2009-2010 NBLSA Membership Packet

National Membership Packet

2009-2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

History of NBLSA .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Message from the National Chair..................................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction to National Executive Board ..................................................................................................................... 6

National Events Calendar .................................................................................................................................................. 8

National Convention Advertisement ............................................................................................................................... 9

PROGRAMMING

Message from the National Director of Programming ............................................................................................... 10

Message from the National Community Service Director ......................................................................................... 11

NBLSA Community Service Initiatives ......................................................................................................................... 12

Chapter of the Year Guide .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Message from the National Attorney General ............................................................................................................. 20

Census 2010 Programming Guide ................................................................................................................................. 21

Message from the National Director of Social Action ............................................................................................... 25

Message from the National Director of the College Student Division .................................................................... 30

College Student Division Mentor Form ........................................................................................................................ 31

COMPETETIONS

About Frederick Douglass Moot Court ........................................................................................................................ 32

About Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition .................................................................................................. 33

About International Negotiations Competition........................................................................................................... 34

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Initiatives & Incentives ............................................................................................................................ 35

Membership Registration Instructions .......................................................................................................................... 36

Membership Dues Worksheet ........................................................................................................................................ 37

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Message from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair ........................................................................................................... 39

Mid-Atlantic Regional Calendar of Events ................................................................................................................... 40

Mid-Atlantic Regional Board .......................................................................................................................................... 41

Mid-Atlantic Regional Job Fair Advertisement ............................................................................................................ 44

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WESTERN REGION

Message from the Western Regional Chair................................................................................................................... 46

Western Regional Calendar of Events ........................................................................................................................... 47

Western Regional Board .................................................................................................................................................. 48

Western Regional Job Fair Advertisement ................................................................................................................... 51

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

Message from the Rocky Mountain Regional Chair .................................................................................................... 53

Rocky Mountain Regional Calendar of Events ............................................................................................................ 54

Rocky Mountain Regional Board ................................................................................................................................... 55

Rocky Mountain Regional Job Fair Advertisement..................................................................................................... 58

NORTHEAST REGION

Message from the Northeast Regional Chair ............................................................................................................... 60

Northeast Regional Calendar of Events ........................................................................................................................ 61

Northeast Regional Board ............................................................................................................................................... 62

Northeast Regional Job Fair Advertisement ................................................................................................................ 67

SOUTHERN REGION

Message from the Southern Regional Chair ................................................................................................................. 69

Southern Regional Calendar of Events ......................................................................................................................... 70

Southern Regional Board ................................................................................................................................................. 71

Southern Regional Convention Advertisement ........................................................................................................... 75

MID-WEST REGION

Message from the Mid-West Regional Chair ................................................................................................................ 77

Mid-West Regional Board ............................................................................................................................................... 78

NBLSA Network Connection ........................................................................................................................................ 82

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HISTORY

________________________ Originally founded by Algernon Johnson ―A.J.‖ Cooper in 1968 as the Black American Law Students Association (BALSA), the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), is a national non-profit organization created and designed to articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of Black law students. NBLSA is the largest student-run organization in the United States, and has over 200 chapters at law schools throughout the country. This represents almost every ABA accredited law school, plus several non-accredited law schools. These chapters represent over 7,000 Black law students in six regions, which encompass forty-eight states, including: Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Recently, NBLSA established international links with Black law students in Canada, England, and South Africa who decided to model their student organizations after NBLSA. NBLSA also assisted with the formation of the National Latino/Latino Law Students Association, NLLSA; the National Association of Law Students with Disabilities, NALSD and National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, NAPALSA. NBLSA's societal impact is enormous. In its effort to remain responsive to the needs of the general minority community and, particularly, the minority law student, NBLSA has initiated many worthy programs and is often active in joint-effort programming with other organizations that have goals and objectives analogous to its own. NBLSA continues to produce its prestigious NBLSA Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and the prominent NBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition and expand its national Adopt-A-School Program. In addition, through its Nelson Mandela Scholarship Program, NBLSA awards several scholarships of over $500.00 each to minority law students annually. With emphasis on economic self-help and forwarding a progressive civil rights position, NBLSA continues its strong commitment to the original objectives of the Association. Further, the Association maintains strong ties with the National Bar Association (NBA), the National Conference of Black Lawyers, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, the National Black Leadership Roundtable and other student organizations. NBLSA also holds the annual Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat for chapter presidents to advance their leadership skills and train them on board governance. Additionally, NBLSA sponsors six academic retreats hosted in each of the regions designed to ensure the academic and professional success of our members.

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NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

1225 11th Street. N.W., Washington, DC 20001

Greetings NBLSA Family on behalf of the 2009 – 2010 National Team! I am honored to serve as chair of NBLSA during this amazing time in American history. We are experiencing a unique and exciting era. While we continue to celebrate the historical election of our 44th President, a NBLSA alumnus, we also face what has been deemed to be the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. This creates a perfect opportunity for NBLSA to effectuate meaningful change. As this new administration commits to progressive and innovative ideas we, as the future leaders, have a responsibility to be at the forefront advocating for our community. The 2009-2010 National Team is committed to preserve the legacy of NBLSA’s commitment to service through our trailblazing efforts. In continuing down the path towards our Road to Fifty, it is imperative that we aim to new heights and distinguish ourselves as a premier legal organization. This year’s theme, ―Awareness. Advocacy. Activism.,‖ strives to do just that. Our goal is to continue to uphold our commitment to social action and equal justice by raising awareness on critical issues affecting the African American community and advocating on behalf of those without a voice. We have created and strengthened programs, such as Census 2010, Social Action for Change and the Haiti Project, to amplify the mission of this organization. During these difficult economic times we have committed to your academic and professional development through our nine regional job fairs as well as expanding our network socials and career expo during the national convention. Additionally, we have arranged a networking social hosted by a firm to take place in every region following our board meetings exclusively, for the benefit of our membership. We have recognized the expressed concerns regarding our three reputable competitions and have created an advisory board comprised of professionals to enhance the development of the competitions and promote the advocacy, writing, and negotiation skills of our members. In recognizing the importance of preparing the future leaders on the horizon, we are strengthening our pipeline initiatives through increasing representation in our College Student Division. Lastly, we have established a partnership with the National Bar Association to provide mentorship and guidance as we navigate through our legal education and profession. All of our programs are designed with you in mind, both as an emissary and a recipient. The National Team recognizes that NBLSA cannot reach its full potential without the support and involvement of our members. The magnitude of our success relies on our capability to reach our full aptitude together with one vision, one purpose, and one goal. We all bring a unique perspective to this organization that is of great value. Together we can capitalize on our differences and embrace our common goal towards social justice and equality. Together we can raise the standards of even our own expectations and take control of the future success of NBLSA and our community. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns, directly at [email protected] or (202) 210-6556. Purposefully, Tiffany N. Munsell National Black Law Students Association National Chair 2009-2010 Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis

