National
Black
45 Annual
Law
Students
Association
National Convention
Convention Volunteer Guide March 6-10, 2013 | Westin Hotel at Peachtree Plaza | Atlanta, GA www.nblsa.org/2013convention | volunteer@nblsa.org
O V E R V I E W
45 Annual National Convention Overview
03 | About NBLSA 03 | Mission 04 | Chair’s Message 05 | Hotel, Travel, and Volunteer Registration Link 06 | Volunteer Roles 07 | Volunteer Notes 08 | Key Contacts 09 | Schedule 11 | Panel Descriptions
A B O U T N B L S A
45 Annual National Convention
About NBLSA
In 1968, Algernon Johnson ("AJ") Cooper Jr., former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the first Black American Law Students Association (BALSA) at the New York University Law School. In 1983, BALSA revised its name and the word "American" was deleted to encompass all blacks, including those not of American nationality. Later, the word "National" was added to reflect the organization's national expansion, which now includes representation in the law schools of forty-eight states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Today, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), is a national organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of black law students and effectuate change in the legal community. As the largest student run organization in the United States with over 6,000 members, NBLSA is also comprised of chapters or affiliates in six different countries including The Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa. Organized into six regions (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Mid-West, Rocky Mountain and Western Region), the organization has over 200 chapters and is present in all but a few of the nation's accredited law schools, as well as unaccredited law schools. The headquarters of NBLSA is located in Washington, D.C. NBLSA encourages the development of talented and socially-conscious lawyers of tomorrow.
Mission The purpose of NBLSA is to utilize the collective resources of the member chapters to: • Articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs and goals of Black law students; • Foster and encourage professional competence; • Improve the relationship between Black law students, Black attorneys, and the American legal structure; • Instill in the Black attorney and law student a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the Black community; • Influence the legal community by bringing about meaningful legal and political change that addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community; • Adopt and implement policies of economic independence; • Encourage Black law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and • Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes. •
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C H A I R M E S S A G E
45 Annual National Convention Dear Volunteers, Each spring, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) holds our Annual Convention. This year, we will convene March 6-10, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia under the theme inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Enhancing the Dream.” While the primary purpose of our National Convention is to conduct the business of NBLSA, the convention is also an opportunity for self-enrichment, empowerment, and professional development for our members. Through our planned professional development events, members will have an opportunity to meet and interact with NBLSA members from around the world, participate in competitions and workshops, and network with attorneys, legal employers, and other dignitaries. During our workshops we will discuss recent developments and issues affecting black communities, attorneys, and students. Other convention business will include conducting the election of our national officers, the presentation of our 2012-2013 annual officer reports, and plenary sessions held throughout the week where our convention delegates will hear updates on the state of the organization. Our National Convention is a time for reflection and celebration where we acknowledge our organization’s accomplishments and continue building towards a better future. We will recognize outstanding members, chapters, regions, and national initiatives that best exemplify NBLSA’s purpose of striving for racial equaility and fairness throughout the legal system. We also will honor the achievements and sacrifices of those that came before us, and pay tribute to their legacies of service and excellence. Our 2013 theme of “Enhancing the Dream,” embodies our efforts to continue to provide our membership with programming that builds upon our heritage, and the NBLSA history to ensure success and preparedness in the legal profession for our members. Having a successful National Convention requires volunteers who will provide the assistance needed for us to have a successful convention. Thank you in advance for making our 45th National Convention the best yet! Sincerely,
Ken"a Bro#
The George Washington University Law School National Chair, 2012-2013 National Black Law Students Association
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H O T E L & T R A V E L
45 Annual National Convention The Westin at Peachtree Plaza 210 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, Georgia 30303 All meetings will be held at the following: AmericasMart 230 Spring St. North, Bldg 2 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 *The building is attached to the Westin at Peachtree Plaza.
Directions from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport 1.
Start out going EAST on North Terminal Pkwy. toward Camp Creek Pkwy.
2.
Merge onto I-85 N via the ramp on the left toward I-75 N/Atlanta/I-20.
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Take the Freedom Pkwy exit, EXIT 248C, toward GA-10 E/Andrew Young Intl. Blvd/ Carter Center.
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Keep left to take the ramp toward Andrew Young Intl. Blvd/World Congress Center/ Centennial Olympic Park/Aquarium.
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Ramp becomes Fort St. NE.
