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“Fortifying the Foundation of Our Future” Monthly Newsletter
NATIONAL EVENTS National Convention NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. Haiti Trip National Board Elections
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January 2012
REGIONAL NEWS & EVENTS
2012 RMBLSA CONVENTION
RMBLSA 5K & Fitness Challenge
Registration Information & Convention Highlights
RMBLSA Elections Chapter Leaders’ Conner
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CONVENTION RMBLSA BOARD REGISTRATION & SPOTLIGHT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
TIPS FROM THE ROCKIES
How to register for National and Regional Conventions
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Chukwudi Egbuonu, Regional Historian
Job opportunities around the country
Interviewing Tips
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opportunities, internships and mentorships. If any of these opportunities interest you, convention attendance is imperative. We also encourage you to attend convention so that you may learn how BLSA works and if it is an organization you would like to help lead. Convention provides its attendees the opportunity to discuss serving on the National or Regional
Greetings RMBLSA! I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and is ready to gear up for the spring semester! Spending time with family and friends outside of law school is a critical aspect of maintaining a nonlegal perspective on life, as well as your sanity. Spending time with your fellow BLSA members, however, is just as important. The RMBLSA & NBLSA Conventions are a great way to meet law students from around the entire country. My experience at the 2010 NBLSA Convention in Boston is actually what led me to run for RMBLSA Chair at the 2011 RMBLSA Convention in San Antonio. It is extremely empowering to be in the presence of hundreds of other individuals who are facing the same challenges as yourself. Recognizing the commonalities between a network of over 6,000 other individuals and myself moved me. It made me want to help NBLSA flourish and mature into the exemplary organization that it is today. By dedicating my time, and ultimately 1
board with current officers.
Members Brandi Howard & Elizabeth Humphrey with NBLSA Hall of Fame Inductee Congressional Representative Al Green at the 43rd Annual Convention Awards Gala in Houston, TX. myself, to the organization, I was able to mature and grow along with it. Convention also provides a great opportunity to network with reputable attorneys, judges, and NBLSA alumni during our workshops and networking receptions. Many convention attendees form relationships that have led to job
We need strong, dedicated leaders to take NBLSA to the next level. If you are interested in holding a position on either the RMBLSA or NBLSA Executive Boards for the 2012-2013 term, please contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. I promise to be extremely frank with you about the level of time required for a specific position, what will be expected of you, and how holding an executive board position can benefit you. Please email your questions to RockyMountain@nblsa.org. I look forward to hearing from you and fellowshipping with you all at the RMBLSA and NBLSA Conventions in the coming months!!! In RMBLSA Love, "
Rocky Mountain Region of the National Black Law Students Association
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National News & Events NBLSA Convention The annual NBLSA Convention will take place March 7-11, 2012 in Washington, DC at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. The regular registration rate of $200 is valid until February 15th. This year’s convention theme is Pipelines and Pathways: Combining Today’s Ambitions with Tomorrow’s Reality. For more information, visit www.nblsa.org/2012convention. Questions about the NBLSA Convention should be directed toward Ijeoma Okolo at convention@nblsa.org.
NBLSA Constitutional Amendments Want to make an amendment to the current NBLSA Bylaws or Constitution? Complete and submit an Amendment Request Form. Request forms are due February 3rd. This year, amendment requests will NOT be taken from the floor at the NBLSA Convention. To review the Constitution or Bylaws, please visit www.nblsa.org/index.php?pID=15. The Amendment Request Form is available at www.nblsa.org/index.php?pID=652.
NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. Haiti Alternative Break Trip During the first week of the new year NBLSA sent 10 delegates to Haiti as part of the NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. (Contributing through Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Service) initiative. NBLSA partnered with the Vincentian Family’s (www.famvin.org) Zafèn Project (www.zafen.org). Zafèn promotes development in Haiti through financial support, in the form of loans or donations, for various projects. The projects include but are not limited to educational advancement, small business development and poverty amelioration. While in Haiti, the NBLSA delegation visited several project sites with Regine Theodat, Zafèn Project Director. During the visits, members of the delegation conducted field interviews with the coordinators and participants of each project. The group used the information acquired from the interviews to conceive a plan of action to better foster the goals of Zafèn. The NBLSA delegation met with the Georgette JeanLouis, Board Member of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti, and Charlemagne Michel, a judge in Mirebalais, Haiti. Jean-Louis engaged in a roundtable discussion with the NBLSA delegates about small business regulation and enhancement. 2
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Judge Michel provided an overlook on Haiti’s justice system and the roadblocks to new lawyers entering the practice.