Tiffany Munsell NATIONAL CHAIR

Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Alana Haynes House

NATIONAL SECRETARY

Carrie Singleton NATIONAL TREASURER

Siana McLean

NATIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT

COMPETITION

Whitney Matthews NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD

MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Allison Monyei NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY

SERVICE

Darryl Collins

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Cherise Latortue WESTERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Shaniqua Clark

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR

Karl Riley MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAIR

Destini Bowman

NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAIR

Courtney Scipio

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONALCHAIR

Cachavious English

SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Leah Dupree CHIEF OF STAFF

Melvin Felton

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Jessica Childress

COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION NATIONAL CHAIR

Oneshia Herring

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Emelda Nduibizu NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN

Jalil Dozier NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN

Chibundu Nnake

NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION CHAIR

Charles Tucker, Jr., Esq. NATIONAL MOOT COURT ADVISOR

A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

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2009 – 2010 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Tiffany Munsell National Chair

Indiana University School of Law -

Indianapolis

Melinda Hightower National Vice-Chair

University of Virginia School of Law

Alana House National Secretary

University of Oklahoma College of

Law

Carrie Singleton National Treasurer Florida Coastal School of Law

Alicia A. Forde National Attorney

General Texas Southern

University - Thurgood Marshall

School of Law

Siana McLean National Moot Court Director

University at Buffalo Law School

Whitney Mathews National Mock Trial Director University of

Connecticut School of Law

Allison Monyei National Director of Community Service

Mercer University - Walter F. George

School of Law

Darryl Collins National Director of

Programming

University of Denver - Sturm College of Law

Cachavious English

Southern Regional Chair University of Alabama

School of Law

Destini Bowman Northeast Regional Chair

Albany Law School

Courtney Scipio Rocky Mountain Regional Chair

St. Mary’s University School of Law

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2009 – 2010 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Shaniqua Clark Mid-Atlantic Regional

Chair University of

Richmond School of Law

Karl Riley Midwest Regional Chair

Northwestern University School of

Law

Emelda Ndubuizu National Financial

Secretary Washington

University in St. Louis School of Law

Jalil Dozier National

Parliamentarian North Carolina

Central University School of Law

Melvin Felton II National Director of

Communications Columbia University

School of Law

Oneshia Herring National Director of

Membership North Carolina


Ronald Johnson, Jr.

National Historian Indiana University

Maurer School of Law - Bloomington

Jessica Childress National College Student Division

Director University of

Virginia School of Law

Chibundu Nnake National Social Action

Chair Southern Methodist University - Dedman

School of Law

Leah Dupree Chief of Staff

Indiana University School of Law -

Indianapolis

Cherise Latortue Western Regional Chair

University of Southern California - Gould

School of Law

Althea Udo-Inyang National Convention

Coordinator Western New England College School of Law

Daedrea D. Horne National International

Relations Chair Texas Southern

University - Thurgood Marshall School of

Law

No Picture Available

No Picture Available

No Picture

Available

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2009-2010 NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR

AUGUST Aug. 1 – 3: NBLSA Cora T. Walker Breakfast Hosted by the

National Bar Association – San Diego, CA Aug. 7 – 8: SRBLSA Job Fair – Atlanta, GA Aug. 14 – 15: RMBLSA Job Fair & Academic Retreat –

Houston, TX Aug. 21: NEBLSA Job Fair – Weehawken, NJ Aug. 22: MABLSA Job Fair – Washington, DC Aug. 22: WRBLSA Southern Sub-Region Job Fair – Los Angeles, CA Aug. 29: WRBLSA Northern Sub-Region Job Fair –

Hastings, CA SEPTEMBER September: EXCEL Career Guidance Manual Distribution September: WRBLSA Academic Retreats and Law Camps –

Location TBD September: Clerkship/Fellowship Packet Distribution September: Census 2010 Program Conference Call Sept. 5: WRBLSA Pacific NW Sub-Region Job Fair –

Tigard, OR Sept. 12 – 13: MWBLSA Job Fair– Rosemont, IL Sept. 17 – 19: SRBLSA Sub-Region V Academic Retreat –

Birmingham, AL Sept. 19: MABLSA Academic Retreat – Location TBD Sept. 19: SRBLSA Sub-Region III Academic Retreat:

North Carolina Central University – Durham, NC Sept. 19: WRBLSA Southern Sub-Region Academic

Retreat & Job Fair – Los Angeles, CA (Tentative) Sept. 24 – 26: NBLSA Congressional Black Caucus Weekend –

Washington, DC Sept. 24: Student Lending Advocacy Rally – Washington, DC Sept. 26: 4thAnnual Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership

Retreat – Washington, DC OCTOBER October: Community Service Week (Local chapters select week) October: MABLSA W.VA/PA Sub-Region Academic

Retreat – Location TBD October: SRBLSA Sub-Region IV Academic Retreat – Florida October: WRBLSA Academic Retreats and Law Camps –

Location TBD October: MWBLSA Academic Retreat and Law Camp -

Location - TBD Oct. 2: SRBLSA Sub-Region II Academic Retreat:

Louisiana State Univ. – Baton Rouge, LA Oct. 3: MABLSA PA Sub-Regional Law Camp – PA Oct. 10: MABLSA VA Sub-Regional Law Camp – Virginia Oct. 10: SRBLSA Sub-Region I Academic Retreat:

University of Memphis – Memphis, TN Oct. 17: MABLSA PA Academic Retreat – University

Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 17: NEBLSA Academic Retreat & Law Camp – Connecticut Oct. 17: WRBLSA Northern and Pacific NW Sub-Region Academic Retreat & Law Camp – Berkeley, CA (Tentative) Oct. 24: MABLSA DC Sub-Regional Law Camp – Location TBD (Tentative) Oct. 31: MABLSA VA Sub-Regional Law Camp – Location TBD (Tentative) Oct. 31: NBLSA Founders Day of Service NOVEMBER November: EXCEL Career Guidance Manual Distribution Nov. 13: NBLSA Networking Social– Chicago, IL DECEMBER Dec. 1: World AIDS Day Programs JANUARY January: EXCEL Career Guidance Manual Distribution Jan 3 – 8: Hurricane Katrina Advocacy Initiative – New Orleans, LA (Tentative) Jan. 15: NBLSA Networking Social – Atlanta, GA Jan 15 – 18: WRBLSA Annual MLK Ski Retreat – Lake Tahoe/Reno, NV (Tentative) Jan. 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Jan. 27 – 31: SRBLSA & RMBLSA Joint Regional Convention – Baton Rouge, LA (Tentative) Jan. 27 – 31: NEBLSA Regional Convention – Upstate New York (Tentative) FEBRUARY February: MWBLSA Regional Convention – Location TBD February: NBLSA 3rd Annual Lobby Day – Washington, D.C. February 3 - 7: WRBLSA Regional Convention – San Francisco, CA (Tentative) February: MABLSA Regional Convention – Virginia Beach, VA MARCH March: EXCEL Career Guidance Manual Distribution March: Haiti Advocacy Project – Cite Soleil, Haiti Mar. 10 – 14: 42nd Annual NBLSA National Convention – Boston, MA