6.
Turn slight left onto Andrew Young International Boulevard NE.
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Turn left onto Peachtree St. NW/Peachtree St NE.
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210 Peachtree St. NW is on the right.
Register here: Please sign up for NBLSA 45 National Convention - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/jj83vG 2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Volunteers will receive a 20% convention registration credit after the convention. Volunteer Guide | 5
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45 Annual National Convention Competition Bailiff - One person will be assigned to each advocacy competition round to ensure its smooth operation. The duties include:
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Confirming the competition room is setup in a courtroom format
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Keeping track of each speaker's time
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Ensuring competition judges submit a correct and complete scoresheet
Directional Helper - One to two people are assigned to direct attendees during each shift. The duties include:
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Being familiar with the convention layout and location of workshops, competitions, and other events
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Greeting attendees and providing assistance locating a session or other event
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Helping to answer simple questions about the convention
Floaters - Floaters may be assigned to any of the other positions listed based on additional needs that develop throughout the conference. A floater may have several different assignments within the course of a day. Panel Monitor - One person is assigned to monitor each seminar. The duties include:
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Greeting attendees at the entrance and checking for registration badges
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Directing attendees to fill seats in the front and center of room first and helping latecomers find seats if available
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Acting as the speakers’ immediate contact and reporting any audio-visual or other problems to a NBLSA staff member
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Distributing and collecting evaluation forms
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Recording the number of people attending the session at the beginning and midpoint on the session evaluation envelope
Plenary Session Monitor - One person is assigned to monitor each plenary. The duties include:
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Greeting attendees and directing delegates and guests to their respective assigned seating
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Being familiar with the members of the Board of Directors (photos are in the program guide) and directing them to the front of the room for VIP seating
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Assisting latecomers with finding seats, if available
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45 Annual National Convention Convention Volunteer Notes
All volunteers are required to attend the volunteer orientation to receive instructions and materials. Below please find information about the operation of our volunteer program Mandatory Volunteer Orientation. Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm and Wednesday, March 6th from 8:00am - 9:00am. Arrival & Check-In. Volunteers are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to their shifts. All volunteers must check-in at volunteer registration located on the second floor in the main convention space prior to beginning their volunteer shifts. Attendance/Absences. The conference depends on volunteers to work the hours they have committed. If you cannot make it or are going to be late, please notify Brittne Ballenger, NBLSA Volunteer Coordinator at convention.specialist@nblsa.org or 404-563-6378 or Myrlin Young, NBLSA Event Planner at myrlin@nextlevelsse.com or 571-330-5672 as soon as possible. Attire. This is a professional conference, so volunteers’ professional appearance contributes favorably to the public image of NBLSA and the convention. While on duty you are expected to wear your badge at all times. The dress code for volunteers is as follows:
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Competition Bailiff: Business Casual
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Directional Helper: Business Casual
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Floaters: Business Casual
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Panel Monitor: Business Casual
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Plenary Session Monitor: Business Casual
Please note that the above denotes our minimum expectations for your attire. You may wish to adjust your dress if you plan to attend workshops or other events. For instance, for shifts denoted as Business Casual, attendees will be in Business Professional. Attitude & Personal Conduct. NBLSA is a professional nonprofit organization. Staff and volunteers alike are asked to speak quietly and to be courteous and considerate of other volunteers, staff, and attendees. Check-Out. At the conclusion of your shift, please stop by volunteer registration or check-in with your onsite volunteer coordinator to hand in any information (e.g., panel session evaluation forms) and to give a brief recap of your experience. Confidentiality. Volunteers are expected to treat all information about attendees or convention operations in a confidential manner. This includes all information that may be passed via word of mouth, computer documents, or other records. Emergencies. If you have an accident or incident or see one happen nearby, please inform the volunteer coordinator immediately. Shift Assignments. While you have been assigned to a specific shift, please note that you may be reassigned due to additional needs that develop during the course of the convention. We thank you in advance for your flexibility. **Panel Monitor Instructions** 1. Pick up panel envelopes during volunteer meeting. Panel envelopes will contain: name placards, note pads and pens if none provided and surveys. 2. Enter room and introduce yourself to the panel chair. Explain that you are a convention volunteer and you are there to help with the administration of the panel by making sure the room is set properly and the panel has everything that it needs. 3. Remind chair/ moderator to make announcement about completing the survey at the end of the panel. 4. Handout surveys to panel attendees as they enter the room. 5. Collect surveys at the end of the panel as attendees leave. 6. Return surveys to designated drop off location.
