CLEO EDGE 2019 by CLEO inc.

THE MAGAZINE FOR TOMORROW’S LAW STUDENTS

Will Justice & Diversity come with your JD? Examining the quest for balance

Since 1968: Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

WINTER/SPRING 2019 CLEOINC.ORG

The National Conference of Bar Examiners is proud to collaborate with CLEO in support of their shared goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

NCBE congratulates CLEO on its 50th anniversary and welcomes the opportunity to support its programs. www.ncbex.org

We are a proud sponsor of Council on Legal Education Opportunity Save money. Live better.

Staff Cassandra Sneed Ogden Chief Executive Officer Leigh R. Allen II Vice President, Marketing & Development Lynda Cevallos, Esq. Director, Prelaw Educational Activities Bernetta J. Hayes Director, Prelaw Program Operations Julie D. Long Director, Finance and Administration

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Lynda Cevallos

CREATIVE DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jewell Green

The CLEO Edge Magazine © 2019 by Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. The materials contained herein represent the opinions of the authors and editors and should not explicitly be construed to be those of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Nothing contained herein is to be considered as the rendering of legal advice for specific cases, and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. These materials and any forms and agreements herein are intended for educational and informational purposes only. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission.

For information contact: CLEO, Inc. • 1101 Mercantile Lane, Suite 294 • Largo, MD 20774 • 240.582.8600 • www.cleoinc.org PRINTED IN THE USA

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www.cleoinc.org Since 1968: Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

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PAINTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE. DLA Piper believes that a more diverse and inclusive legal profession means a better future for us all. Through our retention and advancement programs and with a flexible approach to work-life integration, we provide our lawyers with opportunities to excel.

Thomas E. Zutic, 500 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004 | DLA Piper LLP (US) is part of DLA Piper, a global law firm, operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Further details of these entities can be found at www.dlapiper.com. | Attorney Advertising | MRS000113661

WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY, CLEO! New York Law School is proud to partner with the Council on Legal Education Opportunity to support diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. As “New York’s law school,” reflecting the city’s diversity is critical to our mission. Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make sure that everyone on campus can find their voice and thrive.

www.nyls.edu/diversity

We’re committed to the next generation of leaders. Our firm applauds CLEO for 50 YEARS of impacting the legal profession through championing education, diversity and greater equality.

contents

2019 CLEO EDGE FEATURES 71 92

94 95 98 99 102 103

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

CLEO Alumnus Gives Back By Bernetta J. Hayes

In Retrospect: CLEO Alumni Reflect on Their CLEO Experience By Lynda Cevallos

1L Prep – Attitude Is Essential (AIE)

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)

Is CLIC the Wave of the Future? By Bernetta J. Hayes

Ogechi Achuko Muotoh Cuong Quy Huynh Candelario Saldana

Arthur G. Affleck, III Monique E. Liburd Yaneris M. Rosa

#CLEOAT50 54

CLEO 50th Anniversary Celebration Recap

Education Reception (Houston)

Diversity Reception (San Francisco)

Greater Equality Reception (New York)

CLEO EDGE Awards Gala (Washington, DC)

CLEO Programs & Services

CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute is Key to Law School Success By Bernetta J. Hayes

CLEO’s Partnerships Yield Benefits for Students By Bernetta J. Hayes

108

2018-2019 CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education

COLLEGE SCHOLARS 24

Making your Personal Statement Personal By Michael States

Conquering The LSAT In 4 Steps By Bernie Chimner

IN EVERY ISSUE 13 114

A Message from the CLEO Chair CLEO Supporters & Contributors

MONEY MATTERS 42

#IOU: Law School By Matthew Niziol

Financial Planning for Law School By Mario Villa

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CLEO EDGE

Drake Law

Drake Law School is committed to creating an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives and talents through programs including: • • • •

Drake Law Opportunity Scholarships Networking events with local professionals Diverse student organizations that offer support and leadership opportunities Law Opportunity Leadership Program, which provides paid internships and leadership training for underrepresented students

Drake Law School is a proud recipient of the CLEO Diversity Award and was inducted into CLEO’s inaugural group of William A. Blakey Diversity Pipeline Architects. Drake most recently hosted the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute in 2016. For more information visit www.drake.edu/law.

contributors BERNIE CHIMNER Cofounder of Griffon Prep, Bernadette Chimner has coached hundreds of students to achieve higher LSAT scores and has scored 180 on the LSAT herself. When she’s not teaching LSAT classes at Griffon Prep, she can be found geocaching or prowling used book stores.

MATTHEW NIZIOL Matthew Niziol has been advising undergraduate students for more than 15 years at both community college and university levels in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Since 2007 he has served as High School Outreach Coordinator and Academic Advisor for First Year Students at the Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun Campus. He has been primary contributor and moderator of the CLEO Diversity in Legal Education Blog, written articles for the CLEO Edge Magazine, and has presented at CLEO Scholars and Achieving Success in the Application Process programs since 2006. As a Prelaw Advisor, he has presented on topics related to prelaw success, recruitment of First-Time-InCollege students, and academic retention and collegiate success specific to underrepresented students at regional and national conferences.

MICHAEL STATES Michael States J.D. is the Assistant Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. He serves as Chair of the Law School Admissions Council’s Finance and Legal Affairs Committee and is a member of the LSAC Board of Trustees. He has served on the planning group for the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Annual Meeting and Educational Conference and in 2013 served as the Conference Chair. He has served as the President of the Midwest Alliance of Law School Admissions (MALSA), and is a past Chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Pre-Legal Education and Admission to Law School.

MARIO VILLA Mario Villa is the Director of Student Recruitment and Financial Aid at Texas Law. Mario is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. He is a UT Austin doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy. Before joining Texas Law in 2013, Mr. Villa advanced undergraduate recruitment efforts as the Director of the UT AustinEast Texas Admissions Center in Longview, Texas. Outside of Texas Law, Mr. Villa is very active with his CrossFit/Olympic lifting community, the UT Austin Hispanic Faculty/Staff Association, the UT Austin Pride and Equity Faculty Staff Association, and the Texas Exes. He is an active member at the UT Club, the Longhorn Foundation, and volunteers as a member of Phi Delta Theta. WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

Tradition. Innovation. A superb faculty. A curriculum unmatched in breadth and depth. And all of this just steps away from the Capitol and Supreme Court.

At Georgetown Law, you learn the law in the place where laws are made.

IN EVERY ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM CLEO CHAIR

Angela Birch Cox Chair, CLEO Board

Justice. Diversity.

In these perilous times of hateful rhetoric and hate crimes, unconscious bias resulting in unjustified police shootings, a thriving pipeline to prison and forced labor and an ever widening disparity in wealth and opportunity, all targeting people of color, immigrants, the impoverished and the disenfranchised, it is hard to imagine how these ideals – Justice and Diversity -- could ever reflect the reality of the legal profession, let alone of our world. Yet, as my time on the Board of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) draws to a close, I cannot help but take a look back at the journey that led to the CLEO of today. Lost appropriations and gaps in funding, reorganizations, changing technology, the decline in law school applications, the sharp rise in student debt – none of these challenges nor the many others endured by CLEO have deterred or derailed CLEO from its relentless pursuit of its mission. In fact, CLEO is impacting even more potential lawyers, having expanded its reach even earlier in the pipeline (high school) and extending it even further (post-law school bar exam preparation) And, as vast as the gulf between the reality and the ideal may seem, we can say with pride that progress has been made, due in part to the efforts of CLEO. So I pass the mantle of leadership of CLEO with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great organization and with the exhortation that we all must continue to labor, continue to fight, continue to speak truth to power -- knowing that our efforts will move us ever so much closer to our goals of Justice and Diversity in the legal profession. And I especially implore those who benefit from CLEO programs to do the same, remembering that “J.D.” stands not only for the coveted Juris Doctor degree, but for the responsibility to pursue Justice and Diversity that comes along with it. WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

STR A EXPER I IN NOV COM

T E A M

EGIC NCED TIVE IT TED

Your trusted legal advisor for more than 60 years. Nationally Recognized Lawyers || Nationally Ranked Practices

Little Rock | Rogers | Jonesboro | Austin | MitchellWilliamsLaw.com

Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 1800 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | R.T. Beard, III, Managing Director

More Voices

ď ľ

Open Minds

ď ľ

Stronger Connections

McCarter is Committed to Empowering the Next Generation At McCarter, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion & diversity for all to drive meaningful progress for everyone. We proudly support the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc., in its mission to bring greater diversity to the legal industry.

www.mccarter.com

Diversity makes us stronger. At Littler, diversity is not optional. How can we advise you on employment issues unless our workforce reflects yours? Diverse points of view, diverse backgrounds and diverse values make us all stronger.

littler.com

Harris Beach PLLC congratulates CLEO on 50 years of Championing Education, Diversity and Greater Equality in the legal profession. Our differences make us stronger— as professionals and as people. We’re proud to mark this historic occasion with you. Contact our Chair of the Council on Inclusion and Diversity Wendy A. Kinsella I 315-214-2012

Learn more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity at www.harrisbeach.com/inclusion-and-diversity ALBANY BUFFALO ITHACA MELVILLE NEW YORK CITY ROCHESTER SARATOGA SPRINGS SYRACUSE UNIONDALE WHITE PLAINS NEW HAVEN, CT NEWARK, NJ 333 West Washington St., Suite 200, Syracuse NY 13202

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

PROGRAMS & SERVICES The CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI)

Since 1968, the pre-eminent residential and online program designed to prepare participants to be more competitive law school students in the following fall.

1L Prep-Attitude is Essential (AIE)

An intensive online, weekend PreLaw seminar designed to introduce and prepare participants already accepted into law school for the rigors of law school.

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)

An intensive weekend Pre-Law event to help participants develop the tools they need to understand the law school application process and become competitive law school applicants.

CLEO College Scholars Program

One-day structured programs for participants to learn about the law school admission process and be exposed to topics such as mock admissions (Road to Law School), improve analytical and logical reasoning abilities (Sophomore Super Saturdays), or discover various LSAT preparation strategies and take a practice LSAT (Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT).

CLEO Connection (CNXTION)

An evening Pre-Law workshop series whose participants get answers to questions about law school, create a local network of colleagues and legal professionals, and develop a useful understanding of the legal field.

CLEO Law School Application Services (CLAS)

Services offered by CLEO professionals to help Pre-Law students with their law school application packet including application, personal statement, and rĂŠsumĂŠ review.