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Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Alana Haynes House

NATIONAL SECRETARY


Siana McLean


COMPETITION




SERVICE

Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman


Courtney Scipio


Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

Fellow NBLSA Members! I am privileged to serve as your National Director of Programming for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. I am extremely excited about the chance to further this year’s NBLSA theme of ―Awareness. Advocacy. Activism.‖ The programming division consists of Community Service, Social Action, International Relations, College Student Division, and Career and Educational Development. This year, our programs will focus on using our advocacy skills to create awareness and take action. It is my goal to establish NBLSA’s brand as an advocacy organization. As your National Director of Programming, I am responsible for designing and implementing programs that are consistent with the core values of NBLSA. These programs will be implemented through all levels of NBLSA (National, Regional and Local), all in an attempt to unify NBLSA and reinforce cohesion. Additionally, I am responsible for assisting where needed, and therefore have been diligently working with the Career and Educational Development and International Relations sections.

Career and Educational Development The Career and Educational Development section is extremely important to us as current law students propelling into future attorneys. For this reason, we have focused on multiple objectives to assist in launching your career. First, we intend on distributing information on legal opportunities in law firms, federal and state clerkships, corporations, government agencies, public interest sectors, international agencies, and other traditional and non-traditional areas. This will occur through regional job fairs, a fellowship/clerkship packet, and multiple emails throughout the semester as we become aware of more available opportunities. Second, we intend on continuing our EXCEL: NBLSA Career Development publication. This publication will be distributed twice a semester and will be focused on career guidance, job search tactics, alternative job opportunities, and negotiating job offers, among other things. Third, we intend on reaching out to the National Bar Association (NBA) and creating a mentoring program, in which NBLSA members will be matched with local NBA members based on interests and job aspirations. Finally, we intend to provide multiple networking opportunities with practicing attorneys, judges, business leaders, legal scholars, and politicians, on local and national levels by hosting regional networking socials and expanding our career expo at the National Convention.

International Relations In keeping with NBLSA’s theme, the International Relations section is truly focused on creating awareness and taking action this year. As we know, what affects one community in many ways affects us all. Thus, our first program will be dedicated toward creating awareness in regards to HIV/AIDS, especially for World Aids Day. Unfortunately, this is an exploding epidemic in our community. Thus, we will keep you informed about legislation regarding equal treatment access among minorities worldwide. Additionally, we will urge you, as future advocates, to have programs, distribute pamphlets and inform the community of the need for equal treatment access. Our second program will be our annual Haiti project. In addition to the Haiti Service Trip, this year we will focus on advocating for those in Cite de Soleil, in an attempt to bring awareness and change to their situation. Finally, we will strengthen our relationship with our International BLSA chapters. Through the National Convention, we are always reminded of how each of our local communities are inextricably connected to one another, however we tend to forget that the same applies to our communities abroad. Thus, we intend on building and reinforcing this bridge with our members outside the United States. I am ready and willing to work with those that have a genuine interest in the advancement of NBLSA and our community as a whole. I enthusiastically welcome all comments, suggestions, concerns, etc. I am humbled and excited to serve you, and look forward to our joint efforts of promoting ―Awareness. Advocacy. Activism.‖ Purposefully yours, Darryl D. Collins National Director of Programming [email protected]

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Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Alana Haynes House

NATIONAL SECRETARY


Siana McLean


COMPETITION




SERVICE

Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman


Courtney Scipio


Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

Good day NBLSA: My name is Allison Monyei and I am delighted to serve as your 2009-2010 National Director of Community Service. As we undertake a new year, there are several opportunities for NBLSA to ensure that the community service efforts that we pursue reaffirm the organization’s commitment to service, community improvement, and supplementing the needs of the Black community. First, there are time specific initiatives. This means that in order to meet these initiatives, chapters should plan service projects on the specified day or within the specified window.

Founders Day of Service – observed October 31st, 2009

Community Service Week – observed during the month of October

MLK Day of Service – observed January 18th, 2010 Second, there are programmatic initiatives. These are initiatives that can be completed anytime during the school year, including during the time of specific service projects. All of the programmatic initiatives encourage mentorship and tutoring.

Adopt a Community/ Non-Profit/ School

Educational Empowerment:

College 101

Adult Education and Resource Sharing

Law Student for a Day

In addition to the national initiatives, each region has committed to initiatives specifically designed to address needs within that region. The regional initiatives are designed to be outgrowths of the national initiatives and should dovetail with the service efforts of your chapter.

MABLSA – Poverty, Education, and Health Care Disparities

MWBLSA - Adopt-a-Detention Center, Health Awareness Program

NEBLSA - Each One, Reach One

RMBLSA - Cross-Collaboration, Pipeline Programming

SRBLSA – Poverty, Economic Development, Community Justice

WRBLSA - Health Awareness, Pipeline Programming We hope each chapter is able to fully implement the initiatives and show the nation that NBLSA is committed to advocating for and bringing awareness to our community as we continue giving back. Please feel free to contact me or any of the Regional Community Service Directors with questions.

Allison C. Monyei National Director of Community Service

[email protected]

Yesinia Rivera Andre Bennin Mid-Atlantic Director of Community Service Rocky Mountain Director of Community Service [email protected] [email protected] Joanna Lopez Kweku Touré Mid-West Director of Community Service Southern Region Director of Community Service [email protected] [email protected] Ashley Moore Aliyah Abdullah Northeast Director of Community Service Western Region Director of Community Service [email protected] [email protected]

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NATIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVES

COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEK: Chapters are asked to plan a week of community service. This week provides local chapters with the opportunity to service areas in their communities that are not directly targeted by NBLSA service initiatives. Community Service Week should consist of at least 3 events and should occur in October.

FOUNDER’S DAY OF SERVICE: This is a great opportunity to give back to the community by remembering and honoring the vision of our founder. In addition, it will create a sense of consistency within our community service programming across the nation. The Founders Day of Service is observed on the last Saturday of October.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE: Local and sub-regional directors should work together to plan a service project to be done on King Day. The Day of Service is intended to motivate students to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. King by serving the community. Should your chapter choose to plan a larger-scale project, the Corporation for National and Community Service makes funding available to non-profit groups who are organizing and implementing a King Day service project.