K E Y C O N T A C T S
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45 Annual National Convention Volunteer Contacts
Convention Contacts
Ms. Brittne Ballenger NBLSA Convention Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator convention.specialist@nblsa.org or 404-563-6378
Ms. Myrlin Young Event Planner myrlin@nextlevelsse.com or 703-986-0070
Ms. Deyaska Spencer NBLSA International Negotiations Competition Director inc@nblsa.org Ms. Cara Sherman NBLSA Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Director mootcourt@nblsa.org
Ms. Brenda Wise Event Planner brenda@nextlevelsse.com Ms. Ashley Christopher NBLSA Convention Coordinator or 302-650-3348 convention@nblsa.org or 302-650-3348
Ms. Valerie Fontenot NBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Director mocktrial@nblsa.org
Please call if you are running late or will be unable to volunteer.
S C H E D U L E
45 Annual National Convention PRE-CONVENTION: TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 08:00AM - 09:00PM Employer/Sponsor Setup 07:00PM - 09:00PM Volunteer Meeting DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013 07:00AM - 12:00PM Registration 08:00AM - 05:00PM Vendors Setup 10:00AM - 12:00PM NBLSA Board Meeting 12:00PM - 05:00PM America始s Mart Exclusive Shopping Event 12:00PM - 05:00PM Martin Luther King Memorial Tour (continuous) 05:30PM - 06:30PM Vendor Setup 06:00PM - 07:00PM Pre-Certified Candidates Meeting 07:00PM - 08:30PM Mock Trial Competitors Meeting 07:00PM - 08:30PM Moot Court Competitors Meeting 07:30PM - 09:30PM Chair始s Reception DAY 2: THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013 07:00AM - 08:30AM 07:00AM - 07:45AM 08:00AM - 05:00PM 08:00AM - 06:00PM 08:00AM - 08:00PM 08:00AM - 12:00PM 08:00AM - 07:00PM 08:00AM - 07:00PM 08:00AM - 07:00PM 08:15AM - 09:00AM 02:00PM - 04:45PM 05:00PM - 06:00PM 05:15PM - 06:30PM 05:15PM - 06:30PM 07:00PM - 09:00PM 09:30PM - UNTIL 10:00PM - 01:00AM
Continental Breakfast Let始s Move Initiative: Workout Vendors Green Room Registration Community Service Mock Trial Competition Moot Court Competition International Negotiations Competition International Negotiations Competition Meeting Plenary Session I/ Opening General Session/Floor Nominations Floor Candidates Meeting Family Law Panel Corporate Law Panel Welcome to Atlanta Reception at the Westin Buses Depart for Ventanas (ongoing loop) Social Event at Ventanas
DAY 3: FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 07:00AM - 08:30AM 08:00AM - 05:00PM 08:00AM - 06:00PM 08:00AM - 09:00AM 08:00AM - 07:00PM 08:00AM - 07:00PM 09:00AM - 07:00PM 08:00AM - 08:00PM 09:00AM - 11:00AM 11:15AM - 12:00PM 12:30PM - 02:00PM 02:15PM - 03:15PM 02:15PM - 03:15PM Volunteer Guide | 9
Continental Breakfast Vendors Green Room International Negotiations Competition Meeting Mock Trial Competition Moot Court Competition International Negotiations Competition Registration Plenary Session II General Session A. Leon Higginbotham Luncheon ABA Attacking America始s Debt: Take Control of Student Loans Transactional Law Panel
S C H E D U L E
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45 Annual National Convention 02:15PM - 03:15PM 03:30PM - 05:00PM 05:15PM - 07:00PM 05:15PM - 07:00PM 07:30PM - 09:30PM 10:00PM - 02:00AM
Healthcare Law Panel Plenary Session III Sister-to-Sister Forum Brother-to-Brother Forum Legacy of NBLSA Sponsor始s Reception Social Event
DAY 4: SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013 07:00AM - 08:30AM 08:00AM - 04:00PM 08:00AM - 05:00PM 08:00AM - 06:00PM 08:00AM - 02:00PM 08:00AM - 02:00PM 08:00AM - 02:00PM 09:00AM - 11:00AM 09:00AM - 10:00AM 10:00AM - 11:00AM 11:00AM - 12:15PM 11:15AM - 12:15PM 11:15AM - 12:15PM 12:30PM - 02:00PM 02:00PM - 04:00PM 03:30PM - 04:30PM 03:30PM - 04:30PM 04:30PM - 05:30PM 04:30PM - 05:30PM 04:30PM - 05:30PM 06:30PM - 07:30PM 07:30PM - 10:00PM 10:30PM - 02:00AM
Continental Breakfast Registration Vendors Green Room Mock Trial Competition Final Moot Court Competition Final International Negotiations Competition Plenary Session IV (Elections) Pre-Law Programming Pre-Law Programming Chair始s Roundtable Discussion Solo-Practice Panel Non-Traditional Law Panel Sadie T.M. Alexander Luncheon Judges Panel/ Career Development Center/Resume Review Legal Writing Tips Pre-Law Programming Sports and Entertainment Panel Governmental Affairs Panel Pre-Law Programming Pre-Gala Reception/ Art Exhibit Awards Gala Post Gala Social
DAY 5: SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2013
07:00AM - 07:45AM 09:30AM - 11:00AM 11:30AM - 12:30PM 12:30PM - 05:00PM
Lets Move Initiative: Workout Gospel Breakfast Information Session for Appointed Positions & Transition Meeting NBLSA Advisory Board Meeting
P A N E L D E S C R I P T I O N S
