Volume 1, Issue 1
October 2015
NBLSA News 1
CONTENTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Chair’s Message
3
Editor’s Column
4
National
5
Promo Video CBC Recap
6
National Service
11
Initiative Advocacy for Baltimore
12
National
14
Convention National
15
Contests Leadership
16
Vacancies Membership Dues
17
Education & Career Initiative
18
International Relations
19
Leadership
20
An Official Publication of the National Black Law Students Association Volume 1, Issue 1
October 2015
ABOUT NBLSA In 1968, Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper, 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 nearly every state in the nation. Today, National Black Law Students Association
Algeron Johnson “AJ” Cooper, NBLSA Founder
(“NBLSA”), is a national organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of
Black law students to effectuate change in the legal community. As one of the largest student-run organizations of its kind in the United States for Black law students, NBLSA has thousands of members across America and is also comprised of more than 200 chapters and affiliates from six countries, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa. NBLSA is organized into six regions: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Midwest, Rocky Mountain and Western Region.
CLICK YOUR REGION’S LOGO BELOW
Highlights Regional
22
Announcement Life Outside of NBLSA
23
Advocacy
24
Mid-Atlantic Region of NBLSA (“MABLSA”):
Midwest Region of NBLSA (“MWBLSA”):
Northeast Region of NBLSA (“NEBLSA”):
Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey (southern), Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey (northern), New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Competitions Connect With Us
28
Rocky Mountain Region of NBLSA (“RMBLSA”):
Southern Region of NBLSA (“SRBLSA”):
Western Region of NBLSA (“WRBLSA”):
Get Involved
29
Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
NBLSA News 2
NATIONAL CHAIR’S ADDRESS “BUILDING A BETTER BLSA” The leaders for National Black Law Students Association (“NBLSA”) have worked tirelessly to make this school year a success. We are excited about what is in store and hope to give you an enriching experience that will add tangible value to your legal education. This year’s focus is to “Build a Better BLSA” -- A BLSA that better serves you. A Better BLSA looks like one that is fulfilling NBLSA’s mission “… to increase the number of culturally-responsible Black and minority attorneys, who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” Our goal for the year is to provide you with substantive benefits so that you might be change agents in our world today. We will measure our success by asking one question: Did we make BLSA better for every student, at every chapter, in every region across the nation? I will answer this question at National Convention in Baltimore, MD by detailing how and why we can answer in the affirmative. The best way for us to embark on this year is to first understand your needs and wants. Please send me your comments and suggestions. Let me know when you or your chapter is involved in any of our national initiatives so that we might highlight you nationally. I’d love to visit your chapter. Join NBLSA as we uphold this year's national theme of “Building a Better BLSA”: Better scholars, better professionals, better advocates. If you have any questions about NBLSA or want to know how to be more involved, please feel free to contact me directly at chair@nblsa.org. It’s that easy! To a Better BLSA, Caylin Young
2015-2016 National Chair
University of Baltimore School of Law NBLSA News 3
EDITOR’S COLUMN | FUEL FOR THOUGHT
“BE THE CHANGE”
Belashia Wallace | National Director of Communications Change. It was the first word of President Obama’s campaign slogan. It was the first thing that we were told would happen to our lives once we started law school. It is what we’ve all embraced, yet what we still so often fear. Change. It is the key to your success. It is the door of opportunity. It is the destination most desired, yet the path least traveled. Change. Change is what you should challenge yourself to do every single day. You were not continually granted new days of life to simply remain the old you. Each day that you wake up should serve as your reminder that there is still work for you to do in the world. Your purpose for living is to live out your purpose. But in order to do that, you must Be the Change. It is not enough to simply want change, talk about change, or wait on change to happen through someone else’s efforts. You must be the change that scholars write about, the change that our ancestors dreamed about, the change that you always think about . . . The Change You Want to See. Leaders do not become legends by taking the common approach of complaining about the problem. Rather, they focus their time toward becoming a part of the solution.
The road to change will not always be easy. If it was easy, change would have happened a long time ago. However, you must remember that the difficulty that is often coupled with change will strengthen you by enhancing your endurance.
