 19, 2012 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: MOOT COURT AND MOCK TRIAL COMPETITIONS: Final round of competition. Transportation to Frank Crowley will begin at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided at competition location. (Courtroom Attire) Location: Frank Crowley Court Building 133 N. Riverfront Dallas, Tx 75207 12:00 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.: LUNCH: Sponsored by Kaplan Bar Preparation 9:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.: PLENARY SESSION II: Chapter Delegates will meet with RMBLSA Board to discuss agenda items: Officer Reports, Regional Board Nominations & Candidate Speeches. (Business Attire) Location: Crowne Plaza – Dealey Room 2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: ELECTION: Chapter Delegates will meet with RMBLSA Board to discuss agenda items: Internal Business, Updates and Elections. Dress: Business Professional 3:00 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING: National Black Law Students Association January Executive Board Meeting Location: Crowne Plaza - Bryan Ballroom B 6:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.: SUNSET COCKTAIL HOUR: Pre-Awards Gala Reception and Cocktail Hour. Location: Crowne Plaza - Bryan Pre-Reception Area 7:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m.: AWARDS GALA: Honoring Attorney Lisa Tatum (First Black Presidential Elect of State Bar of Texas) Location: Bryan Grand Ballroom A 10:00 p.m. – Until: AFTER GLOW PARTY: Party the night away and celebrate with fellow RMBLSA members as we close out another great convention. See you at the National Convention in Atlanta, GA March 6-10, 2013. Location: Synn Lounge 1217 Main Street Dallas, Tx 75202
Sunday, January 20, 2013 10:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.: EXECUTIVE BOARD TRANSITION MEETING: Transfer of positions, RMBLSA accounts, information, documentation, and other position related materials to newly elected RMBLSA officers. Dress: Business Casual
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Lifetime Achievement Award Lisa Tatum Ms. Lisa Tatum, a 2007 Texas Rising Star by SuperLawyers, was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1995 after receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate Degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California, in 1994. Ms. Tatum’s legal experience includes serving as a Bexar County Assistant Criminal District Attorney, as private practice attorney handling criminal and civil matters and as the Managing Associate for a Dallas based law firm where she opened, established, operated and managed the firm’s San Antonio satellite office for more than four years. Ms. Tatum is admitted to practice law before all courts of the State of Texas, the United States District Court of the Western District, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. As an Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Lisa Tatum prosecuted over 100 cases (misdemeanors and felonies) by jury and bench trials. Most of her prosecutorial experience consists of the prosecution of DWIs, drug charges and violent crimes. When she made the decision to enter into the private sector, her civil practice included handling guardianships for the elderly on behalf of Family Service Association and litigation for public clients to include the San Antonio Water System, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, and for the San Antonio, Edgewood, Cotulla, and San Marcos Consolidated Independent School Districts. Her work also included serving as General Counsel and Litigation Counsel to the San Antonio Housing Authority, Crystal City Housing Authority and the San Antonio Development Agency as well as to private entities, Global Ag Investments, Choice One Medical and Choice One Accessories. Additionally, Lisa also served as counsel to the Board for the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Development Agency. In the fall of 2004, after nine years of practicing law, Lisa Tatum added Public Finance to her areas of practice. She serves as Co-Bond Counsel and Underwriter’s Counsel to governmental entities assisting them with public finance transactions to accomplish their corporate goals, such as upgrading and building new facilities and securing cost savings through refundings. She serves as corporate counsel, general counsel and Board counsel to private and public entities, non-profit and for profit. She works with them to achieve a number of corporate goals. This work includes governance issues, employment matters, procurement concerns and other aspects of day to day operations for clients to include the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency and The Raul Jimenez Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Fund, Inc. Lisa Tatum is a well-tenured lawyer with a highly regarded reputation in the legal profession and within her legal community who loves her job. In addition to serving her clients and helping them meet their needs, she has served in leadership positions in the local bar associations, the State Bar of Texas and the National Bar Association. Among other memberships, she is an active participant in the America Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, San Antonio Chapter and the National Association of Bond Lawyers. She is a past Director of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors and previously served on the Commission for Lawyer Discipline. Lisa was sworn in as President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas during the State Bar’s Annual Meeting June 14-15, 2012 and will serve as President of the State Bar of Texas from June 2013 until June 2014. Ms. Tatum is also active in her community. She is an alumnus of Leadership San Antonio, Class XXIX, and a member of local chambers. Ms. Tatum has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and as a member of the Board of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. RMBLSA: Purpose, Passion, Persistence