ADOPT A COMMUNITY/NON-PROFIT/ SCHOOL: The Adopt a Community and Adopt a Non-Profit are expansions of NBLSA’s national Adopt a School program. Each local chapter adopts a community by concentrating its service programming in one community that has lower academic resources, poorer housing conditions, and limited community supports. The Adopt a Non-Profit program will encourage local chapters to choose a nonprofit, which they will assist in fundraising or volunteer efforts. This initiative focuses on being visually present in our communities as we serve as mentors, tutors, role models, and leaders.

ADULT EDUCATION AND RESOURCE SHARING: BLSA Chapters may reach out to young alumni and practitioners in the community for help planning an adult education project. If possible, these programs should target underserved adult populations.

Workforce Development: Find out if homeless shelters in the area would be willing to allow your chapter to do a session on job preparedness, interview techniques and/ or resume critique. You can also provide information to the community about local vocational training programs and technical schools in your area. Chapters may choose to pursue other topics such as computer skills for senior citizens, tax preparation, mortgages, financing higher education, or regional issues such as emergency preparedness.

COLLEGE 101/ PRE-LAW 101: This program should target high school and undergraduate students preparing for the next step in their education. BLSA members can host a Saturday session that includes resume and personal statement critique, PSAT/ SAT/ LSAT prep and Q&A panels. It is strongly encouraged to use this initiative to reach the College Student Division members. Programming between January 15 and March 15 that targets minority high school students and undergraduates may qualify for a LSAC Minority Program Grants. Please visit the www.lsac.org for more information about the grant.

LAW STUDENT FOR A DAY: If your school already has a program similar to Law-Student-For-A-Day, I encourage your chapter to ask your school administration how BLSA can become involved. The Law-Student-For-a-Day program targets middle and high school students. A sample day would consist of a mock trial activity and a question and answer lunch. Local chapters may choose to include age appropriate talks on the law and the legal field, or other similar activity. If possible, chapters should invite students from their adopted school or from a school that feeds into their adopted school so that the relationships established become ongoing ones.

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ADDITIONAL REGIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVES

MABLSA

(1) Poverty Local chapters should focus on combating the raise in poverty by collaborating with non-profits in their communities. Emphasis should be placed on food banks, clothing drive (e.g. dress for success), and foreclosure education.

(2) Education Focus should be on collaborating with undergraduate universities within the local chapters’ communities and strive to increase the number of minority students admitted to their respective law schools.

(3) Health Care Disparities Chapters are encouraged to collaborate with local non-profits that work to combat health care disparities in their communities. Focus should be on increasing access to health care and on education.

MWBLSA

(1) Adopt-a-Detention Center

Local chapters should adopt a detention center or home where they institute a mentoring program with a pen-pal component. The goal of the program is for troubled youth to have role models that can show them that they have options and can pursue their dreams through an education. To accomplish this goal, chapters should collect and donate age-appropriate books to the detention center and arrange to speak to the children.

(2) Health Awareness Program The Health Awareness Program is intended to address the health concerns in our community. Local chapters are asked to hold a health fair with free screenings for diabetes, hypertension, HIV, and an on-site nutritionist. Local chapters will also have pamphlets and guides to be distributed to members concerning nutrition, exercise, the National Marrow Donor Program, and help centers.

NEBLSA

(1) Each One, Reach One Local chapters should be encouraged and rewarded for working with other area BLSA chapters. Areas that have another BLSA chapter nearby should co-sponsor community service events. This can mean anything from each chapter joining the other in their respective selected community or combining to reach out to a separate community.

RMBLSA

(1) Cross-Collaboration Local chapters should be encouraged and rewarded for working with other area BLSA chapters. Areas that have another BLSA chapter nearby should co-sponsor community service events. This can mean anything from each chapter joining the other in their respective selected community or combining to reach out to a separate community.

(2) Pipeline Programming RMBLSA chapters may design or participate in ―Pipe-Line‖ initiatives that will help avert youth from a life of poverty and crime. Members can design programs to inform youth participants about ways to avoid the triggers that lead to crime and poverty such as teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, delinquency, and the use of drugs and alcohol. Partnering with local groups in their communities is encouraged.

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ADDITIONAL REGIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVES

SRBLSA

(1) Poverty SRBLSA chapters may focus on joining forces with communities and organizations dedicated in curbing the rising trend of chronic homelessness, people in need of emergency short term shelter services, feeding the hungry clothing drives, or even participating in programs that raise funds to assist the poor in paying their utility bills. Each SRBLSA chapter may also create their own poverty initiative by conducting food drives, clothing drives, or fundraising.

(2) Economic Development

BLSA chapters can engage communities and organizations to participate in Economic Development initiatives such as community gardens that produce and provide much needed food to those struggling. BLSA members may offer their tangible professional skill sets. For instance, resume writing, interview strategies, and conducting ready to work sessions. Members may also consider assisting communities and organizations in their efforts to provide direct services to the long term unemployed and hard-to-serve (ex-offenders, high school drop outs, adult mentally ill, etc.).

(3) Community Justice Initiatives

Community Justice focuses on assisting hard-to-serve ex-offenders or offenders on probation, parole or pre-trial release in their transition back into the community. SRBLSA chapters may partner with local bar associations, community organizations, and even faith-based organization to assist them in delivering direct services.

WRBLSA

(1) Health Awareness WRBLSA chapters should work diligently throughout the year to raise awareness of the effect that AIDS is having on our community. Chapters are encouraged to distribute information, hold information sessions, host fundraising events, participate in regional AIDS Walks, and participate in local efforts on World Aids Day (December 1).

(2) Pipeline Programming Chapters should support College Student Division efforts and reach to local undergraduate institutions and local high schools. There are opportunities to mentor, visit classrooms, and administer competitions, such as moot court, mock trial, negotiations, or creative writing.

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CHAPTER OF THE YEAR GUIDE

The 2009 -2010 National Chapter of the Year is one that has made a difference in its communities, and has improved the quality of its law school by enhancing social awareness and communal activism while representing the ideals and executing the initiatives of NBLSA. There are three parts to the process of becoming Chapter of the Year:

The Application

The Scrapbook and Event Documentation

The Interview Please find included in this guide the Chapter of the Year rubric. Every region will use this national rubric and application and each chapter will be graded on a numeric scale and can receive up to a total of 200 points. It is critical that chapters create sign-in sheets for each event and submit the appropriate attendance record for each event documented in the Chapter of the Year application. In the absence of an attendance record for a documented event, the selection committee will automatically assign a participation value of 15% for the event. A sample method of keeping attendance records has been provided at the end of this handbook. More specific information regarding submission will be forthcoming from your regional community service director. We hope that this year’s competition is as spirited as years prior and look forward to receiving your submissions.