Regional News & Events
Prior to departing, the NBLSA delegates visited various landmarks in Haiti and engaged in some cultural activities acquiring a live history lesson of the République d’Haiti. See page 5 for photos.
This semester RMBLSA is challenging its members to be healthier and more active with our “Fit for the Future” initiative. We would like our members to share any physical achievements, tips on general wellness, stress management, and healthy eating with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you have a question, please submit it on our Facebook discussion board. If you are proud of a physical achievement, please mention @RMBLSA and we will RT your accomplishment.
National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) Membership and Annual Conference & Job Fair The NBPA is a great resource for aspiring attorneys with an interest in the criminal justice system. Membership is free and gives you access to a wealth of information about internship opportunities and how to prepare to become a successful prosecutor. The Annual NBPA Conference will take place July 29-August 3, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information about the NBPA, visit their www.blackprosecutors.org or email the Southern Regional Director, Suntrease Williams, at s.williams08@yahoo.com.
Serving on the 2012-2013 National Board Are you interested in serving on the national board? Additional information and the election application are available at www.nblsa.org/index.php?pID=376. Be sure to complete the application in addition to providing all requested documents before 10:00pm EDT on February 19, 2012.
New YouTube Career Development Video Check out the NBLSA Attorney Spotlight Series with Elizabeth Campbell, Chief Diversity Officer with Andrews Kurth LLP in Houston, TX, entitled “Diversity in the Legal Field and Personal Branding.” Watch the video to hear Ms. Campbell’s thoughts and suggestions for law students regarding personal branding and transitioning from a law student to a lawyer. Follow the link below to access the video. www.youtube.com/user/ NBLSAEducCareerDev?feature=watch. Call for Submissions Would you like to be published? The Legal Pad is being revamped to feature various sections that are sure to appeal to any and all especially NBLSA members. Articles are due February 1, 2012. For additional information visit www.nblsa.org/ index.php?pID=704.
RMBLSA 5K & Fitness Challenge
The “Fit for the Future” initiative will culminate in a 5K Walk/Run that will take place this April in Houston, Texas. Registration will be $25 and you will receive a RMBLSA 5K t-shirt for your participation. If you have any questions, please contact Justin Dandridge at RMBLSA.commservice@gmail.com.
Chapter Leaders’ Corner Member of the Month NBLSA will select a financially active member to become a Member of the Month. The Member of the Month will be selected based on an essay of no more than 500 words that describes how the nominee has contributed to his/her community, contributed to his/her fellow NBLSA members, and implemented this year's National Theme "Building Pipelines for the Future." National Member of the Month Nomination forms must be submitted by January 20th. They are available at www.nblsa.org/memberofthemonth/. All members are encouraged to nominate themselves or fellow members. Members on the National Executive Board, National Specialist, and the Regional Executive Board may not be nominated. The selected members will be recognized on the NBLSA website, in a NBLSA Communication Blast, and again in Washington, DC at the National Convention. The selected Members of the Month will need to submit a professional headshot to accompany the publications. All selected winners will also receive a free BARBRI bar review course. For more information about BARBRI please click www.nblsa.org/index.php?pID=599. Contact the National Director of Membership at membership@nblsa.org for additional information.
Rocky Mountain Region of National Black Law Students Association
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The 2010-2011 RMBLSA Executive Board at the 2011 RMBLSA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
2012 RMBLSA Convention Regional Convention The RMBLSA Convention provides a unique opportunity for RMBLSA members to interact with knowledgeable speakers and law students from around the region. This year’s convention will take place February 8-12th in Oklahoma City, OK at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center and Spa. The regular registration rate of $120 is available until January 25th. The late registration rate is $140. This year’s convention theme is “Fortifying the Foundation of Our Future” and will feature workshops on social media in the legal profession, the Innocence Project, and tips on personal branding and entrepreneurship in the legal profession. Visit www.nblsa.org/index.php?pID=639 to view the full convention schedule. For more information on the RMBLSA convention, visit www.nblsa.org/ rmblsaconvention/ or contact Bianca Bryant at convention.RMBLSA@gmail.com.