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Speakers’ Biographies Ricky Anderson Ricky Anderson, is a 1979 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, attended Prairie View A & M University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1983, and his Juris Doctor Degree, from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1992, and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas, in 1992. Attorney Ricky Anderson, has been the Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C., since 1994, with their office in Houston, Texas, as well as, an Adjunct Professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law since 1998, where he Lectures Entertainment Law, Music Industry Contracts, and Trial Preparation. The National Bar Association’s Entertainment Attorney of the Year, 2006-2007, recipient of the National Bar Association’s Presidential Award, 2008, the National Bar Association Chair, Entertainment Sports and Arts Law Section 2010 to Present, National Bar Association’s Alternate Chair, Entertainment, Sports and Arts Law Section, 2008 - 2010, Advisor to the Grammy Board of Governors Texas Chapter 2010 – 2011, Grammy U Advocate of Year 2010 - 2011, Grammy Governor for The Recording Academy, Texas Board of Governors 2007 - 2010, 2011 - Present. The Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C. represents Celebrities, Comedian-Actor Steve Harvey, Host of Family Feud, NBC's Steve Harvey Talk Show, Theater Box Office success "Think Like A Man", the Steve Harvey Show, Steve Harvey’s Big Time, New York Times, Number One Best Seller, Wall Street Journal, Number One Best Seller "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man", "Straight Talk, No Chaser", and the Nationally Syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, Show Time at the Apollo, Kings of Comedy, The Fighting Temptations, Love Don’t Cost A Thing, You Got Served, Racing Strips; Actor Isaiah Washington, of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, NBC’s Bionic Woman, Spike Lee’s Crooklyn, Clockers, Girl 6, Exit Wounds, Romeo Must Die, True Crime, Bulworth, Out of Sight, Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Stonewall, Dancing in September, Get on the Bus, and Forest Whitaker’s Hurricane Season, Actress Cassi Davis, of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Four (4) Time Grammy Award Recipient, Gospel Great Yolanda Adams, Nationally Syndicated Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Rushion McDonald of "Sister/ Sister", The "Jamie Foxx Show", "The Parkers", MTV’s "Barber Shop", The Hoodie Awards, Academy Award Winner and Golden Globe Winner, Comedian-Actor Mo’Nique of BET’s The Mo’Nique Show, "The Parkers", "Fat Chance" "Charm School", and the Nationally Syndicated Radio Show Host of The Mo’Nique Show, Queens of Comedy and "Showtime at the Apollo"; Three (3) Time Grammy Award Winning Gospel Duo Tina Campbell, and Erica Campbell p/k/a "Mary Mary", also Celebrity Judges on BET’s "Sunday’s Best", Actor Richard T. Jones of "Judging Amy", Terminator, The Sarah Conor Chronicles, Kathy Sapp, Executive Producer of Fox's Judge Alex, Oprah Winfrey Network Suze Orman Show, Comedian –Actor Rickey Smiley, of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Host of the BET’s Comic View, and ABC’s Nationally Syndicated Doug Banks Morning Show, David A. Arnold, Actor and Writer for Tyler Perry’s "Meet The Browns", Michael Colyar of BET’s "Live in LA"; Comedian-Actor Sinbad, former Host of Showtime at the Apollo, and starring in such films as Necessary Roughness, Houseguest, First Kid, Jingle All The Way, and Goodburger; R & B Artist "Rome", Total Entertainment; J. Anthony Brown, of the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" and WB’s "Like Family" Comedian Adele Givens "Queens of Comedy", "Why Did I Get Married", "Girlfriends", "Barbershop", "The Hugleys", Ice Cube's "Are We There Yet", "The Parkers", "Tracey Takes On", "The Players Club", "Moesha", "Martin", "Def Comedy Jam"; WNBA’s three time MVP and four time WNBA World Champion, Houston Comet’s Cynthia Cooper; former Houston Oiler, and Tennessee Titan’s Eddie Robinson, the Late Christopher Rios, professionally known as "Big Pun", to name a Few. Weekly broadcast Television Shows (Talent/Production) are, The Mo’Nique Show, Family Feud, NBC's Steve Harvey Talk Show, The Steve Harvey Project, Judge Greg Mathis, Judge Alex, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, The Judge Mathis Project (solving murders in the African American Community), Ice Cube's "Are We There Yet", Sunday’s Best, The Steve Harvey Show, ‘Like Family", Warner Brothers, "The Parkers", UPN, Showtime @ Apollo, Sister Sister, UPN, "Steve Harvey’s Big Time", Warner Brother, Coming to the Stage, BET, and Comic View, BET. In addition to the network television, movies, feature films, pay per view and HBO deals that Attorney Ricky Anderson develops, he is the Former Chairman and CEO of the Black Broadcasting Network Inc., is the former CEO and President of CBS Records, Inc., A Texas Corporation and the majority shareholder in Big City Enterprises, and Qudel Promotions, Inc., producing national concerts such as the "Kings of Comedy", "Jazzfest", "the Boys are Back", and "the Hip Hop Comedy Reunion Tour". He is also the Executive Producer of The Nationally Syndicated Music Video Television Show, "Big City", and such Independent Feature Films as "Renegade", "Beach Party Weekend", "A Freakin Documentary with Shamar Moore", and "Beach Party". RMBLSA: Purpose, Passion, Persistence