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CHAPTER OF THE YEAR RUBRIC

45 pts SOCIOPOLITICAL AWARENESS - Attorney General (20 pts)

Census 2010

CBC Weekend

Lobby Day

Political and Social Awareness Activities - Social Action (25 pts)

Death Penalty Moratorium

Project Katrina

Student Loan Lending Legislation & Rally

40 pts COMMUNITY SERVICE - National, Regional, and Additional Community Service Programming

30 pts EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT - Academic Programming - 1L Support - Professional Career Events

20 pts COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION

- CSD Programming - Pre-Law Programming - Law Camp Participation

10 pts INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Project Haiti - World AIDS Day

15 pts REGIONAL PROGRAMMING - Job Fair Participation - Academic Retreat Participation - Competition Participation - Regional and Intraregional Participation (committees, sponsorship, etc)

5 pts NATIONAL PROGRAMMING - Charles Hamilton Houston: President’s (Leadership) Retreat Participation

5 pts SOCIAL EVENTS

- Internal Relationship Development (parties, socials, mixers, dinners)

170 Programming Subtotal 15 pts INTERVIEW 15 pts EVENT DOCUMENTATION

1. Scrapbook 2. Master Attendance List (Attendance Records)

3. Optional – Multimedia presentation (e.g. Slideshow, video, etc)

200 TOTAL

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2009-2010 CHAPTER OF THE YEAR APPLICATION

CHAPTER NAME: _______________________________________________________________ CHAPTER MAILING ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER PRESIDENT: _____________________________________________ NUMBER OF MEMBERS: _____________________ NUMBER OF 1LS: _______________ CHAPTER EMAIL: _________________________________________________ CHAPTER WEBSITE ADDRESS (IF APPLICABLE): ________________________________________ I have read the application thoroughly and I agree to abide by the terms as set forth by my respective regional selection committee and the national selection committee. I affirm that the information provided herein is correct and truthful and I agree that if the provided information is found to be false, this application will be immediately disqualified.

SIGNATURE OF CHAPTER PRESIDENT (TYPE NAME) ____________________________________ ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN A SEPARATE WORD DOCUMENT: PART A: SOCIOPOLITICAL AWARENESS

1) Census 2010: In chronological order, please list and describe the projects that your chapter implemented in concordance with NBLSA Census 2010 initiatives.

2) List and discuss any speakers or programs that your Chapter has hosted to make the community aware of social and political issues of special importance to African Americans.

3) Please list any programs that address the NBLSA Social Action initiatives. 4) Did your chapter participate in any of the NBLSA sponsored Congressional Black Caucus Weekend activities? 5) Did your chapter implement any of the Lending Advocacy initiatives? Please elaborate and attach any petition signatures

obtained by your chapter. 6) Did your chapter participate in any of the Lending Advocacy Events? Please elaborate. 7) Please note your chapter’s involvement in Project Katrina.

PART B: COMMUNITY SERVICE 1) In chronological order, please list all community service projects your chapter participated in during the 2009-2010

School Year and give a detailed description of each program, your participation in each project to date, and the national and/or regional initiatives that it satisfies, if any.

2) In chronological order, please list all community service projects your chapter plans on hosting or has not completed at the time of this application submission for the remainder of the 2009-2010 School Year and give a detailed description of each program and the national and/or regional initiatives that it satisfies, if any.

PART C: OTHER PROGRAMMING 1) EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

A. Please list in chronological order and describe any academic sessions your Chapter has hosted and denote those programs that are designed to acclimate 1Ls to law school and promote their academic success. (Examples include review sessions, mentoring initiatives, how-to study sessions, law review write-on preparation, moot court try-out preparation).

B. What has your chapter done to better prepare your members for the job market? (Examples include hosting mock-

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interviews, participating in local professional organizations, and networking events) 2) COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION

A. Discuss all College Student Division activities hosted by your chapter. B. If your chapter does not actively participate with a CSD chapter, has your chapter made an effort to establish a

CSD chapter? Please explain. C. If your chapter did not have any CSD activities, please list your programming that was focused on pre-law and

undergraduate students.

3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS A. Please note your chapter’s involvement in NBLSA’s commitment to Haiti. B. Please describe your chapter’s participation in World AIDS Day or in increasing awareness about the global

affect of HIV/AIDS.

4) REGIONAL PROGRAMMING A. Did your chapter participate in its regional job fair? B. Did a member of your chapter attend another region’s job fair? If so, please note the region. C. Was your chapter represented at its regional and/or sub-regional academic retreat? D. Is your chapter participating in any of the regional/national competitions? Please list. E. Has your chapter been active within the region? (examples include regional committee participation, securing

sponsorships, and other regional events)

5) NATIONAL PROGRAMMING A. Did your Chapter President or another designated member attend the Charles Hamilton Houston President’s

(Leadership) Retreat?

6) SOCIAL EVENTS A. Discuss all social activities hosted by your chapter that were designed to build community from within.

7) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS A. Discuss any additional information about your chapter and/or programs like to bring to the attention of the

selection committee.

PART D: ESSAY Why should your chapter be selected as the Chapter of the Year?

(Please limit your answer to 500 words)

PART E: CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Please attach your chapter’s 2009-2010 Calendar of Events.

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SAMPLE ATTENDANCE RECORD

(Please consider using this method in tracking member attendance to chapter events as it is the preferred method of recording attendance for the Chapter of the Year competition.)

BLSA Members Year

1L Welcome Cookout (8/22)

Business Card Drive

(9/9-12)

BLSA Fall

Fling (9/12)

Voting Registration Drive (9/16)

Adopt-a-School (9/22-9/26)

Adopt-a-

School (9/22-10/3)

Sample Student 1 3L X X X X X Sample Student 2 3L X X X X Sample Student 3 3L X X X X X Sample Student 4 2L X X X X Sample Student 5 2L X X X Sample Student 6 2L X Sample Student 7 2L Sample Student 8 2L X X X Sample Student 9 1L X X X Sample Student 10 1L X X X Sample Student 11 1L X X X X Sample Student 12 1L X X Sample Student 13 1L X X X Sample Student 14 1L X Sample Student 15 1L X X X

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Warmest NBLSA Greetings: It is with great enthusiasm and pleasure that I serve as your national attorney general for the 2009-2010 academic year. As NBLSA continues to make strides within our community, it is important that we stay in the forefront by being an organization that is known for effectuating change and standing behind the issues that directly affect us. This year’s programming will not only solidify NBLSA’s presence, but also expose us to new areas that we have not explored. NBLSA has the strength of 7,000 members behind it, and with that kind of support it is important that we use our voices to be advocates for our communities. We are extremely excited to introduce the initiatives and programming for the year: Census 2010: NBLSA’s efforts to ensure that our community is represented in the 2010 census through the accurate appropriation of the $300 billion in yearly federal funding, districting, and congressional representation. NBLSA’s primary goal is to educate through Awareness, advocate on behalf of those that are consistently underrepresented and ensure that the community actively participates in Census 2010 so that everyone is counted!