among top law students. Winners at the RMBLSA Convention will advance to compete at the national competition at the Annual National Convention in Washington, DC. All competitors should have registered with Rachel Kelly, the Director of TMMTC, or Kenneth Ford, the Director of FDMCC. If you are interested in being a bailiff for the competitions or know an attorney or judge that may be interested in judging the competitions in Oklahoma City, contact Rachel and Kenneth at RMBLSA.MockTrialDirector@gmail.com or RMBLSA.MootCourtDirector@gmail.com.
How to Register for Conventions To register for the NBLSA Convention in Washington, DC or the RMBLSA Convention in Oklahoma City, OK, complete the following steps: • Go to customer67479b47.portal.production.members uite.com/Login.aspx.
RMBLSA Elections
• Log into your Membersuite account.
The 2012-2013 RMBLSA Board will be elected at the Regional Convention in Oklahoma City. Participation on the RMBLSA Board provides an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience in organizing large events, network with prominent legal employers, and form lasting friendships with law students from around the region. If you are interested in holding a position on the RMBLSA Executive Board, please visit www.nblsa.org/rmblsaelections/ or contact Elizabeth Humphrey at rockymountain@nblsa.org or Megan Sheffield at RMBLSA.parliamentarian@gmail.com.
• Click the “Browse Events” link on the right side of the screen.
Applications are due February 5th. TMMTC & FDMCC The Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition and Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition are the cornerstone of RMBLSA’s regional convention and offer high levels of competition to showcase oral advocacy and legal writing talents 3
• Click on either “2012 NBLSA Convention” or “2012 RMBLSA Convention” to register for the respective convention. • Click “Register for this Event” at the bottom of the screen.
Job Opportunities Please take the time to research and apply to the following job openings: • Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Northern District of Georgia 12GAN-AUSA-03 The positions will be filled on an ongoing basis. • United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona 11-AZ-02 Position open until filled. • Criminal Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Michigan Your cover letter and resume must be received in our office by 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2012. • Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of New York Position is open until filled. • Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of New York Position is open until filled. • SPECIAL ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY (CRIMINAL) (SERVES WITHOUT COMPENSATION) UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE Positions are open until filled.
• Select “Non-Competitor/Delegate” and complete the personal information requested on the screens that follow.
• SPECIAL ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNCOMPENSATED UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT Positions are open until filled.
For more information on how to register, contact Bianca Bryant at convention.RMBLSA@gmail.com or Elizabeth Humphrey at rockymountain@nblsa.org.
• Volunteer legal internship opportunities with the DOJ. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit http://www.justice.gov/ careers/legal/volunteer-intern.html. • Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of California 12-SDCA-01 Application materials must be postmarked by the deadline date of January 25, 2012.
Rocky Mountain Region of National Black Law Students Association
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RMBLSA Board Spotlight Tips From the Rockies: Chukwudi Egbuonu BOOM Historian Thurgood Marshall School of Law This month's featured RMBLSA Board Member is Chukwudi Egbuonu. Mr. Egbuonu, a native of Houston, Texas, attended Tarleton State University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance and Economics. While in college, he was a member of the Tarleton State Football team and Tarleton Accounting Society. Mr. Egbuonu became interested in law during his elementary school years while attending a career day. This interest continued to grow during his previous experience as an advisor with a wealth management investment firm. Mr. Egbuonu intends on pursuing a legal career in either civil litigation or estate planning. He now attends Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University where he is a 2L. His first experience with NBLSA was at a Pre-Law conference in Houston, Texas, where he met members who served as mentors during his first year of law school. He joined the Barbara Jordan Chapter at Texas Southern University and has been actively involved since. Mr. Egbuonu plans to assist in the continued advancement of RMBLSA in his duties as historian, and looks to aid in other capacities anywhere he is needed. He participates actively in the Barbara Jordan Chapter participating in the mentor/mentee programs, along with serving on the 2L SBA board. In addition to school, Mr. Egbuonu is actively involved in his community through Special Olympics and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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Interviewing Tips The job interview is a crucial part of the job search process -- it is the stage where decisions are made. For many job seekers it can be a stressful time; but it doesn't have to be. It is important to remember an interview is nothing more than a very focused "conversation." The following suggestions should increase your chances for a successful "conversation." Prior to the interview: • Research the organization. Find out all you can through personal contacts, written materials, the Internet, etc.