CLEO Legally Inspired Cohort (CLIC)

An innovative program to identify, recruit, and train law school applicants who possess the academic and leadership skills to attend one of four partner schools in a supportive team of five after attending the Pre-Law Summer Institute.

CLEO Legally Inspired College Kohort of Students (CLICKS)

A multi-state program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice-Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention that empowers underserved high school students through structured mentorship with exposure to legal, sports, and health professions.

NCBE/CLEO Bar Preparation

This new collaboration will assist CLEO 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls across the country to prepare for and conquer the bar exam.

For more information, please visit: cleoinc.org/prelaw

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

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colorado.edu/law

JD JD/MBA JD/MPA Public Law Certificate

Whether you are a traditional law student or working professional who needs to attend class at night, Southern University Law Center has a program to help you embark on your legal career. Since 1947, Southern University Law Center has stood for access and opportunity by creating generations of lawyer leaders. Our alumni have been on the forefront of civil rights battles from desegregation and fair representation in judicial districts to legislative action in response to Sandra Bland.

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Make a diďŹ&#x20AC;erence. Make it Southern Law. www.sulc.edu

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CLEO EDGE

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aie

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

1L PREP – ATTITUDE IS ESSENTIAL

IS NOW TOTALLY ONLINE! Beginning in 2019, CLEO’s 1L Prep – Attitude is Essential (AIE), which has been in existence since 2000, will be totally online. These seminars are designed to familiarize incoming first year law students with the rigors of law school and to acquaint them with the various resources that are available to meet those demands. The two-day intensive workshop sessions and accompanying handout materials cover such topics as legal analysis and writing, exam preparation, time management, the Socratic Method, case briefing, and understanding IRAC. Additionally, AIE helps students prepare for the major transition from undergraduate to professional school and motivates them to succeed. Participants who successfully complete the program and are enrolled in an ABAaccredited law school are eligible to receive ongoing academic and professional development support throughout law school from CLEO. This year (2019), 1L Prep - AIE will be entirely online. There will be a total of three seminars during June, July, and August to respond to student needs. TARGETED STUDENTS: Incoming first year law students who are enrolled in an ABAaccredited law school during the same fall they attend the CLEO 1L Prep – AIE seminar. BENEFITS: • Law school orientation • Skills-building workshops • Network opportunities

DO N’T M IS S THIS E XCI TI N G A N D I NSTR UCTIV E S E M INA R TO H E L P YO U TO BEGI N L AW S CHO OL S UCCES S FUL LY !

For further information or to apply online, please visit our website at www.cleoinc.org/aie DEADLINE TO APPLY: Rolling admission until one-week before seminar.

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

Celebrate! CLEO 50

Anniversary

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Congratulations to the inaugural CLEO EDGE Heritage Award winner and 150 other distinguished individuals, law schools, and organizations.

Diversity Matters It matters to our communities. It matters to our profession. It matters to our clients. It matters to us.

LW.com

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Making Your Personal Statement

By Michael States The typical book or article that you read about personal statements usually advises you about the topic on which you should write. In this article, I attempt to give you some additional, and in most cases, more important information you should think about when writing personal statements that law schools require you to submit with your application. If you have not already, I suggest that you invest in a good style guide or manual. Having a clear understanding of language usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling is critically important in writing an effective personal statement. Some examples of good style manuals are The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, the Chicago Manual of Style, or Style: Toward Clarity and Grace by Joseph Williams.

The first thing you should do when writing your personal statement is to read the directions and questions given on the law schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application. You would be surprised how many applicants do not read the directions and questions. If you write a personal statement without reading the directions or questions, you are taking a chance that your statement will be at the least non-persuasive and, at most, a complete failure as a personal statement. It is important to follow directions on page limitations, spacing, font size, and any other guidelines that you are given for your personal statement. In addition, you cannot begin writing the personal statement before you see the law schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application.

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CLEO EDGE

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Once you decide what you are going to write about or how you are going to answer the questions asked of you, you should write them “in your own voice.” This means that the person(s) reading the statement should get the sense that they are speaking to you or get some sense of who you are as an applicant. It should reflect the “person” that is applying and allow the committee to see beyond the numbers and the résumé. Oftentimes, when someone else tells you what to write about or what you should not write about, there is a real danger that the reader will not understand who you are as an applicant after reading your personal statement. In addition to answering the questions asked of you within the law school application, the personal statement also serves as an interview. You want to make sure that your personal statement leaves an impression of who you are on the reader. In addition, you want to make sure that the impression is a positive impression. Quite often, in an attempt to give an idea of who one is or what one has overcome, applicants will write about a death or illness that has occurred in their family. I am not suggesting that you always avoid writing about these topics; I am suggesting that if you have some other way of communicating what you have overcome or what has shaped you besides writing about death or illness, you should consider writing

CLEO EDGE

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about another topic. You do not want a personal statement involving death or illness to distract the reader from other information in your application that speaks positively about you or gives insight into your skills and abilities that will enable you to be a success in law school. You also should avoid certain traps of writing personal statements. One trap is using clichés in your writing, such as “I’ve wanted to be a lawyer all my life”, or “people have always told me I should be a lawyer when I grow up.” Using clichés can make your personal statement seem less personal or send the signal that you are writing something you were told to write in a personal statement guide. Another trap is including quotations from authors or famous people in personal statements. In most cases, the quotation does not add to the personal statement; give any additional insight into why the applicant will be a good fit for the law school, why they are prepared for the legal profession, or provide the information the law school is attempting to glean from the personal statement. Another trap is making gross generalizations in personal statements. For example, making a statement such as, “I want to be a lawyer who represents the poor because the justice system is always unfair to them,”

“

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

The personal statement is YOUR chance to enhance your application to law school.

is unpersuasive and broad. Generalized statements may be untrue and run the risk of offending a member of the admissions committee. If you want to write about why you want to be a lawyer, you do not have to make a statement that holds you up to be someone who is going to save the world. The final trap is that applicants spend much of the personal statement writing about the law school, its alumni, or its programs instead of themselves. The purpose of asking for a personal statement is for law schools to get information about you and not about the law school. You should use this opportunity to talk about what you think you have to offer a law school and not for you to regurgitate what you have read on the law school’s website or in the law school’s marketing materials.

educational environment of the law school. The personal statement should not be taken lightly and several drafts of it should be written before submitting the final version to the law school. While you might not be admitted because you have written a great personal statement, it is likely you will be denied because you have written a poor personal statement. 

The personal statement is YOUR chance to enhance your application to law school. A personal statement is YOUR opportunity to show a law school that you are capable of following directions and that you have substance beyond your numbers. It is also a way to paint a picture of you for the law school. The personal statement should give a sense of your writing ability, beliefs, opinions, perspectives, and other aspects of you that will influence the classroom and

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

ASAP

Achieving Success in the Application Process Last summer for the eighth year, CLEO proudly offered Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP), a Pre-Law program designed to prepare upperclassmen and postgraduates for the law school application process. ASAP provides counseling, mentorship, and test preparation techniques to better prepare participants for the rigors of the law school application process.

By exposing students to the nuances of the admission process, ASAP provides participants with a clear understanding of the dedication and commitment required to become competitive law school applicants.

For further information or to apply online, visit

CLEOINC.OR G/ASAP

In addition, ASAP seminar participants have the distinct advantage of establishing mentoring relationships with current law students.

The ASAP curriculum focuses on aspects of the application process that are frequently overlooked or undervalued by students when applying to law school, including: • • • • • • • •

Selecting a law school Drafting an effective personal statement Choosing sources for letters of recommendations Preparation strategies for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) The impact of LSAT scores and grade point averages (GPAs) in the selection process The significance of the early application process offered by many law schools Debt management and developing credit worthiness Common mistakes committed by law school applicants

DEADLINE: APRIL 5, 2019

Creating Equality by Expanding Opportunity “For 50 Years, CLEO has opened the doors of opportunity to deserving and underrepresented students from all backgrounds. We at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP are proud to support CLEO in this mission, and honored to be selected as one of the first CLEO EDGE Greater Equality Honorees.” — Pam Rothenberg, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP CLEO, Inc. Board Member t: 202.857.4422 e: pam.rothenberg@wbd-us.com

womblebonddickinson.com ©2018 Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP “Womble Bond Dickinson,” the “law firm” or the “firm” refers to the network of member firms of Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited, consisting of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. Each of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a separate legal entity operating as an independent law firm. Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited does not practice law. Please see www.womblebonddickinson. com/us/legal-notices for further details.

Holland & Knight congratulates the

Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) on its 50th anniversary and all of the 2018 CLEO EDGE award winners. We proudly support CLEO’s commitment to diversity, a value embraced by our firm.

www.hklaw.com Washington, D.C. | 202-955-3000

Congratulations CLEO for 50

years of CHAMPIONING education, DIVERSITY and EQUALITY in the LEGAL profession.

“I have found the University of Idaho College of Law to be a welcoming, family-friendly environment. It is a perfect location to study law.” Franchell McClendon J.D. Candidate, 2019 University of Idaho

The University of Idaho College of Law is among the best small state public law schools in the U.S. Recognized by preLaw Magazine as a Best Value law school, we emphasize average enrollment of about 300 students, we guarantee student deserves.

provides both extracurricular

Women’s Law Caucus.

uidaho.edu/ui-law

Recognized Nationally for Diversity

Fully accredited by the American Bar Association Full-Time Day, Part-Time Evening Programs Entering enrollment for 2018 included 75% minority, and 57% women Ranked in the top 10 for Diversity by the U.S. News & World Report 2018 Best Graduate Schools issue Recognized in 2018 by PreLaw Magazine within the top 5 Best Schools for African-Americans Recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Law Schools by The Knowledge Review Located in Downtown Orlando - blocks from county and federal courthouses, and minutes from major law firms, governmental offices and legal service agencies

Florida A&M University College of Law

201 Beggs Avenue | Orlando, FL 32801| law.famu.edu | (407) 254-3268 (FAMU)

Become a lawyer. Join the champions. Named a BEST VALUE and MOST DIVERSE institution. Minority student population: 44 PERCENT NAMED #1 BEST OF THE DECADE by PreLaw Magazine for Best Moot Court. NATIONAL ADVOCACY WINNER: 130 TIMES. No other law school has won half as many. More ABA NATIONAL APPELLATE ADVOCACY CHAMPIONSHIPS than any other law school in the U.S. More Scribes BEST BRIEF LEGAL WRITING AWARDS than any other law school in the U.S.