Congressional Black Caucus Weekend: Programming by NBLSA in conjunction with the ALC & Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Weekend. Our CBC activities include:

Second Annual NBLSA Congressional Kid’s Day o Friday, September 25, 2009: 8:30am – 9:30am

Sixth Annual NBLSA CBC Reception o Friday, September 25, 2009: 5:30pm – 7:00pm o Reed Smith LLP in Washington, D.C.

National Lobby Day: NBLSA returns to Washington, D.C. in February 2010 to discuss, with members of Congress, issues concerning policies that affect the black community. Our focus issues this year are:

Student Loan Funding Availability The Haiti Initiative

We know with the dedication and commitment that each chapter has, NBLSA can press forward in achieving our initiatives to help bring a bigger, brighter, and better change to our communities. We are open to all of your questions and concerns. We are excited for the prospect of working with NBLSA members this upcoming year. Have an excellent year!

Alicia A. Forde

National Attorney General [email protected]

Alexandra King Keith Lamar

Mid-Atlantic Attorney General Rocky Mountain Attorney General [email protected] [email protected]

Marchant Martinelli Travis Sumter Mid-West Attorney General Southern Region Attorney General [email protected] [email protected] Tiffany Sullivan Rosezetta Upshaw Northeast Attorney General Western Region Attorney General [email protected] [email protected]


Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Alana Haynes House NATIONAL SECRETARY

Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER

Siana McLean NATIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK

DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Whitney Matthews

NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL

COMPETITION

Allison Monyei NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Darryl Collins NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF

PROGRAMMING

Alicia Forde ATTORNEY GENERAL

Cherise Latortue

WESTERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Shaniqua Clark MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR

Karl Riley

MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAIR

Destini Bowman NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAIR

Courtney Scipio


Cachavious English SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Leah Dupree

CHIEF OF STAFF

Melvin Felton NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNICATIONS

Jessica Childress COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION

NATIONAL CHAIR

Oneshia Herring NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF

MEMBERSHIP


Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

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CENSUS 2010 PROGRAM GUIDE PROGRAM GUIDE: The information presented is intended to provide chapter presidents with a general outline of the Census 2010 programming activities. Chapter presidents should use these materials as a reference guide in planning census activities for the year. For a more detailed Census 2010 Program Guide please contact the National Attorney General. In order to effectively implement these programs, in September 2009, a conference call will be held to clarify chapter questions or concerns regarding the implementation of the Census 2010 programming.

CENSUS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM: National Goal: To inform high school students about the importance of the Census 2010 and why it is important that everyone participates. Logistical Note: We are asking that chapters host educational/informational sessions about Census 2010 in high schools that are in areas that have historically been deemed ―hard-to-count‖ by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is to be complete during the Fall 2009 Semester, in order to count towards your chapter of the year application.

MALE YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: National Goal: To ensure the black male population (aged 16-26) is adequately represented in the Census 2010 statistics. Logistical Note: During the 2000 Census, there was a significant lack of participation from Black males between the ages of sixteen to twenty-six. We are asking that chapters collaborate with a local area male youth mentoring group to educate and inform these male youth about the importance of their involvement in the upcoming Census. This is to be complete during the Fall 2009 Semester, in order to count towards your chapter of the year application.

THEIR PRESENCE COUNTS PROGRAM: National Goal: To promote education and importance of Census 2010 participation among homeless and women’s shelters. Logistical Note: Traditionally the homeless and women’s shelters have been under represented populations in the census. We are asking that chapters go to different homeless and women’s shelters, in traditionally hard-to-count areas, and inform their directors and/or administrators of the importance of maintaining an accurate count for their Census rosters. It is important that NBLSA help impart on these specific demographics that the census is easy, important, but most importantly confidential. This is to be complete during the Fall 2009 Semester, in order to count towards your chapter of the year application.

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CENSUS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

1. Set the Date: Set a target date for your chapter to go to a high school in a ―hard-to-count‖ area. Be mindful of local school district holidays when selecting date.

2. Select a School: Find a school in a ―hard-to-count‖ area. Contact the National Attorney General for a listing of ―hard-to-

count areas in your respective city. Contact the schools administration to discuss the program and NBLSA’s efforts to inform their students about the importance of the Census. You are encouraged to use schools that you have a prior partnership with, if that school is located in a ―hard-to-count‖ area.

3. Schedule a Meeting: Try and set up a meeting with the teachers and school administrator to discuss the lesson plan that

you will be covering. Inform the school of how many classes, dates, and times you prefer to teach. 4. Recruit Early: Recruit participants from your chapter early. Be sure they understand the level of commitment, considering

teachers will be opening their classes up to NBLSA to conduct this program and will change their lesson plans accordingly. Please be respectful of the teacher and students time.

5. Communication: Stay in communication with the teacher leading up to the date to ensure there are no changes. 6. Reporting: Your chapter will need to count the number of students that were present during the presentation(s). Your

chapter will need to fill out an attendance report. A copy of the attendance report should be sent to your Regional Attorney General as well as be included in your Chapter of the Year Application. A copy of the attendance report can be obtained from your Regional Attorney General or the detailed Census 2010 Program Guide.

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YOUTH MALE OUTREACH PROGRAM

1. Set the Date: Set a target date for your chapter to host a forum with a youth male outreach group. Be mindful not to schedule a time during school hours.

2. Select a Youth Male Outreach Group: Find a mentoring program in a ―hard-to-count‖ area. Contact the National

Attorney General for a listing of ―hard-to-count areas in your respective city. Contact the director of the mentoring program/organization to discuss NBLSA’s efforts to inform male youth of the importance of the Census. You are encouraged to collaborate with organizations that you have a prior partnership with, if that school is located in a ―hard-to-count‖ area.

3. Schedule a Meeting: Try and set up a meeting with the mentors and/or directors to discuss the activity that you will be

conducting. Inform the school of how the date and times you prefer to conduct the forum. 4. Recruit Early: Recruit participants from your chapter early. Be sure they understand the level of commitment. Please be

respectful of the mentor/director and students time. 5. Communication: Stay in communication with the mentor/director leading up to the date to ensure there are no changes. 6. Reporting: Your chapter will need to count the number of young males that were present during the presentation(s). Your

chapter will need to fill out an attendance report. A copy of the attendance report should be sent to your Regional Attorney General as well as be included in your Chapter of the Year Application. A copy of the attendance report can be obtained from your Regional Attorney General or the detailed Census 2010 Program Guide.

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THEIR PRESENCE COUNTS PROGRAM

1. Set the Date: Set a target date for your chapter to visit a homeless and/or women’s shelter. 2. Select a Shelter: Find a shelter in a ―hard-to-count‖ area. Contact the National Attorney General for a listing of ―hard-to-

count areas in your respective city. Contact the administrator of the shelter to discuss NBLSA’s efforts to ensure that the homeless and/or women in protective shelters are accurately counted as well as ensure them of the confidentiality of the Census.