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Speakers’ Biographies Adam H. Alexander Adam Alexander is Corporate Counsel at Sammons Corporation in Dallas. Sammons Corporation provides professional services to the operating subsidiaries and investments of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., a multi-faceted, ESOP-owned, holding corporation with a diversified international portfolio comprised of wholly-owned businesses and investor partnerships in industries such as insurance, financial services, industrial equipment and real estate, among several others. A corporate generalist, Adam has been with Sammons since 2006. He received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and his JD from Emory University School of Law. In 2012, he was named “Outstanding In-House Counsel” by D CEO Magazine/Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel. Tamera Bennett Tamera Bennett, nicknamed by her clients as the IP quarterback, develops strategies to protect and leverage each client’s intellectual property. She works closely with her clients to implement customized brand management programs. Her clients range from rock star to leadership coach and financial guru to custom motorcycle designer. Tamera represents clients throughout Texas and Tennessee in entertainment, trademark and copyright law related matters. The primary focus of Tamera’s entertainment practice is music publishing catalog administration. She works extensively with “estate” clients in reclamation of copyrights under the 1909 Copyright Act and licensing of song and master catalogs. Tamera works one-on-one with clients to develop and implement brand protection strategies for trademarks and copyrights. In addition to trademark application prosecution and licensing agreements, Tamera advises clients on co-branding, product placement, endorsement and sponsorship agreements. She was published in the Texas Lawyer on the topic of entertainment contracts with minors and in the Texas Wesleyan Law Review regarding exclusive songwriter agreements. Tamera’s article “2003 = The New Millennium for Copyright” on the topic of termination of transfers under the 1909 and 1976 Copyright Acts has been published in four resources: the materials for the 2003 and 2004 Legal & Business Aspects of the Film & Music Industries CLE; teaching materials for the UCLA Music Business course; and the September 2003 California Copyright Conference Newsletter. Elizabeth A. Campbell Elizabeth is an attorney and diversity practitioner with a successful record of working with business leaders, executives and teams to accomplish organizational goals. In her role as Partner and Chief Diversity Officer, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the diversity and inclusion components of the firm's strategic plan. She collaborates with Andrews Kurth's Labor and Employment Section attorneys and is a frequent speaker, training facilitator and author on the topic of diversity and inclusion and related employment law topics. She works closely with the chairs of the firm’s Diversity Committee and the Women’s Initiative Team, and is a member of the Recruiting, Professional Development and Associates Committees. She also collaborates with the firm’s marketing professionals to drive marketing and branding strategies; the Community Relations partner to identify opportunities to support community-based endeavors that align with the firm's strategic goals; human resources professionals to develop human capital strategies for all employees; and accounting professionals on the firm's supplier/vendor diversity pursuits. During her career, Elizabeth has worked in the areas of administrative and employment law both in law firm and in-house counsel settings, and has led human resources, employment relations and diversity and inclusion strategies at large corporations. Before joining Andrews Kurth in February 2007, Elizabeth served as Vice President of Employment Relations and Corporate Diversity Officer for ARAMARK in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth received her J.D. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and her B.A. from the American University in Washington, D.C. RMBLSA: Purpose, Passion, Persistence
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Speakers’ Biographies Dawud Crooms Dawud Crooms is an associate in the Corporate/Securities Group of Haynes and Boone, LLP. Dawud's practice is primarily focused on corporate securities, mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, corporate governance and other corporate matters. He has represented clients in various corporate matters including: Equity financings for privately and publicly held companies, reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, stock and asset acquisitions, compliance with corporate governance regulations, public and private securities offerings and other securities transactions. Prior to law school, Dawud was a derivatives risk management analyst with JPMorgan Chase. Jammy Kiggundu Jammy Kiggundu is the Chair of the Entertainment & Sports Law Section of the Houston Bar Association. He is also a partner of the Texas based law firm, Douglass & Kiggundu, PLLC. He is a graduate of the School of Law at the University of New Mexico and is licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Mr. Kiggundu has also held licenses as an NBA Agent and Texas Mortgage Broker. He represents various clients including the fashion editor of a nationally distributed magazine, professional singers, music producers, actresses, record labels, fashion shows, concert promoters, current and former professional athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB. Mr. Kiggundu has represented clients in matters involving several globally recognized organizations, including but not limited to Universal Music, Warner Brothers Studio, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets. He is currently working on several exciting projects for his clients, including the development of a video game, pitching of a television series, creation of a record