Earn your J.D.

stcl.edu/lawchamps

1303 SAN JACINTO • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-659-8040

Supporting

EDUCATION, DIVERSITY & GREATER EQUALITY The National Bar Institute and its Chair, Dr. Walter Sutton, congratulate CLEO on its 50th Anniversary. We appreciate the recognition given to the National Bar Institute and Dr. Sutton as members of the inaugural class of CLEO EDGE Award Honorees in the field of DIVERSITY.

Board Members Dr. Walter L. Sutton, Jr., Chair Regina K. Dillard, Vice Chair Sonya Hoskins, Secretary Frank Seales, Jr., Treasurer Alfreda Robinson, NBA President-Elect Wiley S. Adams Daphne T. Forbes Stephanie D. Jones Debra D. Matlock Daryl D. Parks Belinda D. Stith Reginald Turner Vickie E. Turner Cary L. Hall, Jr., Wealth Advisor

CLEO SCHOLARS

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

By Bernie Chimner

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Step 1: Take a practice test Why? A practice exam will orient you to the basic format and timing of the exam. Science shows that by taking a first exam, your brain will be “primed” for further studying. After you’ve finished the exam, determine what score you’ll need and set up a schedule for future studying.

A simple rule: expect to study about a minimum of a week per point of desired improvement. So if you need 5 points, plan to study intensively for at least 5 weeks. How? Download the practice LSAT exam from lsac.org, find three hours and a quiet spot. (Turn off your phone while you take the exam to make the test conditions as realistic as possible.) Time yourself strictly using the timing listed at the top of each section (each section is allotted 35 minutes). Use a standard #2 pencil (no mechanical pencils or pens are allowed in the real exam!).

CLEO EDGE

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Step 2: Work through Official LSAT SuperPrep or Official LSAT SuperPrep II Why? You’re crafting an understanding of what makes answers right and wrong. You’ll also begin to understand how to approach the analytical reasoning (logic games) section of the exam. How? Get a copy of Official LSAT SuperPrep or Official LSAT SuperPrep II (you can order them on Amazon) and begin working your way through the book. These books contain an excellent overview of all the different types of questions that can be found on the LSAT as well as strategies for answering the questions. They also include three different actual exams with explanations, directly from the exam writers! Don’t worry about trying to time anything or even about trying to identify correct answers. Just read the questions and the explanations in tandem to learn how the test writers think about the correct and incorrect answers. Step 3: Begin working through untimed LSAT exams Why? Speed follows from accuracy, so boosting your accuracy will boost your speed. By allowing your brain ample time to consider each question, you give your brain permission to try different approaches without the pressure of time. As you continue to practice, you’ll become faster naturally.

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

How? Get a copy of Next 10 Real LSAT Actual, Official Preptests or 10 New Actual, Official LSAT Preptests and begin working through the exams untimed. Check your answer after every question so you can immediately assess whether your approach to that question is correct. This will allow you to reinforce good approaches and change bad approaches. Keep a log of the questions that give you trouble and come back to them periodically to review them until you understand the logic behind the correct answer. Looking to get the highest score possible? Here are two powerful study strategies from the pros: •

For logic games, do a single game multiple times right in a row. As you redo the game, you will begin to understand its underlying deductions and you’ll be more likely to spot similar deduction in future games.

•

For logical reasoning and reading comprehension: jot quick notes about why you think each answer choice is correct/incorrect. When you get a question wrong, revisit your notes to see where you went wrong.

Step 4: Begin working through timed sections and timed exams Why? After you have worked through enough untimed material to get a good understanding of the LSAT, it is important to begin preparing for the reality of test day: that the LSAT is a very strictly timed exam. Getting used to both the pressure

and the limitation of 35 minutes per section is an important aspect of gearing up for the actual exam. How? Get a copy of 10 Actual, Official LSAT Preptests Volume V. Ideally, you should take timed exams during the same time that you’ll take your real exam. Be sure to take your exam without the distraction of your cell phone, adhere strictly to the time limit, and adhere to all the test-day restrictions -- no eating or drinking during the exam, no mechanical pencils, no digital timer. If you can, have a friend or family member keep time for you and call a warning five minutes before the end of each section just like test day. After each timed section/exam, go back the next day and take the section/exam untimed. Compare your answers when untimed to your answers when you were timed. When you went back untimed, did you get questions correct that you got wrong when you were timed? This indicates that the time pressure is causing you to make silly mistakes. Did you still miss the question when untimed? Keep a log of those questions and come back periodically to review them until you understand them. Identify the questions that give you the most trouble so you can leave them until the end on test day.

** Don’t take a timed exam two days in a row; full timed LSAT exams are exhausting and you won’t be performing at your peak the second day. Good luck!

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

WE ARE HOUSTON LAW

APPLY NOW at law.uh.edu/admissions OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS | 4604 CALHOUN ROAD | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77204-6060 | 713.743.2280| LAWADMISSIONS@UH.EDU

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One institution and an EEO/AA institution.

we are

thinkers engaged motivated prepared perseverant researchers communicators analytical responsive empathetic listeners passionate curious welcoming Quinnipiac University School of Law congratulates CLEO on 50 years of excellence in supporting diversity in the legal profession.

law.qu.edu

MONEY MATTERS

#IOU Law School: Plan early and start saving now! This is the one rule of financing law school that is applied to students from freshmen to post-grads.

By Matthew Niziol

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

MONEY MATTERS

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CLEO EDGE

MONEY MATTERS

Sophomore /Junior Year: 1.5-2 Years Before Enrollment

SeniorYear: 1 Year Before Enrollment

Begin researching and obtaining information on costs associated with applying to law school. Establish a budget for:

Apply for and obtain finance specific information for your schools of interest:

99 LSAT & Credit Assembly Service (CAS) Registration Fees 99 LSAT Preparation Costs 99 Application Fees 99 Check on application fee waiver policies for law schools 99 Check the Law School Admission Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fee waiver policy for LSAT & CAS Registration

Junior Year: 1-1.5 Years Before Enrollment

Begin researching and obtaining general information on: 99 Cost of Attendance

99 Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible. (fafsa.ed.gov). Update list of schools to receive information. 99 Know if need and/or merit-based scholarship applications must be submitted for each school and when they become available. 99 Complete and submit scholarship applications. 99 Once admitted, complete and submit institutional Office of Financial Aid forms ASAP. 99 Know Cost of Attendance Budget for each school to which you apply. 99 Know Financial Resource Options (may differ slightly from school to school): savings, work (not recommended first year), gifts, employment benefits, VA benefits, loans, scholarships, research or teaching assistantships in other departments, etc.

99 Financial Resource Options

99 Run your credit report. Request it for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. Know how negative indicators will affect your financial aid eligibility.

99 Student Debt

99 Set a budget and plan for making school visits.

99 Starting Salaries for Lawyers (Various employment sectors and geographic regions)

99 Plan for paying a seat deposit. Typically due beginning in April.

99 Financial Aid process

99 Legal Employment Outlook

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MONEY MATTERS

SeniorYear: 1 Year Before Enrollment

SeniorYear: ½ Year Before Enrollment

Financial aid process should be well under way. You have applied for and have specific information on schools to which you are being admitted:

Financial aid process should be completed and you are making final arrangements for disbursement of aid:

99 Know updated Cost of Attendance Budget for each school to which you have been admitted for your first year of enrollment.

99 Sign and return promissory notes.

99 Know if you have been selected for verification by offices of financial aid. Submit the required paperwork as soon as possible. If you are selected for verification your award letter will not be generated until you complete verification.

99 Complete loan orientation (an institutional requirement usually done online).

99 Review financial aid award letters (loan information) from offices of financial aid. Know what you are being offered and the differences between the loans. 99 Review scholarship award letters (if offered). Know conditions of scholarship awards—especially for renewable or multiyear awards. 99 Accept awards formally for financial aid package, and if offered, scholarship award for the school in which you will enroll.

99 Complete and return documentation for scholarship disbursement (if necessary).

99 Know disbursement date for loans and scholarships. You may need to make arrangements for book and supplies purchases if disbursement does not happen until after first day of class. 99 Make arrangements for direct/electronic deposit of aid disbursements — if available.

This is a sample financial aid timeline parallel to an admissions process time line presuming enrollment in the fall as a full-time student. 

99 Know when to expect promissory notes and/or documentation to complete for scholarship disbursement. 99 If necessary, set a budget and plan for moving to location of law school. Remember, financial aid support does not include this expense.

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CLEO EDGE

I explored many law schools but became intrigued with Mizzou Law after learning more about its nationally-known Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution. The admissions staff guided me through the process and made it easy. I felt at home right away. Mizzou Law has been a great place for me to obtain my degree while making connections and gaining experience for my future.”

DEMETRIA DAILEY JD 2018 STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT 2017-2018

Mizzou Law Admissions Office • 103 Hulston Hall • Columbia, MO 65211

1-888-MULAW4U • www.law.missouri.edu

HON. DENNY CHIN ’78 Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

KHADIJAH SHARIF-DRINKARD ’97 Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Viacom Media Networks & BET Networks

ANDY HINTON ’89 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Google

VIANNY M. PICHARDO ’08 Senior Associate, Anderson Kill P.C. Immediate Past President, The Dominican Bar Association

From our origin as a gateway school for newly arrived immigrants to our role as a leader in 21st-century legal education, Fordham Law School has continually nurtured talented students who pursue diverse careers around the globe. Join the vibrant Fordham Law community.

law.fordham.edu

Financial Planning for Law School Ultimately, a law degree is an investment in you and your future.

By Mario Villa Think about your last big dream vacation. Weeks, months, even years go into preparing for such an experience: you read reviews/blogs, learn about flights, and talking with people who have been there. Take this same approach towards planning how to finance your legal education. Ultimately, a law degree is an investment in you and your future. Be debt-avers: plan your law school finances. In the U.S. today, it is highly unlikely that the total cost of a legal education – from applying, to going to law school, to getting licensed – will be less than the amount of a starting salary for recent law graduates. The National Association for Law Placement or NALP (nalp.org) provides summaries and statistics on the legal job market. According to NALP’s Class of 2016 report, the national median salary for bar passage required jobs is $66,499 and the national mean is $93,447. When you look at just the cost of tuition, you would pay over $100,000 at over 100 law schools according to statistics found on the U.S. News and World Report rankings of law schools. That does not include living expenses, the cost of relocating to attend law school, or the bar exam course. Many students are not prepared for the actual, comprehensive cost of a legal education. To get a more accurate picture of the complete cost of a legal education, it is important to look at three stages that you will finance and to create a financial plan that addresses each stage.