3. Recruit Early: Recruit participants from your chapter early. Be sure they understand the level of commitment. Please

understand the sensitivity of this process for the people in the shelters, be understanding of their resistance and provide comfort and assurance as well as informing them of how they are personally impacted by the Census.

4. Communication: Stay in communication with the administrator of the shelter leading up to the date to ensure there are no

changes. 5. Reporting: Your chapter will need to count the number of residents of the shelter that were present during the

presentation(s). Your chapter will need to fill out an attendance report. A copy of the attendance report should be sent to your regions Attorney General as well as be included in your Chapter of the Year Application. A copy of the attendance report can be obtained from your regions Attorney General or the detailed Census 2010 Program Guide.

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Salutations Fellow Members of BLSA! I am excited about the year that we have planned and what we hope to accomplish. As individuals who aspire to become attorneys, we constantly remind ourselves of the saying: ―To whom much is given, much is expected.‖ Therefore, it is our duty to continue to be the voice of those who are unable and of our communities. To that extent, we have four major initiatives that we hold dear to our hearts and know that with the assistance and participation of all chapters we will be able to make that impact and change that we seek! This year’s initiatives include:

1) Student Lending Rally (Thursday, September 24tth of CBC Weekend): 2) Student Loan Accessibility Petition 3) Letter Writing Campaign for Bar Prep Funding 4) Hurricane Katrina Advocacy Week

Of course, although these are the national initiatives, we encourage ALL chapters to take action in their communities. I look forward to addressing any and all concerns and suggestions, as we continue our joint effort towards accomplishing our goals. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Good luck to everyone as you continue planning for your year. Thank you in advance for your cooperation! Humbly at Your Service, Chibundu Nnake Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law 2009 – 2010 NBLSA Social Action Chair


Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR


Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER



Whitney Matthews

NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Allison Monyei

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman


Courtney Scipio ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONALCHAIR

Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

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NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVES STUDENT LOAN ACCESSIBILITY RALLY: National Goal: To bring awareness to the student loan accessibility issue by rallying thousands of students displaying the importance of this initiative to the entire nation. NBLSA is committed to advocating that each and every student that desires to pursue higher education is able to receive the funds necessary to accomplish their goal. Education is the foundation upon which much of our economy is based. We hope that this rally will motivate our legislators to give more attention to this issue so that students are able to spend more time on studying their books and less on how they will be able to afford them. Logistical Note: On Thursday, September 24th, during CBC Weekend, NBLSA will host a rally in Washington DC. We hope to aggregate a crowd of over 2000 people to join us in bringing awareness to the issue of student loan accessibility and how the lack of access has impacted all students, but minority students in particular. We will partner with numerous professional student organizations as well as community organizations. We hope to see you in DC supporting this initiative! Potential Partner(s): American Bar Association – Law Student Division, National Society of Black Engineers, National Association of Black Accountants, Student National Dental Association, Student National Medical Association, National Black MBA Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rainbow Push Coalition, and other student organizations.

STUDENT LOAN ACCESSIBILITY PETITION: National Goal: To collect over 100,000 signatures in support of the making student loans more accessible to all students and providing better rates for borrowing and a more manageable timeline for repayment. Logistical Note: The goal is for each chapter to collect at least 500 signatures. This will aid in bringing awareness to this issue on campus, in addition to fulfilling our goal to be activists on the initiative. The petitions must be postmarked no later than September 20,2009 in order for them to be included in the petition count to Congress and to count towards your Chapter of the Year application. A copy of all petitions should be sent to the Social Action Chair1 as well as be included in your Chapter of the Year Application. Potential Partner: Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN: National Goal: To write and send over 400 letters to US Congressmen informing them that the costs associated with preparing for the bar should be included in the cost of attendance and that they should advocate for this to occur. Logistical Note: We are challenging each Chapter, Region, and the National Board to write two letters to a member of Congress. The letters must be sent no later than December 31, 2009 for them to count towards your Chapter of the Year application. Please refer to the Alliance for Legal Education website for contact information for your legislative representative.2 A copy of all letters sent to Congress should be sent to the Social Action Chair as well as be included in your Chapter of the Year Application. Potential Partner(s): Alliance for Legal Education and the American Bar Association – Law Student Division.

NEW ORLEANS/HURRICANE KATRINA ADVOCACY WEEK: National Goal: To address some of the issues still occurring in Hurricane rampage New Orleans. This year we will have a greater focus on advocacy and deal with more speaking to key legislatures on behalf of those people that have been devastated by Katrina and are not being represented in its redevelopment. Logistical Note: We will be there from January 6 – 10, 2009. We will spend the week dedicated to lobbying the legislature on behalf of the under represented, homeless, and displaced. Additionally, we will host events during New Orleans primary elections season, speaking to candidates about the issues that affect the New Orleans community and the plans for future development and revitalization of the city. Please join us during this week of ―Awareness, Advocacy, and Activism.‖ Potential Partner(s): City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, Tulane Law School.

1 [email protected] 2 http://capwiz.com/allianceforlegaleducation/home/

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STUDENT LOAN ACCESSIBILITY PETITION

Banks get bailout money for free. We should not charge students a fee.

Stop loans and defaults that undermine our future.

Yes! I support the Rainbow PUSH Education Stimulus Plan that calls on Congress to:

Reduce the interest rate on all student loans to 1%.

Extend the grace period before loan repayment begins from 6 to 18 months

Stop penalizing schools for student loan defaults.

Increase Pell Grants to cover the average yearly cost of a public 4 year institution.

Printed Name Signature Email Zip Code

Please mail or deliver this original petition to:

Rainbow PUSH Coalition c/o Lauren Love

930 East 50th

Street Chicago, IL 60615

Please mail a copy of this petition to: National Black Law Students Association

c/o Chibundu Nnake P.O. Box 754490

Dallas, TX 75275-4490

ReduceTheRate.org Petition

Bailout American Students!

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN

GUIDELINES

1. Must Think Locally: Select elected officials from your area by going to the Alliance for Legal Education website and typing in your chapter’s zip code. Congresspersons pay more attention to their constituents because these are the same individuals who help them become elected. Therefore, your opinion carries a lot of weight.

2. Each chapter must send two letters to different Congresspersons: For our letters to be effective, we cannot send the same ―cookie-cutter‖ letter. We need to grab their attention AND get consideration. Each letter needs to be tailored to the region and Congressperson.

3. Be as simple and straightforward as possible: We are advocating for the Higher Education Act technical corrections bill (H.R. 1777), which amends the cost of attendance provisions to provide institutions the option of including in the cost of attendance the one-time cost of obtaining a first professional license or certificate for a student who is enrolled in a program that requires such professional licensure or certification. Please reference the bill.