45 Annual National Convention Panel Descriptions HEALTHCARE PANEL Making History in Health Law: What does the future hold for this dynamic and growing area of practice? In 2012, the Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, only partially quelling the raucous debates that have surrounded this important statute. Indeed, the focus on health law over the past three years has never been as intense, and this field continues to be a “hot” practice area for young lawyers entering the profession. This panel of experienced health care lawyers will talk about the most significant trends and developments in health law, and why students should be looking at this area of specialization for future opportunities. Presentations will address careers in health law, different settings in which health law is practiced and the key topics that are likely to be most important to health lawyers over the next decade. Speakers will also offer information about the resources that are available to help law students learn more about this practice area and all that it has to offer.
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LAW PANEL He Got Game, She Runs Game Every year, hundreds of students enter law school with the same question: How do I become a sports and entertainment lawyer? Well, here is your answer. Welcome to an exclusive look into breaking into, and representing high profile athletes and entertainers. This panel will host some of the brightest minds in sports and entertainment law while featuring leading participants in each respective industry. The event will showcase the roles that lawyers play within the industry as well as the various bodies of law that have impacted professional sports and highlight the athlete/ attorney working relationship. SOLO PRACTICE PANEL Teach me to Solo: The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Successful Law Practice Solo practitioners meet demands for services ranging from immigration, divorce, personal injury, malpractice, and criminal law. They also must meet the new marketing demands within the field of law and comport with the ethics of the profession. A panel of seasoned solo practitioners will discuss the opportunities to embrace and the pitfalls to avoid in order to establish a successful solo practice. FAMILY LAW PANEL A Family Affair: Courts, Law, and Societyʼs Reaction and Re-definition of the Familial Structure
With an increase in divorces, a reconfiguration of the "traditional" family structure, and the frequency of prenuptial agreements, the sage and drama of family law practice is at an all time high. Family law practitioners navigate the ebbs and flows of family feuds, child custody battles and less than cordial divorces. The interplay between private family law issues and public litigation of these issues places family law practitioners in a unique position, and requires a special skill set for a successful career. The panel will discuss various aspects of family law issues that arise during Volunteer Guide | 11 practice as well as recent developments in the law concerning redefinition of the "traditional" family
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45 Annual National Convention structure. Topics of discussion will include divorce, child support, alimony, adoptions, child custody, pre-nuptual agreements, same-sex marriage and practical considerations for a career in family law. SISTER TO SISTER FORUM Women of Color, How High Will We Dream? We dream of having it all--a flourishing legal career, healthy lifestyle, loving family and personal time to revive the spirit. But at what cost? More than ever, women of color are reaching new heights and steadily redefining the world around them. This panel will candidly explore the rewards and challenges that Black female attorneys face to build their professional brand, manage their family matters, and invest in their health and wellness. The dynamic panelists also will address the ability of Black women to remain professionally levelheaded when their dreams of having it all change. Arrive timely and prepare to embrace your dreams at one of the Conventionʼs most insightful and talked about panels! BROTHER TO BROTHER FORUM Being a Professional Brother in Todayʼs Workplace In light of the preschool to prison pipeline epidemic, Black men – young and old – are often associated with negative stereotypes and unfavorable portrayals in news media. These ominous depictions often spill over and have a negative impact on the careers of professional Black men. Young Black men are in need of professional male role-models; men that are balanced socially, professionally, spiritually, and emotionally. This panel discusses being a professional brother in todayʼs workplace – identifying the importance of being socially-conscious, culturally aware, having a global perspective, and possessing the ability to navigate different societal spheres without losing balance or perspective. Topics discussed