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MONEY MATTERS Suggestions to avoid financial pitfalls are below. THE APPLICANT STAGE Be financially smart about the LSAT, applying to law school, and transitional costs (plan for $3,000) Applying to law school includes fees and expenses that you may previously have not anticipated. Take the time to calculate how much money you have available to put towards this stage. If your disposable funds are minimal, you may want to consider earning and saving some money first. Identify each law schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application deadline and use a calendar to map out when you should register for the Law School Admissions Test or LSAT exam. Pick test dates and testing locations that will give you plenty of time to adequately prepare and meet application deadlines. Keep in mind that if you need to switch dates or test centers, you will be charged a $100 fee for each change. Plan ahead, pick a date and testing center, and stick to it. A great LSAT performance can turn into admission offers and significant scholarships, but preparation for the exam can add costs. Pick an effective preparation method by asking yourself, how do I study best? Is it through a classroom course, online classes, group studying, self-studying or with a tutor? Ask your Pre-Law advisor for guidance on LSAT prep options in your local area and find the best deal before adding those costs. Spend time researching law schools because each one will charge an application fee. The Law School Admissions Council or LSAC has a fee waiver program by application based on financial hardship. If granted, this waiver provides two free administrations of the LSAT ($180 each) and the Credential Assembly Service or CAS fee ($185). It also provides four CAS school reports ($35 each) and an LSAT prep study guide. If you obtain an LSAC fee waiver, you earn an application fee waiver

to many law schools automatically. If you cannot obtain an LSAC waiver, you may be able to obtain an application fee waiver from each law school directly, but you will have to budget for the LSAC services costs (including the LSAT registration fee). Ask questions about scholarships to financial aid officers. That includes asking about scholarship conditions and requirements, renewal procedures, and deadlines to apply. Plan to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA becomes available every October 1 and requires tax information from the priorprior year. Once you receive a full financial aid package from each law school, you must compare each package to see what your threeyear out-of-pocket cost will be for each option. Look at employment statistics and salary information that is available with the Career Services office at each law school. These figures could warrant a decision to matriculate to a law school that costs more, but will provide a pathway to potentially stronger employment outcomes. Would you make a $100,000+ purchase blindly? You owe it to yourself to visit each of your top choice law schools to ensure that it is a great fit for you and that you can envision success in that environment. Some law schools may offer travel stipends or travel scholarships to visit. It never hurts to ask courteously. Budget for travel costs which may include flights, rental cars, lodging, food, and business casual or business professional clothing, if necessary. Once you narrow your choice to only one or two law schools, you will pay a seat deposit of anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for each school to remain in their entering class. Some schools will charge a second deposit later in the spring or early summer to ensure your commitment. Finally, budget for the move to law school. Unfortunately, federal guidelines do not allow financial aid for moving costs like apartment

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CLEO EDGE

MONEY MATTERS application fees and deposits, moving vans, furniture, initiation fees for utilities, or travel costs. This is where downsizing and selling unwanted, gently used items can assist with moving costs. When you consider all of these costs, you may easily surpass $2,000, if not more. It would be prudent to budget $3,000 for the law school application stage. THE LAW STUDENT STAGE Live like a law student, not like an established lawyer in law school. After choosing your school, align your personal budget with the cost-of-attendance amount provided by the Financial Aid office. This amount covers expenses during the academic year. After tuition and fees, you will have an allowance for housing or room/board (which includes food), a travel allowance, an allowance for books and supplies, a miscellaneous allowance, and loan fees. Your law school may add expenses for required items like student health insurance or to use specific facilities on campus. If you do not understand the purpose for certain line items in the cost-of-attendance, ASK QUESTIONS! Most law students receive all of their financial aid in one lump-sum up front each term. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your personal financial habits. Are you someone that easily spends money if it is in your wallet or purse, or are you someone that can hold onto money without spending it? Knowing your financial personality provides the strategy in how you should approach money management. Some law students take all of the financial aid that is available and return unused funds because they know they will not spend the extra money frivolously. Others only take the only financial aid that they absolutely need, not what they can, because they know they will spend the extra money otherwise. Each dollar you borrow in student loans will be paid back with interest. Cut discretionary habits that are not useful for law school. 50

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Find a roommate so you can share utilities. Do you find yourself using food for entertainment rather than nutrition? Learn to cook and prepare meals more often so that you can resist buying your lunch every day. Look at your calendar and know when you may be at events where meals are provided so you can trim your weekly grocery spending. Take advantage of the resources on your campus. More than likely you are paying mandatory student fees for things like the use of student and recreation centers. Understand that if you are using federal student loans to pay for the entire costof-attendance and have no additional income, you may not be able to attend every bachelor/ bachelorette party, wedding, or personal event. Continue to look for scholarships as a current law student. The Financial Aid office should be able to provide resources for additional funding opportunities. Start to create your plan for the bar preparation period after graduation. If you receive extra money, put it aside for bar prep or the next transition. Talk to Financial Aid about anticipatory and irregular expenses that may not be covered in the cost-of-attendance. You want to try to see all the costs up front. How much is it to rent a carrel or a locker? What are dues for organizations or journals? Are there printing costs, copying costs, or costs for other office services? Do you have to pay for parking? When do you obtain financial aid for the semester and the upcoming semester? Do you need to have funds set aside if you are not in summer school? These questions are valid and will help you plan. Instead of asking for that brand new purse or that new gaming system for the holidays or your birthday, ask for more practical items to cut down your law school expenses. Gift cards to purchase professional clothing for job interviews, gift cards for grocery stores, gift cards for Target or Walmart, gas/airline gift cards for travel are much better items to receive to reduce your borrowing in upcoming academic terms.

MONEY MATTERS You are also strongly discouraged from working your first year as a law student. However, law schools may have work-study or part-time jobs that are available as a 2L or 3L student. That is a great way to earn additional income to either mitigate borrowing or to save for bar exam prep course and living expenses while studying for the bar exam. THE LAW GRADUATE STAGE Start looking at your plan to transition financially out of law school after your second year. One of the best resources to keep track of your federal student loans is the National Student Loan Data System (nslds.ed.gov). Before the start of your third year, you should go back and look at the current status of your loan to review the information about interest rates, grace periods, and repayment options. As soon as you obtain employment, there are several loan calculators available to begin estimating repayment. Make appointments with Financial Aid to go through the process and learn about exit counseling and incomedriven repayment plans. National student loan policy expert Heather Jarvis is an excellent resource on loan repayment options and has valuable information through her website (askheatherjarvis.com). Your marital status and how you file taxes as a married couple could have implications on what you would owe in your repayment plan.

served by looking into a private bar study loan from a financial institution of your choice. Some law graduates continue to interview for jobs after graduation and that may result in additional costs for travel and professional clothing. In addition, some graduates find themselves in temporary employment while they wait to start their legal jobs. For example, most government and public service organizations are not able to hire new attorneys until they have passed the bar exam and been sworn in as licensed members of the bar. DEVELOP A FORWARD-THINKING FINANCIAL MINDSET In conclusion, it is very important to plan for and estimate the complete, comprehensive cost of a legal education. Set a goal to revisit your financial plan at least once a month for an hour or two and focus on what is ahead financially for the next month, three months, or semester. Are you sticking to your financial plan? Are there any changes that can be made? Are they any new resources available or ways to continue to cut costs effectively? With enough planning ahead, you will be as prepared as possible to focus on doing well in law school academically and to ultimately meet your dream of joining the legal profession. *This article was originally pubished in the 2018 CLEO EDGE with data available at that time.

If you are moving after law school, look online at cost-of-living indicators for common goods in your new location. Sometimes I refer students to paycheckcity.com or other paycheck estimators to get a better estimate of their net pay after taxes. Other expenses to plan for include the bar preparation course and materials, licensing costs from the state bar where you are taking the exam, and living expenses while you are studying for the bar. If you do not have around $15,000 of money saved, you would be best

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CLEO EDGE

Crowell & Moring is proud to support CLEO and its 2018 CLEO EDGE Awards Gala Congratulations to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees CROWELL.COM

WE ARE PROUD TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNCIL ON LEGAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY, INC. AND JOIN IN HONORING VERNON E. JORDAN, JR. AT THE CENTER OF BENEFITS, HEALTH, AND RETIREMENT www.groom.com

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY School of Law - Fort Worth, Texas

ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW • • • •

EARN

Ranks #7 in intellectual property studies. Ranks #12 in dispute resolution studies. Has a 27 percent, APY* minority faculty. Offers 11 clinics for students in need of on a 15-month real-world application. of Deposit • Certificate Has 35 placements in the top 50 legal journals since 2017. • Has 11 American Law Institute members among its faculty.

1.00%

law.tamu.edu

#CLEOAT50

Since 1968: Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders 54

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In celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 2018, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) recognized and honored 150 individuals, law schools, and legal organizations, that have made significant accomplishments or demonstrated commitments to Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the legal profession. Called the CLEO EDGE Award, nominees were announced at one of three receptions: Education nominees were honored in Houston, Diversity nominees in San Francisco , and Greater Equality nominees in New York. The CLEO EDGE Award recipients: 50 for Education; 50 for Diversity; and 50 for Greater Equality were honored at the 50th Anniversary Awards Gala in Washington, DC.

cleoinc.org/50 WINTER/SPRING 2019

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HOUSTON: EDUCATION

THE DOWNTOWN CLUB OF HOUSTON

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#CLEOAT50

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SAN FRANCISCO: DIVERSITY

CLEO EDGE

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GOOGLE DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

#CLEOAT50

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NEW YORK: GREATER EQUALITY THE NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB

CLEO EDGE

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#CLEOAT50

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CLEO EDGE

boston college law one community "What makes BC Law so special? My answer has always been the same: this is an unbelievably supportive community, where faculty, administrators, students, and alumni come together to create a vibrant academic and social experience." —Tracey West, Associate Dean for External Relations, Diversity and Inclusion

BC Law has a tangible sense of community that makes going to law school here different than anywhere else. Combine that with the very best faculty, academics and real-world programs, and it's easy to see why we're so unique. Visit our website, or call our admissions office to schedule a tour and come see what we have to offer. You'll be glad you did.

• Top 25 school where big firms recruit • #11 "Best Value" private school • #7 "Best Classroom Experience" • #8 "Best Professors" • LAHANAS diversity program • 11 moot court teams • 27% students of color

Think big. Take action. Drive change.