There will come a time in the life of every leader when you will feel drained from all of your hard work, when you will secondguess your efforts, and when you will question whether your future efforts are even worth making. There will be huge roadblocks in the form of people who will tell you what you can’t do, who you can’t be, and what you can’t have. Many people will unfortunately allow those boulders to stand in the way of their purpose in life. However, leaders like you must change your perception by not viewing each boulder as a rock that blocks you from moving forward. Rather, view it as a stepping stone that strengthens you each time you climb over it. The bigger your boulder, the higher your climb. Today is your day for change. If there are significant issues impacting your community, be the change for your city. If you have great visions geared toward the betterment of America, be the change for our nation. If there is an international movement that you have the desire to pursue, be the change for our world. Issues are all around us, but the change can start with You. Be the Change. NBLSA News 4
~PRESS PLAY~ TO WATCH THE OFFICIAL NBLSA PROMO
VIDEO
NBLSA’S WORLDWIDE SUCCESS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OUR MONETARY DONORS. PLEASE MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION HERE. WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE YOU NATIONALLY IN NBLSA NEWS. NBLSA News 5
#NBLSACBC2015
NBLSA EVENT RECAP | SEPT. 17-20 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
NBLSA THANKS ALL PANELISTS, PARTICIPANTS , AND SPONSORS WHO MADE OUR CBC EVENTS A SUCCESS!
NBLSA News 6
#NBLSACBC2015
NBLSA’S PRE-LAW DIVISION KICKED OFF CBC NBLSA’s Pre-Law Division kicked off NBLSA’s CBC events by joining Howard University to host a Pre-Law Summit. The event included two student panels. The first panel gave an overview of the law school admissions process, and the second panel gave attendees tips on what to expect upon entering law school. Dean Reginald McGahee, Dean of Admissions at Howard University School of Law, also spoke with attendees about LSAT preparation, with strategies on how to become strong applicants.
Rod Hickman National Director of Pre-Law Contact: prelaw@nblsa.org
NBLSA News 7
#NBLSACBC2015
NBLSA HONORED LEGAL LEADERS AT THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI RECEPTION
*SPONSORED BY REED SMITH LLP*
The Honorable Louis Stokes
Charlyn Stanberry, Esq.
NBLSA Congressional Leadership Award ( 1940 - 2015)
NBLSA Alumni of the Year Award
Kendra Brown, Esq.
Tyree Jones, Esq.
NBLSA Social Justice Advocate Award
NBLSA & Washington Bar Association Diversity Award NBLSA News 8
#NBLSACBC2015
NBLSA EVENT RECAP | WASHINGTON, D.C.
Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat The Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat is an annual event hosted by NBLSA as a part of its events during CBC Weekend. This year, NBLSA’s local, regional, and national board members participated in trainings and meetings to plan for continued NBLSA success.
At the conclusion of the Retreat, NBLSA’s National Director of Education & Career Development, Jeremy Thompson, led a group activity with a spool of yarn. He held the string’s end of the yarn, then tossed the spool across the room for someone to catch. He asked the director who caught it to say why they joined NBLSA and decided to lead. It was repeated until every person in the room completed the same task of holding the string, saying their "why," and tossing the spool. Every person spoke, yet no one had the same story. It started as one spool of yarn in the middle of the room, but it evolved into a massive web of inspiration.
WHAT’S YOUR NBLSA STORY? We are on a mission to tell your story. Tell us your NBLSA story so that we can share it nationwide! Click here to learn more. NBLSA News 9
#NBLSACBC2015
HONORING CONSTITUTION DAY DURING NBLSA’S “CONGRESSIONAL KIDS DAY”
During CBC, NBLSA hosted a discussion on American Legal History with Stuart Hobson Middle School’s 8th grade students to discuss the history of our nation’s laws and the impact of those laws on our current society. Volunteers also shared their experiences of post-secondary education, explaining “the day in the life of a law student.” A Special Thank-You to Our Volunteers! Hilaire Armstrong, Cumberland Law School Lauryn Collier, Florida State University Brandon Cooper, Ave Maria School of Law Taylor Corn, Florida State University School of Law Loline-Marie Djidade, Duquesne School of Law Crislove Igeleke, Duquesne School of Law Ke'Andra Levinston, Harvard School of Law Anthony McCullen, University of South Carolina School of Law Cirilo Manego, Mississippi College of Law Scheril Murray, Florida International University School of Law Caymary O'Garro, Pace School of Law Bianca Olliver, Pace College of Law Thanisha Pariage, UConn School of Law Danielle Pinguqe, Harvard School of Law Leland Shelton, Harvard School of Law Brandi Russell, Cumberland School of Law Joseph Wideman, University of South Carolina School of Law
Sheena Williams
National Director of Community Service Contact: communityservice@nblsa.org NBLSA News 10
#ABADAYOFSERVICE | OCTOBER 30, 2015 NBLSA’S NEWEST NATIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVE IS HERE!
