2020 FSU Black Law Students Association Brochure

FSU BLSA

The Delores Poindexter Auzenne Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association at Florida State University College of Law

2020-2021 Sponsorship Guide

A Message from the FSU BLSA Executive Board Many thanks for supporting the Delores Poindexter Auzenne Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association at Florida State University College of Law!

As one of the largest and most active student organizations at the College of Law, FSU BLSA executes enriching programming initiatives and has established a national reputation.

Following the mission of the National Black Law Students Association — “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community”— FSU BLSA depends on alumni and local community support to excel as a chapter. Thanks in part to donor support, FSU BLSA consistently wins national and regional awards for its excellence —in February 2020, FSU won first place in the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition at the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association’s annual convention! FSU’s team remained undefeated throughout all five rounds of the competition, beating teams from University of Alabama, University of Florida and University of North Carolina. FSU BLSA has won numerous national Chapter of the Year Awards and advocacy competition championships during the past decade.

Outside support also allows FSU BLSA to enhance networks and opportunities for students, alumni and corporate sponsors. As a corporate sponsor, you can gain access to FSU BLSA’s programs to connect with talented law and pre-law students, partner with the chapter on community and social advocacy initiatives, and lead in the professional development of the next generation of practicing attorneys. FSU BLSA looks forward to engaging with you to advance the community and profession!

Please contact us at fsulawblsa@gmail.com if you are interested in sponsorship and engagement opportunities. Follow FSU BLSA on Facebook and @fsublsa on Instagram.

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BLSA at a Glance Community Service

The Delores Poindexter Auzenne Chapter of the Black Law Students Association encourages its members and all law students to give back to the community at large. Some of our past community service initiatives include a classroom visit and mock trial demonstration at Pineview Elementary School, a book drive for the Leon County Detention Center, and Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Because community service is one of our main goals, each year we strive to become more present in and engaged with the local Tallahassee community.

Academic & Professional Development

BLSA hosts academic and professional development workshops each year where members learn to utilize resources and maximize opportunities to excel both academically and professionally. Each year BLSA hosts speaker series during the fall and spring semesters, where local attorneys and judges discuss their law school and legal profession journey. This past year, we welcomed esteemed presenters including U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida Chief Judge Mark Walker and Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Simone Marstiller. We also host exam preparation, goal setting and brief writing workshops for our 1L members annually. BLSA is always excited to have legal professionals serve as speakers and mentors to our students.

Students distributing food during an academic retreat service project.

Regional and National Contributions

A huge part of our success as a chapter comes from involvement with the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) and National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). Our members have served on the Southern Region Executive Board in roles such as Director of Membership, Regional Job Fair Coordinator and Regional Community Service Chair, and on the National Executive Board as Co-Director of Mock Trial. Our chapter also attends the region’s annual academic and leadership retreats as well as NBLSA’s annual regional and national conventions. These events give members the opportunity to represent FSU Law on a national platform and to build networks with other law students and legal professionals.

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Advocacy Competitions

Our chapter participates in the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition and the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition each year. In the past, our chapter has achieved impressive results, consistently placing in both the national and regional competitions.

Pre-Law Relations

Our chapter works closely with pre-law students organizations at Florida State University (FSU) and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). In collaboration with the FSU Law Admissions Office, we attend the annual Law Day fair at each school to discuss law school opportunities.

Our members also serve as mentors to pre-law students at both universities; our mentors help to guide motivated students through the law school application process. Each year, BLSA partners with the FSU Law Admissions Office to host a Personal Statement Workshop for local students interested in applying to law school. These opportunities allow the chapter to foster a relationship with diverse students before they start school.

Personal Statement Workshop

Alumni Relations

BLSA hosted an Alumni Reunion Weekend this past fall. The weekend consisted of both social activities and professional development activities for students and alumni. BLSA alumni hosted a male mentoring panel where male students received mentorship from distinguished alumni.

We also partnered with the Tallahassee Barristers Association to host our annual Introduction to the Legal Profession Panel. During this event, local judges and attorneys provided first-year law students with advice on starting a successful law school career. In addition, the social networking events for Alumni Reunion Weekend included a Meet & Greet Mixer and a cookout.

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Alumni Weekend

Recent Notable Chapter Accomplishments

1st place at SRBLSA Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition (2020) SRBLSA Medium Chapter of the Year (2018) Best Advocate Award SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2018) 2nd place SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2018) 3rd place NBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2017) 1st place SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2016) 3rd place SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2016) SRBLSA Best Petitioner Brief (2016) SRBLSA Medium Chapter of the Year (2016) 3rd place NBLSA Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition (2016) NBLSA Medium Chapter of the Year (2015) 1st place SRBLSA Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition (2015) 1st place NBLSA Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition (2015) SRBLSA Medium Chapter of the Year (2014) SRBLSA Large Chapter of the Year (2013) 1st place SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (2013) FSU BLSA team that won the regional 2020 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition

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Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorship contributions help us facilitate essential programming efforts that are designed to provide academic support, leadership development and civic engagement opportunities for our members. Some of our most successful events that we seek sponsorship for include Alumni Reunion Weekend, Regional Academic Retreats, Mock Trial and Moot Competitions, Regional and National Conventions and an Annual End of the Year Ceremony.

Gold level sponsor ($5,000 per year) Named sponsorship of end of year banquet, largest firm logo on signage and collateral worn/ displayed at competitions and national BLSA events, 3 VIP sessions with BLSA members to promote firm, student perception, etc.* Access to BLSA’s LinkedIn Group page where all students’ LinkedIn profiles available.

Garnet level sponsor ($2,500 per year) Named sponsorship of alumni reunion weekend, medium-size logo on signage/collateral, 2 VIP sessions.* Advocate level sponsor ($1,500 per year) Smallest size logo on signage/collateral, 1 VIP session.* Supporter level sponsor ($500 per year) Smallest size logo on signage/collateral. *VIP Session Opportunities Include: Clerkship Q&A Session Networking Session Networking Etiquette Workshop Mock Interviews Feedback Session Resume Writing & Review Workshop Post-Law Finances Workshop Writing Workshop ** If food or refreshments are to be provided at VIP sessions, purchases will need to be paid for or reimbursed by the sponsoring firm due to budgetary constraints.

Donations can be made online at give.fsu.edu/law, using the designation: Black Law Student Association, F08192.

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