UB School of Law —a premier public law school in the Northeast— is an innovative force in legal education, providing world-class training based on a foundation of academic excellence.

Tuition & Scholarship: In-State $25,410* and Recently Reduced Out-of-State & International $29,500*. More than 80% of incoming students are awarded merit scholarship. * Does not include fees and additional expenses.

Community: A warm, diverse and collegial environment with a low student to faculty ratio – 6.5:1 – and one-on-one academic advising.

Location: Known for its affordability and friendly neighbors, Buffalo is New York’s second largest city and just 2 hours from Toronto, Canada.

APPLY TODAY! law.buffalo.edu/admissions

A Law School in the Heart of New York City • The birthplace of the Innocence Project • Access to the vitality of New York’s business world • Caring faculty

Connect your students to programs including: • The FAME Center for Fashion, Art, Media & Entertainment Law • The Center for Rights & Justice • The Cardozo Data Law Initiative

With real-world career building opportunities: • The Indie Film Clinic • The Tech Startup Clinic • The Immigration Justice Clinic … and much more.

Learn more about Cardozo School of Law at cardozo.yu.edu.

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

WASHINGTON, DC: CLEO EDGE AWARDS GALA

#CLEOAT50

THE RITZ CARLTON

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CLEO EDGE

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#CLEOAT50 IN THE WORDS OF THE HONORABLE JUSTICE THURGOOD MARSHALL:

“None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.

We got here because somebody -

a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns -

bent down and helped us pick up our boots.” As CLEO celebrates 50 years of “Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders,” we would be remiss not to honor some of the many individuals, law schools, and organizations that have not only “bent down and helped CLEO pick up its boots,” but also have stood with CLEO at the vanguard of Championing Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the legal profession. Lawyers impact every aspect of American life. More than 50 years ago, CLEO’s founders recognized the importance of producing a legal profession that mirrors the mosaic of this great nation. Building on the pillars of Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality, they worked together to develop the foundation for a program that would weather many storms over the next half century. This evening, we honor not only those founders whose vision and commitment resulted in the birthing of CLEO, but also those individuals, law schools, and organizations that have helped to sustain and expand CLEO’s mission through their collective passions toward balancing the scales of justice for all Americans. Education - Nelson Mandala said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Tonight’s Education honorees recognize and exemplify that awareness. Diversity - R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. captured the essence of our commitment to a more diverse legal profession in his book, “Building a House for Diversity.” The book begins with a fable about

a giraffe, who living in a house designed to meet the needs of his tall, slender frame, invites an elephant in for a visit. The elephant unintentionally demolishes the walls and foundation of the giraffe’s beautiful home and the fable concludes with the realization that a giraffe house could never accommodate an elephant. CLEO’s Diversity honorees understand the importance of building a house for diversity. Greater Equality encompasses a human tapestry; a panorama that includes race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation, in addition to individual choices and preferences. Over the last five decades, the legal profession has played a major role in weaving components, e.g. Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, Women’s Movement, Gay Rights Movement, Americans with Disabilities Act, Immigration Movement, towards Greater Equality in America. The Greater Equality honorees are indeed egalitarians who share CLEO’s commitment to the equality of all people and have helped advance our society. We sincerely appreciate you taking time to join us in celebrating The CLEO EDGE: 50 Years of Championing Education, Diversity and Greater Equality in the Legal Profession. As CLEO continues executing its longstanding tradition of Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders, we urge you to reaffirm your commitment to Education, Diversity and Greater Equality by promoting and supporting CLEO in perpetuity. WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

LAW SCHOOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFE Mitchell Hamlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture allows us to get to know each other as peers and individuals. We are a community made up of students, faculty, staff, and alumni committed to your success.

We are honored to receive a CLEO EDGE Award for Education. Congratulations to CLEO for 50 years of leadership in creating a more diverse and inclusive legal community.

Pictured left to right: Leona Ajavon, 3L and CLEO alum, and Mitchell Hamline staff Delena Price and Sharon Van Leer

Mitchell Hamline provides access to legal education and experience with the law that fits your situation in life. You can study full time on campus or choose among partially online enrollment options that bring you to campus 2-3 weeks per year.

MITCHELLHAMLINE.EDU/CLEO ST. PAUL, MINN.

STORE

THE

AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE AT CLEOINC.ORG

- Show Your Support With Official CLEO, Inc Merch! -

In 2017, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) launched its alumni and friends networking site, CLEOConnection.com. Since the platform’s release, nearly 700 individuals have “joined the connection” and reconnected with former classmates and friends. The site allows members to connect with a mentor, upload their work experience, post and learn about new job vacancies and industry news, register for events, and much more.

JOIN TODAY!

Joining the CLEOConnection.com is FREE and EASY. You can connect with your Facebook®, Google®, or LinkedIn® account or use your preferred email address. With your support, we can easily make CLEOConnection.com the “go to” online diversity and inclusion network for prelaw students and legal professionals.

CLEOCONNECTION.COM

Congratulations CLEO on your 50th Anniversary!

Many thanks to Senior Partner Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr. and all of the honorees for your contributions and achievements in Education, Diversity and Greater Equality in the legal profession.

Baton Rouge Dallas/Fort Worth Gulfport Houston Jackson London Mobile New Orleans Raleigh Tampa Tupelo

FEATURE

CLEO Alumnus Gives Back Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr. Spearheads Fundraiser By Bernetta J. Hayes

“As much as CLEO has given me, I should be able to give something to it.” Thus began the making of a major

University School of Law (later designated

fundraising effort by CLEO alumnus

as Southern University Law Center),

and retired Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr. to

methodically called on colleagues, law

help CLEO celebrate its 50th anniversary.

firms, law school foundations, and others

Pitcher, who attended the CLEO Six-Week

for support. The result: $22,500 raised in

Summer Institute in 1969 at Southern

a little over six weeks.  WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

FEATURE

As a senior partner at Phelps Dunbar, LLP, an international law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pitcher had a “Who’s Who Rolodex” of the legal profession in the city, parish, and state. That list of business contacts and friends was honed by years of service and practice in the legal professional. In fact, the jurist’s career has spanned almost every facet of being a lawyer. Judge Pitcher was influenced at an early age by his cousin Alex Pitcher who was in the first graduating class from Southern University School of Law and a prominent civil rights attorney during the 50s and 60s. Using Alex as a role model, the judge has worked as a Special Counsel in the Criminal Division in the Louisiana Attorney General’s office; a Partner in his firm of Pitcher, Tyson,

JUDGE FREDDIE PITCHER, JR.

Avery & Cunningham; and a senior partner at Phelps specializing in dispute resolution

In addition, Judge Pitcher served as the

and complex litigation. Moreover, he has

Chancellor of Southern University Law

parlayed his skills to become several firsts:

Center until 2016.

`` the first African American elected judge to the City Court of Baton Rouge, `` the first African American elected to the 19th Judicial District Court, and `` the first African American elected to

There is little wonder when the judge called on his colleagues they not only gave generously, but also attended a reception honoring CLEO and its Pre-Law Summer Institute participants. It was during this reception that he showcased

the Louisiana First Circuit Court of

his contributors and CLEO, so the students

Appeals.

could benefit.

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FEATURE

His advice to first year law students:

“ be the best you can be, Work hard and seek to

for you only get out of the pipeline what you put in it. Law school success and a successful and rewarding career path start with what you put in your first year.

”

- Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr.

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CLEO EDGE

PREPARED TO PRACTICE.

READY FOR ANYTHING. At Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, our nationally recognized curriculum and focus on practical training prepare our graduates to enter the profession ready to rise to any challenge.

Chapman.edu/law

A Legacy of Leadership Emory Law congratulates CLEO for 50 years of championing education, diversity, and greater equality in the legal profession. In 1962, Emory Law led the Southeast in integrating legal education with the historic case Emory v. Nash. CLEO’s precursor–the “Pre-Start” program– followed, first led by Emory Law Professor Nat Gozansky. Emory Law is proud of our shared history, and embraces CLEO’s long commitment to diversity and inclusion among both students and faculty.

Black Law Students Association

named as 2015-2016 & 20162017 Large Chapter of the Year & 2017-2018 Regional Chapter of the Year (3rd straight year).

Latin American Law Students Association hosted Justice Sonia Sotomayor in February 2018.

We invite you to join our thriving student community of scholars and leaders. Like the legal visionaries before you, let Emory empower you to make an Asian Pacific American Law Students impact in our community and beyond. Association raises funds for the ACLU Foundation of Georgia to be used for immigration efforts.

Learn more & apply: law.emory.edu/apply

Email: jdadmission@emory.edu for a fee waiver code.

T H E C I T Y THAT NEVER GOES B AC KWAR D. T H E L AW S CHO O L THAT A LWAYS LOO KS F O RWA R D.

SAN FRANCISCO

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

Is CLIC the

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

Wave of the Future? By Bernetta J. Hayes

When CLEO began its CLIC (CLEO Legally Inspired

and prestigious Peggy Browning Fellowship; and

Cohort) program in 2016, it was the culmination

still another will be editor of the Law Journal of

of years of researching, conceptualizing, and

Public Policy and Practice Symposium at her law

networking. Finally, we had a program that would

school, as well as a Fulton & Waite Scholar. These

give law school access to diverse students with

are just some of the accomplishments of students

low test scores and/or grade point averages.

who would not have been able to attend law

Based on the POSSE concept, the CLIC program

school without the CLIC program.

identifies, recruits, and trains diverse students

to matriculate at a predetermined CLEO partner

Washburn University School of Law, has been

law school; ideally in groups of up to five. That

added to our roster. CLEO intends to have 25

first year the program successfully produced 15

partner schools by 2025.

students who worked together at four partner law schools. Today, these law school students either graduated in December 2018 or will graduate in May 2019. Moreover, CLEO has ushered in two more classes in the CLIC program for a total of 37 students who are either 1Ls, 2Ls, or 3Ls. And we are preparing to welcome a fourth class of up to 20 CLIC Fellows in the summer of 2019. The students from these classes are doing well. For example, one student is on the Dean’s List; another CLIC Fellow was awarded the highly competitive

Additionally, another partner school,

The CLIC program continues to prove CLEO’s original hypothesis: `` If a diverse student is prepared; `` If that student has a peer group support network; and `` If that student has a supportive and nurturing legal community, Then, these diverse students should be successful and graduate. Let’s hope this portends a tsunami. WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

Proud Supporter of CLEO’s mission to help develop the nation’s next generation of diverse legal talent and recognize deserving individuals and organizations making a difference in the areas of Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality.