ALUMNI & SPONSORS — EMAIL COMMUNITYSERVICE@NBLSA.ORG TO JOIN IN WITH NBLSA! STUDENT MEMBERS — CONTACT YOUR CHAPTER PRESIDENT FOR DETAILS! NBLSA News 11
#BETHECHANGE
A LOOK BACK AT ADVOCACY FOR BALTIMORE | NBLSA #REPOST NBLSA’s Chair Speaks on Baltimore Protests | Repost: April 28, 2015 Caylin Young, National Chair The eyes of our nation have descended on my hometown -- Baltimore. A city, which prides itself on charm and grace, is now in the national spotlight because of its prolonged failure to live up to those aspirations in the treatment of its citizens. Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in Baltimore is the direct result of decades of mistrust between law enforcement and the communities they patrol. It is evidence of what occurs when some of those who swore to protect and serve, instead abuse and neglect. This mistrust is not an epidemic limited to Baltimore. It is a pandemic that infects every major city and too many rural communities in America. The killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Rekia Boyd, Pearlie Smith, and countless others verify this. Our people in Baltimore are tired of second-class citizenship in a first class city. This is why we witness a great city ignited. As long as this racial caste system exists in America, we will continue to see what Malcolm X described as "reactions against police brutality." We have worked to form a non-violent movement against police brutality. Despite this, as the family laid Freddie Gray to rest, violence prevailed.
Let me be clear, violence is unacceptable. However, I do not have to condone it to understand from whence it originates. As stated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "A riot is the language of the unheard." Yet, a violent minority has exploited this situation at the expense of the unheard. They will not hijack the quest for justice. Many of our people were wrong today, but that does not change the fact that their frustration is legitimate. We must use one of the lessons learned from the 1968 riots which ravaged this same community: that people are more prone to destroy their community when they do not see themselves as having or being a part of one. The members of our community are hurting. Therefore, we cannot waste this opportunity to seek and implement real solutions that help communities heal. Baltimore can serve as an example of how we can build our communities and maintain focus on the goal of positive change. To that end, as cars burned and the media sensationalized the bad, there was a group of community leaders including preachers, politicians, the Nation of Islam, and the 300 Men, who marched up North Avenue to restore the calm the police could not. Baltimore is uniting tonight. We will show this country how a community committed to justice can and will overcome chaos to diffuse tensions and achieve peace. We will redirect the frustration of those who feel they have no productive outlet into real, tangible progress for a better Baltimore.
As law students, we train to secure the quintessential credential required to change society. Our organization is filled with members who are well positioned to serve our communities as future leaders and lawyers. It is up to us to develop the legal strategy and government policies that improve our society, so negative passions can no longer build. I am asking every chapter to begin and lead conversations with your entire community. We must share with all our peers that this is more than a BLSA issue -- more than just another Black issue. This is an American issue that requires everyone to stand for justice, fairness, and equality. There is a difference between peace and silence. Peace must be demanded. This is an issue that could strike any American city and unfortunately has stricken mine. Every American must realize this issue is real and rampant. More importantly, every American must work together, as a whole community, to find sustainable solutions to a problem that must cease and desist.
CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION BY JOINING US IN BALTIMORE FOR NBLSA’S 48TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION! MARCH 9-13, 2016 | SEE PAGE 14 FOR DETAILS
NBLSA News 12
#BETHECHANGE
A LOOK BACK AT ADVOCACY FOR BALTIMORE | MABLSA #REPOST Charges Against Officers Involved in Freddie Gray's Death | Repost: May 13, 2015 Steven R. Bryson, MABLSA Attorney General On May 1st, the scales of justice tipped in favor of the Black community. On May 1st, the citizens of Baltimore gained some clarity. On May 1st , Marilyn J. Mosby, State's Attorney for Baltimore City and former Vice Chair of the Northeast Black Law Students Association formally charged all six officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray. MABLSA applauds Marilyn Mosby's commitment to justice, accountability and creating a fair and equitable justice system. Mrs. Mosby stated, "To the people of Baltimore, and demonstrators across America, I heard your call for no justice, no peace. Your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of Freddie Gray." Since Freddie Gray's death, citizens and students of Baltimore have protested to demand answers regarding the details surrounding Freddie Gray's arrest and the cause of his injuries. Weeks later, the Black community still had not received answers for the untimely death of Freddie Gray--until today.
As the young Mr. Gray was laid to rest, tensions in Baltimore grew due to all of the unanswered questions. Although MABLSA does not condone or advocate for violence, we understand the communities underlying reasons for expressing their frustrations through violent channels. While the media chose to highlight the apparent destruction of Baltimore, it was not all violence. We cannot overlook the thousands of Baltimore citizens who organized peaceful protests. Citizens mobilized to ensure that the voice of the black community was heard and to acknowledge that the issue of police brutality is one that continues to be put on the forefront of our nation's matters. Citizens across America joined Baltimore's plight and hosted rallies to ensure the root of the protests was not lost. As law students and legal professionals, we understand that this is just beginning. As legal professionals, we must pledge our knowledge and resources to building on Mrs. Mosby's efforts today so that we can effectively change policing culture as well as rebuild a relationship between the community and justice system. In closing, Mosby stated, "To the youth of this city, I will seek justice on your behalf. This is a moment, this is your moment. Let's ensure that we have peaceful and productive rallies that will develop structural and systemic changes for generations to come. You're at the forefront of this cause and as young people, our time is now." MABLSA, we must ensure that the efforts of the legitimate protesters and Mrs. Mosby are not in vain. MABLSA would like to send our well wishes of safety and guidance to our colleagues at the University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland who stand at the forefront of the events that have occurred in Baltimore. We commend your chapters and others in the region who have traveled to Baltimore to speak on behalf of the victims of police brutality. As a region, WE ARE ONE, and we will continue to support you in your efforts.
CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION BY JOINING US IN BALTIMORE FOR NBLSA’S 48TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION! MARCH 9-13, 2016 | SEE PAGE 14 FOR DETAILS
NBLSA News 13
NBLSA’S 48TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION MARCH 9-13, 2016| BALTIMORE, MD
Bennett Izeh National Convention Coordinator Contact: convention@nblsa.org
REGISTER HERE!
IMPORTANT DEADLINES Regular Registration - September 9th to December 31st | $135 Late Registration - January 1st to February 5th | $225 Alumni Registration - August 12th to December 31st | $135 Alumni (Late) Registration - January 1st to February 5th | $225 Note: ALL competitors and coaches must register for the convention by paying the Competitor/Coach Registration fee. Competitor/Coach Registration -$100
HOTEL INFORMATION FOR NBLSA's LIMITED ROOM BLOCK Renaissance Baltimore Harbor Place Hotel
NBLSA News 14
2 COMPETITIONS | 2 FREE REGISTRATIONS |2 CHANCES TO WIN
NATIONAL THEME & LOGO CONTESTS Calling All Creative Law Students! National Black Law Students Association wants YOU to create the new logo designs for this year’s national theme of “Building a Better BLSA,” as well as the theme and logo for National Convention!
Miguel Willis National Marketing Coordinator Contact: marketing@nblsa.org ELIGIBILITY The Contests are open to all NBLSA members at the time of entry who have paid their dues for the 2015-2016 academic school year. Click here to pay your dues. PRIZES 1. The winner’s logo design will be showcased throughout the year. 2. The winner will be spotlighted in a full-page feature in NBLSA NEWS. 3. The winner will receive FREE registration to NBLSA’s 48th Annual National Convention. COMPETITION PERIOD Contests open on October 16, 2015 | Contests end on October 30, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST
CONTEST #1: “BUILDING A BETTER BLSA” LOGO CONTEST Each year, NBLSA’s National Chair creates a National Theme for the academic year. This year’s theme is “Building a Better BLSA.” Entrants will be required to include a brief explanation of their logo design and how it exemplifies “Building a Better BLSA.” Email marketing@nblsa.org if you have any questions. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE “BUILDING A BETTER BLSA” LOGO CONTEST.