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• Show enthusiasm - let them know you are interested in what they do and have to offer. • Listen carefully - take time to reflect before answering questions. Don't be afraid to say you don't know; but don't do this too often. • Ask targeted questions; show you did your homework. • Stress your best qualities and what you could bring to the position in a positive manner. • Don't leave without them knowing you are interested in the position. Finally, ask what the next step in the process is and when you can expect to hear from them. After the interview:
• Conduct a self-assessment so you are prepared to articulate your interest in the position and the contributions you can make utilizing your skills and abilities.
• Send a thank you note reaffirming your interest in the position and provide any additional information you were unable to share in the interview.
• Organize the pertinent materials you will want to take to the interview - extra copies of your resume, writing sample, transcript, list of references, etc.
• If you do not hear from them after a set time, phone or write to find out where they are in the process.
• Assemble your interview attire. Always dress neatly and conservatively, keeping the interviewer in mind. First impressions do count. • Reassure yourself. Confidence in your abilities demonstrates to an interviewer that you are the one they want to hire!
• If you are offered the position, great! But before you accept, evaluate the terms. • If you are rejected, don't be discouraged. Take this opportunity to evaluate your job search plan and make any needed revisions.
During the interview: • Relax - be yourself. • Be honest about your skills and abilities - this is important for both you and the potential employer.
Rocky Mountain Region of National Black Law Students Association
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RMBLSA Leadership
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Requests for Your Photos and Stories
Elizabeth Humphrey — Chair TyAnthony Stimpson — Vice Chair & Job Fair Coordinator Idris Akinpelu — Treasurer Marquia Johnson — Secretary & Director of Membership Camille Callender — Attorney General Jared Gaither — Social Action Chair Justin Dandridge — Director of Community Service Damond Isiaka — Director of Corporate Relations John Kwarm — Director of Communications Dominique Ross — Director of Pre-Law Division
We want to highlight what’s happening at your chapter. Please document your events and allow us to share your success with the other chapters in the region. Send your photos with captions and any additional information to RMBLSA.communication@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines Fri., Jan. 20 . . . Member of the Month Nominations (p. 2) Fri., Jan. 25 . . . Regional Convention regular rate deadline (p. 3)
Darron Henson — Director of Academic Development
Wen., Feb 1 . . . Legal Pad submission article deadline (p. 2)
Bianca Bryant — Convention Coordinator
Fri., Feb. 3 . . . NBLSA Bylaws or Constitution Amendments (p. 2)
Rachel Kelly — Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Director
Sun., Feb. 5 . . . Regional Board Position Applications (p. 3)
Bridgette Williams — Mock Trial Specialist
Wed. Feb. 8- Sun. Feb. 12 . . . Regional Convention in Oklahoma City, OK (p. 3)
Kenneth Ford — Frederick Douglass Moot Court Director January Turner — Moot Court Specialist Megan Sheffield — Parliamentarian Chukwudi Egbuonu — Historian
Wed., Feb. 15 . . . National Convention regular rate deadline (p. 2) Sun., February 18, 10:00 AM EST . . . National Board Position Applications (p. 2) Wed. Mar. 7-Sun., Mar 11 . . . National Convention in Washington, DC (p. 2)
NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. Haiti Alternative Break Trip
“[T]he [NBLSA] delegation conducted field interviews with the coordinators and participants of each project . . . . Prior to departing, the NBLSA delegates visited various landmarks in Haiti and engaged in some cultural activities acquiring a live history lesson of the République d’Haiti.” (See page 2 for full story). Photos courtesy of Yvesner Zamar, NBLSA National Historian.
Follow us: www.twitter.com/nblsa www.twitter.com/RMBLSA http://www.facebook.com/#!/nblsa http://www.linkedin.com/companies/national-black-law-students-association RMBLSA Facebook Page
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Rocky Mountain Region of National Black Law Students Association