Williams & Connolly upholds diversity and inclusion as core values; exceptional advocates are not cut from a single—or predictable—cloth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion makes us better able to serve our clients and community.

Williams & Connolly LLP 725 Twelfth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 202-434-5000 | www.wc.com

Friendly. Inclusive. Collaborative.

Join the Washburn Law family!

7.1 : 1 Student-tofaculty ratio

32.4%

less debt upon graduation than the national average for law schools. *Class of 2017

Residents of six states qualify for in-state tuition at Washburn. Active duty and military veterans may also qualify. Residents of all other states can qualify for in-state tuition after only six months.

Carla D. Pratt Dean, Washburn Law

washburnlaw.edu | 785.670.1185

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

CLEO PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE

The Next 50 Years of Preparing Successful Law School Students For more than 50 years, CLEO, the Council on Legal

How does CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute work?

Education Opportunity, Inc. has worked diligently to

The following information should help you get that

provide Pre-Law recruitment, counseling, placement

CLEO Edge to becoming a successful law school

assistance, and training to increase the number of

student.

qualified students in law school through its premier testimonies to CLEO’s effectiveness come from

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE CLEO PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE?

federal judges to Members of Congress to successful

CLEO applications are accepted online only.

businesspeople.

To apply, please visit our website, cleoinc.org.

program the Pre-Law Summer Institute. Alumni

Since 1968, more than 11,000 persons from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, low-income, and disadvantaged communities have been oriented to law school through CLEO’s rigorous, residential Pre-Law program that prepares students for law school. During the 2018 Summer Institute, 37 students—15 of whom were CLIC students—were selected to participate. The Institute, hosted at various law schools around the country,

First, you MUST register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (www. LSAC.org). The CLEO CAS Code is 5096. After completing the CAS registration, you may then complete the application on the CLEO website. Be sure to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY before you begin the Summer Institute application.

is designed to develop abstract thinking and legal

Upon receipt of the application, CLEO will request

writing, as well as analytical, test-taking, and study

an applicant’s CAS file from LSAC. You must take the

skills.

LSAT by February, 2019, to be considered for the Pre-Law Summer Institute.

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

Applicants for admission to the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute should: `` Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited

WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR THE SUMMER INSTITUTE?

college or university earned prior to the start of

The Pre-Law Summer Institute is designed to assist

the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute

all persons from traditionally underrepresented racial

`` Obtain LSAT scores and CAS subscription

and ethnic groups, low-income, and disadvantaged communities seeking a solid preparation for the first

`` Be prepared to upload a personal statement

year of law school. Most of the program participants

`` Apply online by February 28, 2019, at

or have received a “conditional acceptance.” Students

www.cleoinc.org/plsi under the Programs

tab/Pre-Law Summer Institute. `` Pay a nonrefundable $30 application fee as part of the online application; only credit cards are accepted. No fee waivers will be granted. `` Apply to at least one CLEO Consortium

have either already been accepted into a law school seeking law school placement assistance usually have marginal academic criteria (i.e., LSAT score and GPA which meet a law school’s admission standards, but are in the lower percentile), yet have other indicators of a strong likelihood for success. Although CLEO is extremely liberal with respect to academic eligibility, it is unlikely that a student with an LSAT score and GPA

Partner School or Supporting/Sustaining

in the lowest percentile will be selected without a strong

Institution

recommendation from a CLEO Partner School or

Note: Any changes in application information after its initial submission should be sent to bhayes@cleoinc.org. If an applicant has been accepted to the Summer Institute, he/she will be notified by email.

Supporting/Sustaining Institution.

HOW DOES CLEO MAKE ITS DECISION? Admission to the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute program is selective. Each year hundreds of applications CONTINUED ON PAGE 84 WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS CHANGED.

SO HAVE WE. in Health Law

U.S. News & World Report

in International Law U.S. News & World Report

But our commitment to diversity remains unchanged.

in Public Interest Law PreLaw Magazine

in Intellectual Property Law

U.S. News & World Report

LAW.CASE.EDU

Any Person, Any Study

Find your home at

Cornell Law School % 49 students

% 44 female

CLASS OF 2021

of color

students

RD 3 for job

placement in largest law firms

jdadmissions@cornell.edu 607 255 5141 Carrie Montgomery Class of 2020 Team Building the Ithaca Way

Celebrating CLEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Anniversary of Championing Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the Legal Profession

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE FROM P.84

are received for consideration. In an effort to

For 2019, a CLEO-Walmart Pre-Law Scholarship

increase diversity for members of underrepresented

for the cost of the summer institute ($2,500) will be

groups in the legal profession, CLEO considers

awarded to 24 students. Criteria for the scholarship can

such factors as economic, educational, ethnic, and

be found on the CLEO website: cleoinc.org/plsi

geographic backgrounds. Admissions decisions are the responsibility of the CLEO Admissions Committee, Summer Institute Directors, and the admissions deans/ directors of the CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE SUMMER INSTITUTE? The cost of participating in the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute is $2,500. This includes room and board for the duration of the institute, books and materials, and administrative costs. Transportation to the Summer Institute is not included. A nonrefundable $200 deposit is required within 10 days of being accepted into the Summer Institute program. The remaining $2,300 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter. 84

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A nonprofit organization, CLEO, Inc. pays the law schools that host the Summer Institute a per student cost for her/his Pre-Law experience. Many students are generally first-generation college graduates.

WHAT IS CLEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REFUND POLICY? A nonrefundable $200 deposit is required within 10 days of being accepted into the Summer Institute program. The remaining $2,300 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter. A 90% refund of the $2,300 will be granted provided that the request is made in writing and received in the CLEO office by April 26, 2019. NO refunds will be made for cancellations received after April 26, 2019.

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

WHERE ARE THE INSTITUTE LOCATIONS?

DOES CLEO OFFER PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE?

The Summer Institute locations vary from year to

CLEO participants who successfully complete the CLEO

year. Most recently, they have been held at Southern

Pre-Law Summer Institute program and demonstrate

University Law Center. Students are generally

a probability of success in law school are certified as

assigned to a location away from their permanent

CLEO Fellows and are eligible to receive law school

residence so they can devote their full attention to the

placement assistance. CLEO Institute Directors devote

program. All participants must reside in the dormitory.

substantial energy to secure active consideration of

The residential portion of the Institute begins in early

those participants who have not gained admission to

June; the online segment in late May.

law school, either prior to or during the course of the institute, by CLEO consortium partner schools and supporting institutions. While every effort is made to place all Summer Institute participants, CLEO cannot guarantee that all certified CLEO Fellows will be admitted to an ABA-approved law school at the conclusion of the Institute. CLEO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability regarding admission, access to, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities. For further information or to apply online, please visit our website at cleoinc.org.

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

Educating Leaders. Lives. Educating Leaders.Transforming Transforming Lives.

P.O. Box 1848

481 CHUCKY Mrecognized ULLINS DRIVE The University of Mississippi School of Law is nationally University, MS 38677 for transforming its students into practice-ready lawyers. 662.915.6910

We offer 10 clinics through our in-house law ﬁrm that allow students to represent real clients through: • • • • •

Child Advocacy Clinic Criminal Appeals Clinic Housing Clinic MacArthur Justice Clinic George C. Cochran Innocence Project

• • • • •

law.olemiss.edu

Transactional Clinic Volunteer Income Tax Clinic Pro Bono Initiative Clinical Externship Program Street Law Clinic

The addition of the Business Law Fellowship to Ole Miss Law’s top-ranked business law program proves a unique opportunity for high-achieving 1Ls to gain practical skills while working with the legal team of major corporations such as: • FedEx • Sanderson Farms

• C Spire • Ingalls Shipbuilding

P.O. Box 1848 481 CHUCKY MULLINS DRIVE University, MS 38677 662.915.6910 law.olemiss.edu

Supporting diversity in the legal profession. Microsoft is a proud sponsor of CLEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Year Anniversary. Microsoft applauds CLEO for its commitment to expanding and supporting minority students to attend and to succeed in law school. Congratulations!

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

CLEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Partnerships Yield Benefits for Students

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

Walmart, Inc. National Conference of Bar Examiners. 50th Anniversary Law School Sponsors. These are just some of the organizations that CLEO has partnered with for the benefit of their students. Read on to learn how these partnerships just may help you.

Walmart, Inc.

National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)

PLSI Law School Scholarships

Twenty-four lucky students

NCBE has provided funding to

During CLEO’s 50th anniversary,

will have their $2500 tuition

bolster CLEO’s programs that

a law school scholarship to

to the 2019 CLEO Pre-Law

help its students pass the bar

be given to Pre-Law Summer

Summer Institute paid for

exam. Beginning in early 2019,

Institute (PLSI) students

by Walmart. This generous

this program will affect 1Ls, 2Ls,

was established for those

gesture will help increase the

and 3Ls nationwide. Specific

law schools that backed the

accessibility of legal education

programming to boost student

anniversary at the $3000 level

to minority, low-income, and

awareness of professional

and above. At least 29 students

under-represented groups.

ethics, the Multistate Bar

will be the recipient of a $500

Called the CLEO-Walmart Pre-

Examination (MBE), Uniform

scholarship named for a law

Law Scholarship, this grant

Bar Examination (UBE) and

school. These student winners

is a part of the company’s

test-taking techniques will be

will be announced in the near

push to increase diversity

featured. For more information

future.

and inclusion across sectors.

about this new program,

More information about the

contact Lynda Cevallos,

scholarship criteria can be

Director of Pre-Law Educational

found on the CLEO website in

Activities, lcevallos@cleoinc.org.

the Pre-Law Summer Institute section and elsewhere under “Pre-Law Programs.”

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

practice makes perfect. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law congratulates

CLEOinc.

on 50 years of bringing greater diversity to the legal profession.

l a w. p i t t . e d u

FEATURE

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2019

FEATURE

in retrospect

6 of our alumni think back on their CLEO experience and fill us in on where they are now...

WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Ogechi Achuko Muotoh CLEO 2010: Summer Institute

“Write down your goal and take positive steps, no matter how small, towards achieving your goal.” LAW SCHOOL:

University of Virginia School of Law REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute provided me with a strong academic foundation for not only my success in law school but now as a lawyer. CLEO has also been a wonderful resource for networking with diverse attorneys and supporting minority law students. CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Senior Associate / Hogan Lovells LLP WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

I work with companies that have federal and state government contracts and grants and advise them on compliance, investigations, ethics, and employment matters. I also assist universities with managing their federally sponsored research and international projects.