CONTEST #2: ”NATIONAL CONVENTION“ THEME & LOGO CONTEST Each year, NBLSA has a signature theme to highlight its National Convention. This year’s National Convention will be held in Baltimore, MD. Entrants will be required to create a National Convention Theme to correspond with their National Convention Logo Design, along with providing a brief explanation of their design. Email convention@nblsa.org if you have any questions. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE “NATIONAL CONVENTION” THEME & LOGO CONTEST. NBLSA News 15
CALL TO SERVE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITION
VACANCIES
CURRENT VACANCIES National Director of Alumni Affairs & Development The Director of Alumni Affairs & Development is responsible for growing and improving our alumni database, while developing new techniques to maintain relationships with current attorneys who were members of BLSA while in law school.
National Treasurer The National Treasurer is responsible for all funds and securities of NBLSA, while implementing financial policies for all three levels of the organization. Prior financial experience is required, and all applicants will be screened.
National Historian The National Historian serves as the custodian of NBLSA’s materials and must compile two national publications during the term of office.
National Editing Specialists (2 Vacancies) The National Editing Specialists are responsible for editing NBLSA’s national documents, publications, and correspondences prior to distribution to the general public. Note: You must be financially active for consideration. All vacancies will remain open until filled. NBLSA News 16
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL DUES COUNTDOWN Visit the NBLSA Dues Payment Site to pay your dues via debit or credit card.
With all of the great opportunities and possibilities that NBLSA offers its members in mind, I invite you to join, or recommit yourself, to this great organization. This year, all members must go to the NBLSA Membership Website to pay their dues via debit or credit card. Base national dues for this term are $35 until November 1, 2015. An additional $15 late fee will be added after the November 1st deadline. Please view our membership packages below, and Join Today!
Josephine Biemkpa National Director of Membership Contact: membership@nblsa.org
One-Year Membership Package Law Students & LLM Students: $35 Pre-Law Chapter Member: $10 Pre-Law Non-chapter Member: $20 Alumni: Free (if you are a law school graduate and prior NBLSA dues-paying member)
Two-Year Membership Package Law Students & LLM Students: $60
Three-Year Membership Package Law Students : $90 NBLSA News 17
THE EDUCATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE “BECOME PRACTICE READY” In a 2015 survey conducted by 5 Square Research, Inc. (commissioned by LexisNexis®), 95% of hiring partners and associates believe that recent law graduates lack practical skills at the time of hiring. The survey suggests that law students can gain more practical skills by enrolling in certification programs that build upon skills obtained in law school. The survey concluded that obtaining certifications would not only raise the bar for young lawyers, but also help them to become successful and valuable to their employers. Jeremy Thompson National Director of Education & Career Development Contact: educationcareer@nblsa.org
BECOME PRACTICE READY
BY OBTAINING A MEDIATION CERTIFICATION NOW Most states require minimum training to become certified mediators. Many states recommend qualifications for mediators; however, no state has requirements for the practice of mediation. In any state, a mediator can practice in private settings without being licensed, certified, or listed. Rather than regulate the practice of mediation, states have chosen to create lists of mediators meeting criteria for certain areas of practice. Statewide lists of mediators are usually maintained by the judicial branch as an extension of its responsibility for settling civil disputes. Lists or certification procedures have two general purposes: 1) to establish qualifications for mediators who receive funding from state government or who receive referrals from the courts or other agencies; and 2) to provide information about mediator qualifications for parties, attorneys, courts, and members of the public as they exercise free market choice among private mediators. To obtain hands-on legal experience and network with practicing attorneys, law students can conduct mediations while earning an income at the same time.
View NBLSA member-only job opportunities and scholarships here! 10% Off Pincus Professional Education CLE (Promo Code: NBLSA10). NBLSA News 18
NBLSA’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TEAM INTERNATIONAL SERVICE | PROGRAMMING GUIDE
NBLSA’s International Relations Team is excited to work with every local chapter this year! We have some great programs on the agenda, and many of them are included in NBLSA’s Chapter of the Year rubric. Below is an overview of the International Relations programs in which your chapter can plan to participate.