will include the importance of presenting oneself in a favorable light – i.e. being well-read, well-spoken, well-mannered, and well-dressed. This panel seeks to illuminate these values and to identify ways that Black men can defy negative stereotypes as they seek to become community leaders that are distinguished for a greater purpose. JUDICIAL PANEL Pathways to the Future: The Value of a Judicial Clerkship A wise man once said: “the best legal job is a judge…the second best legal job is a judgeʼs clerk. A judicial clerkship offers a unique opportunity to get a glimpse behind the scenes of a judgeʼs chambers and courtroom, to impact the law through the judgeʼs decision-making and, ultimately, to gain a lifelong mentor. This panel will feature those that have the inside scoop on the process and will provide insight on how you can land a judicial clerkship. NON-TRADITIONAL LAW PANEL Developments in Environmental and Energy Law This panel will explore different aspects of environmental and energy law practice. Panelists will discuss employment opportunities in these fields and how the field is expanding as a result of alternative energy, new technologies, environmental justice initiatives and recent regulatory pushes by the EPA and the Obama Administration.
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45 Annual National Convention CORPORATE LAW PANEL From the Outside Looking Within: The Path to Corporate Counsel At the core of every corporation is an in-house legal department where the attorneys work to provide effective legal and business decisions that impact success. This panel will provide insightful discussion about the ways in-house legal departments are growing and competing with outside representation; how the in-house legal department can vary in size/caseload; pros and cons of having one client; the role of in-house counsel; and how in-house culture is different from a traditional law firm setting. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL Governmental Affairs: Demystifying the Legal Norm Are you interested in pursuing a career in government service? Whether interested because you see yourself as a dedicated public servant, are launching a political or judicial career, or simply seeking student loan forgiveness, this panel provides information that is relevant to you. Attendees will learn the realities of government practice from attorneys employed by various government departments and agencies. Our discussion will identify the benefits of being a government attorney, while simultaneously putting the most egregious myths to rest. TRANSACTIONAL LAW PANEL Doing the Deal: The Transaction Side of Practicing Law Are you about business? Close the deal! Panelists will discuss the various types of transactional law including business, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and technology, venture capital, and finance. The discussion will also focus on employment opportunities in these areas in law firms and corporations and how to prepare for a career on the transaction side of practicing law.
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45 Annual National Convention From Birth to the Bar: NBLSA Pre-Law Convention Panels Preparing for Law School Panel This panel will give prospective law students an opportunity to participate in a class taught by a law school professor. Students will receive their reading assignments prior to convention. The professor will teach the class using the Socratic method to give the students an idea of the typical law school classroom experience. Partner Spotlight Panel/ DiscoverLaw.org/ The Diversity Initiative of the Law School Admissions Council The DiscoverLaw.org campaign was created to encourage racially and ethnically diverse students to discover career opportunities in law and choose a path in undergraduate school to help them to succeed. It provides students with resources, tips, and tools on how to become a competitive law school applicant. Legal Writing Panel This will be a session designed to prepare students for the writing component of law school. Writing is the most important aspect of a legal education, thus, this panel will give an overview of legal writing and tools students can utilize prior to starting law school. Law School 101 Panel: #realtalk A panel of law students from various law schools will field questions on the myths that the pre-law students have about law school. Law students will present attendees with their own learning moments and experiences. Dispelling the myths of law school will help our attendees have greater confidence in the law school application process.
$ank y% for serving as a volunteer! Y%r service will ensure we have a successful Convention!
March 6-10, 2013 | Westin Hotel at Peachtree Plaza | Atlanta, GA www.nblsa.org/2013convention | Contact: convention.specialist@nblsa.org