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BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

Have a regular habit of setting goals for yourself, not only professionally, but also personally. Write down your goal and take positive steps, no matter how small, towards achieving your goal.

CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Cuong Quy Huynh CLEO 2000: Attitude is Essential

“CLEO gave me a positive attitude and the humble grounding to embark on my law school journey.” LAW SCHOOL:

U.C. Hastings College of Law REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

My summer CLEO experience was such a confidence-booster that made me feel ready for law school when I started in the Fall 2000. CLEO gave me a positive attitude and the humble grounding to embark on my law school journey. CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Co-founder of Rende Progress Capital - a non-profit emerging Community Development Financial Institution based in Michigan that invests in excluded entrepreneurs and their families. Our focus is to reduce the wealth inequality gaps and create unbiased financial lending decisions for entrepreneurs, so they can succeed. WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

I am working with Rende Progress Capital and another non-profit, Enlightened Initiative, to invest in the immigrant and vulnerable youth from low-wealth households across the nation and in Puerto Rico. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

“Law school can be very difficult. Do not give up! Go after your dreams, despite so many obstacles and hardships. CLEO is there to assist you,. The CLEO staff, mentors, and alumni all want you to SUCCEED! Always remember, you have made it this far. Do not give up!”

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CLEO EDGE

UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

American University Washington College of Law is more than just a leading law school. It’s a diverse law school community where students, faculty, and alumni discover open doors and endless possibilities. You’ll be immersed in local government and international business thanks to our location in the heart of the nation’s capital, and gain practical experience through clinics, externships, and specialized programs. At AUWCL, we don’t just teach the law— we show you how to turn your aspirations into practice.

wcl.american.edu

CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Candelario Saldana CLEO 2016: Summer Institute

“Never stop believing that success is attainable”

LAW SCHOOL:

University of Miami School of Law REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

My experience at the Summer Institute allowed me to be in the top 20% of my class after my first year of law school. Today I am happy to say that I am in the top 10% of my class and that I’ll be going to a big Wall Street firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft after graduation. Without my experience in the CLEO Summer Institute I probably wouldn’t have these successes. CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, in the Capital Market practice group. WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

Currently, I am the President of OUTLaw and a Fellow at the University of Miami School of Law Immigration Clinic where I am working on a lawsuit against Miami Dade County challenging its policy for jailing people for ICE. I am also a Research Assistant for two professors at my school, where I continue to work on my legal research and legal writing skills. I am also a member of the Race and Social Justice Law Review, and a site coordinator for the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

Never stop believing that success is attainable, and surround yourself with others who look like you and have gone through a similar path. The power of networking is more than one actually can quantify.

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CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Arthur G. Affleck, III CLEO 1981: Summer Institute

“As a result of the CLEO experience, I was confident and, more importantly, I was prepared.” LAW SCHOOL:

American University-Washington College of Law – Class of 1984 REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

“As fate would have it, I was called on to brief a case on day one in law school. I stood and delivered. As a result of the CLEO experience, I was confident and, more importantly, I was prepared.” CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Vice President for Development, the American Alliance of Museums WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

As the American Alliance of Museum’s Vice President of Development, I lead all aspects of the Alliance’s fundraising programs and activities with the primary goal of building a culture of philanthropy in support of the Alliance’s 2016-2020 strategic plan. I spent over 20 years working for higher education institutions and at other nonprofit organizations like the College Board and

the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In the higher education space, I served as either VP or Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement at private and public and colleges & universities. I also won several awards for excellence in fundraising from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). I authored several articles and in 2008, wrote and published a book “YES YOU CAN—Finish High School and Go to College.” BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

“Realize that you can’t do epic stuff with basic people. Decide to work and associate with people who share and who can facilitate your vision for your life. Live your dream and pursue your passion. Take care to do the work to maintain those relationships that really matter. Lastly, when the storm clouds of life form, remember the admonition—This too shall pass.” WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

2000

ATTORNEYS

LOCATIONS

Diversity & Education Gives You the EDGE Greenberg Traurig is proud to share in CLEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission and celebration of 50 years of championing Education, Diversity & Greater Equality in the legal profession. A special congratulations to CLEO EDGE Heritage Award recipient, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., and all of the CLEO EDGE honorees. Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Attorneys at Law | www.gtlaw.com Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ÂŠ2018 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Attorney Advertising. Contact: Brian Duffy in Denver at 303.572.6500. Numbers relating to the number of lawyers and governmental affairs professionals as well as locations are subject to periodic change. 31367

RECOGNITIONS:

www.quanlaw.com 5444 Westheimer Road, Suite 1750, Houston, Texas 77056 Tel: 713-625-9200

Proudly Supports the 50th Anniversary

CLEO EDGE Awards Ceremony. www.gibsondunn.com

Beijing  Brussels  Century City  Dallas  Denver  Dubai  Frankfurt  Hong Kong  Houston  London  Los Angeles Munich  New York  Orange County  Palo Alto  Paris  San Francisco  São Paulo  Singapore  Washington, D.C.

CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Monique E. Liburd CLEO 2005: Summer Institute

“Many of my CLEO connections remain close personally and professionally to this day.” LAW SCHOOL:

UC Berkeley School of Law REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

CLEO helped prepare me for the rigors of law school, allowed me to get comfortable networking with other professionals early on, and gave me the opportunity to build a nationwide support network of peers. Many of my CLEO connections remain close personally and professionally to this day. CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Google LLC

WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

I currently hold the position of Trademark Counsel at Google LLC in San Francisco, CA. My practice is focused on international intellectual property issues involving all aspects of the protection, acquisition, and enforcement of trademark rights, as well as intermediary liability issues relating to trademarks and general advocacy and education. I provide trademark legal support 102

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for the GOOGLE, GOOGLE ASSISTANT, GOOGLE MAPS, BLOGGER, and WAZE brands. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

Be the master of your own career and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. I found it very hard to leave my first legal role because I was performing well and felt so supported there. I was nervous that if I left, I would not find similar levels of support in other organizations. Luckily, someone much wiser than me shared that “people who are truly invested in your success will support you whether you work for them/with them or not” and I have found this to be true 100% of the time. Mentors will continue to support you and advocate for you if they are truly invested in you as a person and you can and will build new support systems other places.

CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

Yaneris M. Rosa CLEO 2004: Attitude is Essential

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take chances!”

LAW SCHOOL:

Harvard Law School REFLECTIONS ON CLEO EXPERIENCE:

I aspired to become an attorney since I was a little girl growing up in the Dominican Republic. My dream was strengthened when I realized that a law degree would give me the necessary tools to fight injustices in our society. I learned about the CLEO Attitude is Essential (AIE) program during a law school’s admitted students weekend. I immediately applied because as a firstgeneration college student I wanted to have the right tools to excel at Harvard Law School. The AIE weekend gave us an early taste of what to expect in law school and some helpful tools to succeed. CLEO also provides an amazing network of attorneys dedicated to diversifying the legal profession. While in law school, I remained involved with CLEO serving as a teaching assistant

during various Attitude is Essential programs and also helped with alumni engagement, event planning and fundraising. Due to my continued engagement, I was nominated and selected to serve on the CLEO board of directors. CURRENT ROLE / EMPLOYER:

Resideo Technologies, Inc., a spinoff of Honeywell International Inc.- General Counsel Americas, Security and Safety Business and Data Privacy Americas WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW:

I currently serve as General Counsel Americas of the Security and Safety Business and Data Privacy Americas at Resideo Technologies, Inc., a spinoff of Honeywell International Inc. Resideo is a global provider of residential comfort and security solutions, and distributor of lowvoltage and security products, with solutions present in more than 150 million homes globally. I previously served as Assistant WINTER/SPRING 2019

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CLEO ALUMNI PROFILES

General Counsel of the Honeywell HOMES business, joined Honeywell as Assistant General Counsel of the Honeywell Security Group and was subsequently promoted to Assistant General Counsel of the Honeywell Security and Fire business when Honeywell merged its separate Security and Fire business into one. My favorite part of the job is facilitating our transformation from a traditional hardware company to a software industrial, while working on cutting-edge technologies in the space of connected home and the internet of things. Prior to joining Honeywell, I was the Associate General Counsel of Planet Payment, Inc., a New York based start-up, where I worked on a variety of transactions, including the company’s IPO and listing on the NASDAQ. I started her career as a Corporate Associate at Simpson Thacher and Bartlett LLP, where I served as a member of the Advisory Council to the firm’s Diversity Committee and also managed pro bono matters, including asylum/immigration and divorce/family law issues for domestic violence victims. Since the inception of my legal career, I’ve been committed to diversity and inclusion and have been leading the way in advocating for a diverse workforce. I served as a leader of Honeywell’s Legal and Government Relations Diversity and Inclusion Council responsible for the diversity initiatives of the legal department. I also served as a leader of a cross functional Home and Buildings Technologies Diversity Council responsible for diversity initiatives of the business. Through my leadership in the Diversity and Inclusion Councils, I also strived to make an impact in the community by aligning service efforts with Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the Company’s corporate 104

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citizenship and social responsibility program. Recent co-sponsored charitable events include organizing a second suit drive event, professional development book drive and community volunteering. I am extremely passionate about education initiatives, especially those that provide opportunities for minority students and those from underprivileged backgrounds like myself. I enjoy mentoring high school, college and law students and serve on the: (i) Board of the Harvard Law School Black Alumni Network; (ii) Cornell University MOSAIC, organization of Cornell alumni that assist the university in meeting its goal of increasing diverse alumni engaged with the university; (iii) Board of Jack and Jill of America- Suffolk County Chapter, (iv) the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Alumni Association Trustee Council and (v) Advisory Board of the Mariposa DR Foundation, an organization in my native Dominican Republic that aims to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve universal primary education. I am also proud to serve on Board of Directors of CLEO which is committed to diversifying the legal profession by expanding legal education opportunities to minority, lowincome and disadvantaged groups. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THE “CURRENT” YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE “YOUNGER” YOU:

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take chances!