International Book Drive
World AIDS Day
International Law Association Membership
International Law Weekend (“ILW”)
2nd Annual Soles4Souls Shoe Drive Click here for the Soles4Souls Donor Form | Click here to register
Cameo-Diamond Joseph National Director of International Relations Contact: international@nblsa.org Click Here for Details | Access the International Relations Programming Guide Here Please email international@nblsa.org if you have any questions, comments, or ideas. Be sure to stay tuned for more exciting programming from your International Relations Team!
NBLSA News 19
THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION’S SYMPOSIUM INCLUDED NBLSA’S NATIONAL CHAIR AS A FEATURED SPEAKER!
NBLSA News 20
THE NATIONAL HBCU PRE-LAW SUMMIT INCLUDED NBLSA’S NATIONAL & REGIONAL LEADERS AS FEATURED SPEAKERS!
Belashia Wallace
Miguel Willis
National Director of Communications
National Marketing Coordinator
Maritza Adonis
Charles McGee
Neena Speer
National Internal Chief of Staff
SRBLSA Pre-Law Co-Director
SRBLSA Pre-Law Co-Director
NBLSA’S SUPPORT: Each year, NBLSA strives to give back to pre-law students by serving as panelists for the National HBCU PreLaw Summit and the National Black Pre-Law Conference. Our national and regional leaders seek to inspire and educate future legal leaders to pursue a legal education, while providing them with the tools necessary to succeed.
JOIN MORE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEADERS AT THE NATIONAL BLACK PRE-LAW CONFERENCE AND LAW FAIR! NOV. 13-14, 2015 | HOUSTON, TX CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! NBLSA News 21
GET INVOLVED BY ATTENDING YOUR REGIONAL RETREAT & REGIONAL CONVENTION! JOIN YOUR REGIONAL CHAIR AND FELLOW MEMBERS FOR DYNAMIC DISCUSSIONS AND POWERFUL PANELS GEARED TOWARD YOUR SUCCESS!
VIEW YOUR REGIONAL NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS (SEE PAGE 2 TO FIND YOUR REGION)
Dominique Moore MABLSA Chair
Zachariah Johnson MWBLSA Chair
Vanessa Domenichelli NEBLSA Chair
Traci Gibson RMBLSA Chair
Hilaire Armstrong SRBLSA Chair
Christyn Richardson WRBLSA Chair NBLSA News 22
NBLSA’S NATIONAL LEADERSHIP BOARD
LIFE OUTSIDE OF NBLSA HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW WHAT NBLSA LEADERS DO OUTSIDE OF NBLSA?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO FIND OUT!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL BIOGRAPHIES FOR NBLSA’S NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS! NBLSA News 23
#ADVOCATEFORCHANGE NBLSA’S NATIONAL COMPETITIONS OVERVIEW Click Here to Watch NBLSA’s National Competition Highlights The Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (“FDMCC”) is the premier Black legal advocacy competition. This program facilitates and promotes academic excellence through brief writing, critical thinking, and oral advocacy. Each year, between 100-120 teams of Black law students have the opportunity to compete in oral advocacy competitions at the regional and national level, while connecting with attorneys and judges. The program was created to provide NBLSA members with an opportunity to enhance their brief writing and advocacy skills. NBLSA is dedicated to providing minority law students with the skills necessary to succeed in the legal profession.
NBLSA’s Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (“TMMTC”) originated during NBLSA's 2002 Convention, where the body voted to create a National Mock Trial Competition to develop future lawyers with strong courtroom skills as they prepare for various components of a trial. Each year, hundreds of competitors compete on the regional levels in the hopes of ultimately becoming one of the top three teams in the nation. To date, the TMMTC is one of the largest and most respected law school mock trial competitions in the country.