label, and the joint venture of two small television production companies. The lawsuit styled Hogs Dogs & Lace, LLC, et al vs. A&E Television Network and Sharp Entertainment, et al was filed by Douglass & Kiggundu, PLLC. This lawsuit has gained enormous national attention and is being covered closely by various publications, including but not limited to The Hollywood Reporter. Mr. Kiggundu believes and advises that you should make and keep strong personal and professional relationships. “Be quick to listen and slow to speak” is his professional philosophy and he believes making it to the top of any mountain requires standing on the shoulders of those that support you. Cherika N. Latham Cherika Latham joined GuideStone Financial Resources in 2008 as in-house counsel. She came to GuideStone from First Southwest Company in Dallas, where she worked as a compliance officer in the securities industry. In 2003, Cherika earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, concentrating on communications and business. She then obtained a law degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, in 2006. Lisa A. May Lisa A. May is a Vice President and Corporate Counsel at Xerox Business Services and negotiates complex outsourcing agreements in the areas of infrastructure technology, finance and accounting, customer care, human resources, and document management. She also advises a number of Xerox’s subsidiary business units on regulatory and contractual matters, supports the mergers and acquisitions function, and manages dispute resolution issues, including contract disputes, credit and collections disputes, and management of outside counsel. Ms. May joined Xerox Services in 2008. Before joining Xerox Services, Ms. May served as Vice President and Acting General Counsel at Software Spectrum, a global software reseller. There, she led an international legal team providing governance, contracts, employment law, M&A, compliance and general corporate counsel services to a global, $4 billion software and services resale business and facilitated Software Spectrum’s acquisition by Insight Enterprises. She was an associate in the corporate and securities group of Baker & McKenzie and an associate at Haynes and Boone, practicing in their corporate, securities and M&A sections.
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Speakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Biographies Ms. May earned her Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lamar University. She is affiliated with professional and not-for-profit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of an educational not-forprofit company and participating in the activities of the Association of Corporate Counsel. Cedric Powell Cedric Powell is an associate in the Dallas office at K&L Gates. Mr. Powell provides ongoing, comprehensive representation to corporate clients, including public issuers, private companies, private equity funds and hedge funds. He advises clients regarding all manner of corporate issues, including the conduct of securities offerings, SEC disclosure, strategic transactions, corporate governance and bank financings.
Justin Sauls Justin Sauls currently serves as Associate Counsel of Nationstar Mortgage, one of the largest mortgage servicers in the country. Before becoming licensed to practice law, Justin spent 10 years in banking focusing primarily on consumer lending and investment sales. He continued to work as a banker full-time while attending the evening program at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. During his final semesters at SMU Dedman, Justin worked as an intern in the areas of civil litigation, criminal litigation and employment law. Justin earned his J.D. at SMU Dedman in 2011. After becoming a member of the Texas Bar in 2011, Justin joined the Office of the General Counsel at Nationstar. Currently, Justin handles general corporate matters, public company reporting and corporate governance with respect to Nationstar and its 31 affiliates. He reports directly to the Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel of Nationstar. Carlos White Carlos White has substantial experience in advising and counseling companies on a wide variety of corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters and transactions. Carlos currently serves in the general counsel capacity at AGC Networks Inc. Before joining AGC Networks Inc., Carlos served as Assistant General Counsel at a leading web hosting company. Prior to working as an in-house counsel, Carlos worked as a Franchise & Distribution Associate and Corporate & Securities Associate at DLA Piper LLP and Hughes & Luce LLP (k/n/a K&L Gates LLP), respectively. Carlos holds an Economics degree from Southern University and received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Winstead PC
Where Diversity and the Law Work. Together.
Diversity is more than a business catchphrase at Winstead. The firm strives to recruit, retain and advance men and women of all backgrounds so that our workforce reflects the diversity of our clients and our communities. A proud supporter of the 2013 RMBLSA Convention
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THANK YOU FROM THE 2012-2013 RMBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD Chukwudi Egbuonu - Chair Dominique Ross - Vice-Chair Johali Muzaliwa - Secretary Idris Akinpelu - Treasurer Erick Harris - Attorney General Jared Gaither - Social Action Chair Tiffany Myers - Director of Membership Shanisha Smith - Community Service Director Dominique Hinson - Director of Corporate Relations Julia Gandara - Director of Communications Jonathon Jackson - Director of Alumni Relations Aisha McKinney - Convention Coordinator Dyan Owens - Director of TMMTC Phillip Larmond - Director of FDMCC Megan Sheffield - Parliamentarian Jacques Leeds - Historian Bianca Roberson - Job Fair Coordinator