Committed to Diversity and the World of Ideas

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you come to study at the Law School, you will join a small and diverse student body that is deeply committed to studying the law, developing life-long friendships and professional relationships, and changing the world.â&#x20AC;? -Thomas J. Miles, Dean and Clifton R. Musser Professor of Law and Economics

Diversity and inclusion matter at UChicago Law. Our students revel in the free exchange of ideas and look for opportunities to grow, participating in our innovative clinics and active student organizations, pursuing research and other learning opportunities, and collaborating with our engaged faculty. Ours is a community of lifelong learners who are invested in their education and developing friendships with their peers.

www.law.uchicago.edu/admissions

A PROUD LEGACY of

TRAILBLAZERS IN THE LAW SUMNER LARK ‘16, the first African-American Assistant District Attorney of New York City FRIEDA B. HENNOCK ‘24, the first female Federal Communications Commissioner PERCY SUTTON ‘50, civil rights icon and the first African-American NYC borough president HONORABLE DAVID N. DINKINS ‘56, the first African-American Mayor of New York City HERMAN BADILLO ‘74, the first U.S. congressman of Puerto Rican descent

- Flexible 2-, 3- and 4-year J.D. options - Great Brooklyn location in the heart of vibrant cultural, civic and legal communities - Committed to diversity and inclusion since its founding in 1901 L E A R N M O R E AT B R O O K L AW. E D U

Be a champion. For more than 100 years, Stetson has proudly educated lawyers and leaders who have championed the way for justice in their communities. Stetson Law has been ranked No. 1 in Trial Advocacy and No. 2 in Legal Writing by U.S. News (2019), both essential tools for successful lawyers in all practice areas, whether championing actions in a courtroom or a boardroom. Stetson Law builds future advocates by creating a culture of inclusiveness and a legacy of academic and professional excellence. We welcome future champions at Stetson Law.

Florida’s First Law School | Founded 1900 | Tampa Bay, Florida stetson.edu/law | 727-562-7802 | lawadmit@law.stetson.edu

2018-2019

CLEOâ&#x20AC;¨Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education PARTNER SCHOOLS

University of Colorado Law School

American University Washington College of Law

University of Dayton School of Law

Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law City University of New York School of Law Florida A&M University College of Law Fordham University School of Law Georgetown University Law Center

University of Houston Law Center University of Idaho College of Law The University of Kansas School of Law The University of Mississippi School of Law University of Missouri School of Law Vermont Law School Washburn University School of Law

Golden Gate University School of Law

SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

New York Law School Quinnipiac University School of Law South Texas College of Law Houston Southern University Law Center Texas A&M University School of Law Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law The University of Chicago Law School 108

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Boston College Law School Brooklyn Law School Buffalo School of Law California Western School of Law Case Western Reserve University School of Law Cornell Law School DePaul University College of Law

SUSTAINING INSTITUTIONS Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law Boston University School of Law Concordia University School of Law Duquesne University School of Law Florida International University College of Law Lewis & Clark Law School Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Drake University Law School Emory University School of Law Loyola Law School | Los Angeles New York University School of Law Quinnipiac University School of Law SMU Dedman School of Law Stetson University College of Law Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law The University of Iowa College of Law University of California Hastings College of the Law

Mercer University – Walter F. George School of Law Michigan State University College of Law New England Law | Boston The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law Santa Clara University School of Law University of California at Los Angeles School of Law The University of Kansas School of Law University of Pennsylvania Law School University of San Francisco School of Law

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

University of St. Thomas School of Law – Minneapolis

University of Miami School of Law

The University of Tulsa College of Law

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Vanderbilt Law School

University of Pittsburgh School of Law University of Southern California Gould School of Law University of Wisconsin Law School Western State College of Law at Argosy University

Wake Forest University School of Law Washington and Lee University School of Law Washington University School of Law West Virginia University College of Law Widener University Delaware Law School WINTER/SPRING 2019

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109

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

Congratulates CLEO on its 50th Anniversary!

Diversity Matters memphis.edu/law/about/diversity.php

Picture yourself at NYU Law AT NYU SCHOOL OF LAW, WE ARE COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, DIVERSITY, AND STUDENT SUCCESS. Watch videos of these recent graduates talking about their experience: experience.law.nyu.edu

Find information on how to apply, scholarship programs, financial aid, and more: law.nyu.edu/jdadmissions

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

WE WILL TEACH YOU Our supportive legal community will help you acquire the skills to achieve your goals.

We oﬀer a ﬂexible schedule which allows you to complete your J.D. in 2, 2½ or 3 years, plus: A Human Rights Center Collaborative

BRING YOUR PASSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Required externships and in-house civil, criminal, immigration and intellectual property clinics A long-standing Program in Law and Technology opportunitie including full tuition for our Strong scholarship opportunities, Leadership Honors Program UDAYTON.EDU/LAW

Proud Host of the 2017 Far West Region ASAP and AIE seminars

37%

38%

88%

94%

students of color

students from outside of California

Bar Passage #2 in the state

Employment

July 2016, California, first-time test takers

10 months after graduation

HigHligHted programs: 4 First Generation Professionals 4 Public Interest Scholars Program 4 Community Colleges Pathway to Law School Partner gould.usc.edu | 213.740.2523 | admissions@law.usc.edu uscgouldadmissions

uscgouldadmissions

@USCGouldLaw

CLEO Contributors

CLEO gratefully acknowledges the precious gifts of financial and project support that make our programs possible and our events successful. Thank you!

CLEO Summer Institute and related programs are funded by the 2019 Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education’s Partner, Sustaining and Supporting Institutions and the following donors:

CORPORATE/ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITING PARTNERS

AccessLex Institute Law School Admission Council National Conference of Bar Examiners Wal-Mart DIAMOND SUPPORTERS

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Crowell & Moring Dinsmore Google

Greenberg Traurig Harris Beach Latham & Watkins Lazard

Littler Mendelson Phelps & Dunbar The Owens Family The Yette Family Trust

Groom Law Group Chartered Hogan Lovells Microsoft National Bar Institute

National Football League Foundation Toyota Motor NA Womble Bond Dickinson

The University of Houston Law Center Marriott McCarter & English Minority Corporate Counsel Association Mitchell Williams NFL Players Association Quan Law Group

Reed Smith Shell Oil Southern University Law Center Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law University of Vermont School of Law Williams & Connolly

GOLD SUPPORTERS

ACC Foundation DLA Piper Freddie Mac Gibson Dunn & Crutcher SILVER SUPPORTERS

American University – Washington College of Law Beveridge & Diamond Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Counsel on Call University of Dayton School of Law Dickinson Wright Exxon Mobil Corporation Holland & Knight 114

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WINTER/SPRING 2019

BRONZE SUPPORTERS

Adams and Reese Advantage Testing/TRIALS Albany Law School Asian American Legal Defense Fund Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz Baltimore State’s Attorney Office University of California, Irvine School of Law City University of New York School of Law Dentons Diamond McCarthy Duane Morris Florida A&M University College of Law Fordham University School of Law GEICO

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, LLC Howard University School of Law Jonathan Ogden Foundation Kean Miller Jones Walker Legal Prep Charter Academy Louisiana Judicial Council Foundation (NBA), Inc. Louisiana State University Foundation Marquette University School of Law Maryland Legal Aid McCammon Group, Ltd. McGlinchey Stafford Law Offices of Gail N. McKay University of Mississippi School of Law Mitchell Hamline School of Law

NAACP Legal Defense Fund National Legal Aid and Defenders Association The Ohio State University – Moritz College of Law Penn State Dickinson Law Richmond For Congress, LLC Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP Southern University System Foundation The Greater New Orleans Foundation Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC University of Wisconsin-Platteville

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS INDIVIDUAL GOLD CONTRIBUTORS

Paulette Brown A.M. Tony Clayton Angela Birch Cox Cleo Fields Phyllis M. Harris Robert L. Harris Harold and Franzene Henderson Nannette Jolivette Wilhelm Joseph, Jr. Willie Leftwich Monique Liburd Kent D. Lollis John B. Noland Hon. Eileen Olds Ana Otero Hon. Denise Owens Jeffrey Pash Hon. Freddie Pitcher, Jr. Pamela Rothenberg

Paul and Chandler Tagliabue Lewis Unglesby Jeff Whitney Joyce Yette INDIVIDUAL SILVER CONTRIBUTORS

Hon. Mari Carmen Aponte Hon. Dennis Archer Marcia Bove Earl Bracey Elizabeth A. Campbell Linda Clark Tracy Dalton La Verne Davis Dorie Evensen Darryl Franklin Michael Freedman Yvette Gatling William Lucy Tammy J. Montgomery Julie Myers-Benton

Cassandra Sneed Ogden Rachel Patrick Kimberly R. Phillips Carlton W. Reeves R. Lucia Riddle Yaneris Rosa Betty W. Sanders Michael Hunter Schwartz Denise Smith Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux Cleophus Thomas Hon. Reggie Walton Michael Weems Vanessa Williams Frank Wu INDIVIDUAL BRONZE CONTRIBUTORS

Leigh R. Allen II Pearl Allen Wanda Ashley Jannice Bannerman WINTER/SPRING 2019

CLEO EDGE

115

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS, cont. Melanie Bates Anwar Benjamin Roland Blackman Calvina Bostick Catherine Burnett Lynda Cevallos Deborah Clark Patrick Collins Willie Collins Barry Currier Iona Curry Angela Dixon Patricia Donkor Kevin Dullaghan Anselmo Duran Alphonso Eason Eileen M. Edwards Cleo Fields Anthony Franklyn Lorraine Galvis Howard Glickstein Maxine Goodman

Margruetta Hall Jacqueline Hancock Bernetta J. Hayes Wai Chi Ho Cisselon Hurd H. Johnson Eddie Koen, Jr. Antonio Leo Tonya Lewis Julie D. Long Lois G. Long Sharon Long Aimee Maldonado Vonda Mays Robbin McNeal Adele Meyer Shelby Moore Frank Motley Edward Pastor Walter Person Chiquita Phillips Latoyia Pierce

Edward Reddick Rayford Reed Reesa Reynolds Hon. Richard Roberts Sharolyn Rosier Hyson Charyce Rushing Dennis Shields Angel Simpson Amy Stewart Marguerite Stumbaugh Diane M.L. Tan Theodore Tanzer Cassandre Theano Sharon Van Leer Adis Vila David Walton Lancelot Ward Jessica Watts Curtis Whitman Jacqueline Windley

Congratulations! CLEO

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EDUCATION DIVERSITY & GREATER EQUALITY

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Over 25 clinical programs and externships

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It all adds up to… A world-class legal education in a dynamic city at a Midwestern price

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Building the Future of Justice LSAC Congratulates CLEO on its 50th Anniversary

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CLEO EDGE 2019

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