NBLSA's Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition (“INC”) is the only non-litigation based competition offered by our organization. This competition provides members with a unique opportunity to develop useful negotiation skills, while creating awareness of important global issues. Each participant collaborates with a peer from their respective law school, forming a two-person team. Teams will negotiate cross-border conflicts based upon current issues affecting our global community. Students should expect exposure from varying negotiating styles, various ethical and social norms, and a broad spectrum of business issues, all coupled with the enhanced difficulties of cross-cultural communication. NBLSA News 24
REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION Click Here for Details! | Click Here to Register!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition ("FDMCC"), which has been a vital part of NBLSA's programming since 1975. Throughout the years, the FDMCC has provided hundreds of teams from across the nation with invaluable resources and opportunities to: (1) develop their appellate advocacy through oral arguments and brief writing; (2) network with attorneys who come from a range of practices; and (3) connect with like-minded law students from all different walks of life. Each team will compete within their region to gain access to the national competition that will be held in Baltimore, MD this year. Just as it has always been in the past, the FDMCC competitors will argue novel and convoluted issues in the legal profession. NBLSA has always been dedicated to providing its members with the skills needed to excel. The FDMCC gives members the opportunity to hone those skills in a competitive and professional atmosphere.
National Competition Director Renee Manson National Director of the Fredrick Douglass Moot Court Competition Contact: mootcourt@nblsa.org
NBLSA News 25
REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR THE THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION Click Here for Details! | Click Here to Register!
NBLSA’s General Convention voted to create a National Mock Trial Competition in order to develop future lawyers with strong courtroom skills as they prepare for various components of a trial. Each year, hundreds of competitors compete on the regional levels in hopes of ultimately becoming one of the top three teams in the nation. The Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (“TMMTC”) is a national competition. In order to compete for the top spots in the nation, each team must first compete at the regional level. The top 3 teams from each region advance to the national competition in March of 2016 at NBLSA’s National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
National Competition Director
Lauryn Collier National Director of the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Contact: mocktrial@nblsa.org
NBLSA News 26
REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR THE NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS COMPETITION Click Here for Details! | Click Here to Register!
NBLSA's Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition ("INC") is the only non-litigation based competition offered by our organization. This competition provides members with a unique opportunity to develop useful negotiation skills, while creating awareness of important global issues. Each participant collaborates with a peer from their respective law school, forming a two-person team. Teams will negotiate cross-border conflicts based upon current issues affecting our global community. Students should expect exposure from varying negotiating styles, various ethical and social norms, and a broad spectrum of business issues, all coupled with the enhanced difficulties of cross-cultural communication.
National Competition Director
Anthony Fadel National Director of the Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition Contact: internationalcompetition@nblsa.org
NBLSA News 27
PUBLIC RELATIONS | NATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA
CLICK THE ACCOUNTS BELOW TO CONNECT WITH US! Currently, you can find NBLSA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat. We love to feature our members on all of our social media outlets! Help us keep our followers up to date on what’s going on with NBLSA members. If you have a photograph, video, article, flyer, etc. that you would like for us to post, tag NBLSA in the content (@nblsa), send it in a message, or send it in an email to publicrelations@nbsla.org. Be sure to include a caption with the content. We look forward to hearing from you! Kiara Fiegi National Director of Public Relations Contact: publicrelations@nbsla.org
Snapchat NBLSA News 28
THANKS + GIVING
GET INVOLVED
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
In the next issue, we’re spotlighting the first 10 members who tell us the following: The law school advice that you are most thankful for; and Advice that you would give to a pre-law student. CLICK HERE TO SHARE.
#BESEEN Do you have photos of past NBLSA events in your archives? Are you a past national or regional board member who would like to share a brief snippet about your current career? If so, email NBLSA’s National Marketing Coordinator!
Miguel Willis National Marketing Coordinator Contact: marketing@nblsa.org
#BEHEARD Do you have programming ideas that you would like to see NBLSA implement nationally? Do you want to learn more about NBLSA’s upcoming programming initiatives? If so, contact NBLSA’s National Director of Programming!
Tony R. Johnson National Director of Programming Contact: programming@nblsa.org
#BETHECHANGE Did you enjoy this inaugural issue of NBLSA News? Do you have ideas or original content for future issues? If so, share your thoughts by contacting NBLSA’s National Director of Communications. We’d love to hear from you!
Belashia Wallace National Director of Communications Contact: communications@nblsa.org
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National Black Law Students Association
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