4. The BEST letters are concise and simple: The letters should be no longer than one-page addressing the need of including Bar Prep Funding in the final-year cost of attendance for law school.

a. Paragraph 1: Short Introduction (NBLSA and chapter information)/state purpose of letter and position b. Paragraph 2: Why this bill is important, especially for minority students and diversifying the legal

profession i. Be Factual: Cite some ABA statistics, and include information about how the topic affects you

and others, and why Congress should help make a difference c. Paragraph 3: Close the letter by stating that you want your congressperson to vote for and support this

initiative, however, do not demand their support or vote. i. Most important, do not forget who you represent, so PLEASE be respectful and courteous.

Finally, do not forget to thank them for taking the time to read your letter. 5. Addressing Members of Congress: Senators

a. ADDRESS: The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

b. SALUTATION: Dear Senator [Insert Last Name]: 6. Addressing Members of Congress: Representatives

a. ADDRESS: The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

b. SALUTATION: Dear Representative [Insert Last Name]: i. When writing to the Chairperson of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, address them as:

1. Dear Mr. Chairman Dear Madam Chairwoman

2. Dear Mr. Speaker Dear Madam Speaker

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LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN SAMPLE LETTER

** Insert date here ** The Honorable Senator ** Senator's Full Name here ** United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator [Insert Last Name]: As African American Law Students, we are very concerned with the current state of diversity in our law schools and in the legal profession. Many schools and companies have increased their efforts to improve the numbers, however, enrollment and matriculation are actually in decline. In addition, those minorities who attend law school, are less likely to afford a bar preparation course, and more likely to not pass the bar on their first attempt. As members of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), we recognize the gravity of this situation and understand that if the amendments to the Higher Education Act technical corrections bill (H.R. 1777) are passed, bar passage would increase, especially among minority students because affordability would be less of an issue. I believe that given the evidence and proper review of the facts, you will come to the same conclusion that we and many others have. We encourage you to support this bill to level the bar prep playing field and continuing the efforts to diversify the legal profession. Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We would appreciate hearing from you on this matter. Sincerely, ** Signature ** **Name and address **

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Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR


Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER



Whitney Matthews


Allison Monyei


Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman



Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

Dear NBLSA Members, I honored to serve as the 2009-2010 National Director of the College Student Division (CSD). The College Student Division is a component of NBLSA which informs undergraduate students considering law school about the law school application process, life as a law student, the practice of law, and other relevant knowledge about obtaining a law degree. This year, regional directors and I look forward to working closely with local BLSA chapters in instituting the initiatives that CSD has planned for the year. Undergraduates may join CSD as members of their undergraduate local chapters or as general members. General membership is available for those individuals who attend institutions which are unable to sustain a CSD chapter for various reasons. The CSD strongly encourages all BLSA chapters located on campuses without CSD chapters to assist CSD in garnering undergraduate interest. Membership application materials are available online, through the Regional CSD Directors, and through the National Director of the College Student Division. This fall, CSD will be hosting National Law Camps within each region. Law Camps serve as an avenue for prospective law students to gain pertinent information about the law school application process and the benefits of obtaining a legal education. The camps will host various speakers from pre-law organizations who will address topics such as financing a legal education, the law school application process, and making the transition into law school. The tentative locations and dates for this year’s law camps are as follows: October 3: Washington, DC October 3-4: Baton Rouge, LA October 17: Richmond, VA October 31: New Haven, Connecticut As regional directors continue planning for law camps, other dates will be posted. In addition to our law camps, this year, we will be spearheading the first annual College Student Division Law Fair at our National Convention. During this event, deans of admission and other representatives from ABA accredited law schools will provide information about their law schools to CSD members. As we get closer to Convention, we will need your assistance in reaching out to representatives from your law school and encouraging them to attend this event. BLSA members have traditionally served as mentors to CSD members, and this year, we ask you to help us continue this strong tradition of mentorship by encouraging your members to volunteer to become CSD mentors. By serving as mentors, BLSA members will build relationships with a CSD member who holds similar interests. Moreover, they will serve as a guide to mentees as they navigate the law school application process. Please encourage the members of your chapters to become mentors. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can complete the attached application. Finally, one of the major goals of CSD this year is to increase membership and enhance the benefits of being a CSD member. You can help us achieve these goals by encouraging pre-law students at your school to charter a CSD chapter or to become general members of CSD. Moreover, if your chapter is hosting any programs that would be of interest to a CSD member, this year, we will ask that you invite CSD members to such events. Thank you for your interest in CSD. The regional directors and we look forward to working with you this year. If your have any questions or concerns about CSD, please feel free to contact me or your regional director. Best wishes for a successful school year.

National Director of College Student Division Jessica Childress

[email protected] Alana St. Aude Jessica Kemp Northeast Director of College Student Division Rocky Mountain Director of College Student Division [email protected] [email protected] Elizabeth Broden Ashley Mayes Western Director of College Student Division Southern Director of College Student Division [email protected] [email protected] Twanna Hill Starr Brookins Mid-West Director of College Student Division Mid-Atlantic Director of College Student Division [email protected] [email protected]

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COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION MENTOR FORM

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone ________________________________________________________________________ Other Phone _______________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address ______________________________________________________________________ Undergraduate Institution and Graduation Date: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Law School and Expected Graduation Date: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Interests/Hobbies _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Law School Involvement: _____________________________________________________________________________________

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Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR


Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER



Whitney Matthews


Allison Monyei


Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman



Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

Dear NBLSA Family,

Welcome to another year of the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (FDMCC). This year we celebrate 30 years of FDMCC and it promises to an excellent year filled with unparalleled levels of exceptional oral advocacy and brief writing. Since its inception in 1975, the FDMCC has been a cornerstone of NBLSA programming. Each year over 100 teams compete within the six regional competitions, culminating in the top three teams from each region competing at the national level during NBLSA’s Annual Convention.

This year, the goal of the National FDMCC team is to see increased participation from schools in all regions and to raise the bar of competition to establish FDMCC as one of the premiere moot court competitions in the nation.

Throughout this summer and continuing into the 2009 - 2010 school year, you will have access to information regarding the process for registering for FDMCC. The main resources for information will be the NBLSA website (http://www.nblsa.org/mootcourt) and on the FDMCC Course on TWEN. You can register for this course by going to http://lawschool.westlaw.com/twen.default.asp. Under National TWEN Courses, look for ―National Frederick Douglas Moot Court Board,‖ select the checkbox next to the course you want to add. The password is ―fdmc2010‖. We will also be distributing FDMCC information packets to many of the schools in your regions which will include registration information and introductory materials pertaining to the competition.

This year FDMCC has a strong group of dedicated individuals who will be working diligently to ensure that

the competition is executed in a professional and efficient manner. The 2009 – 2010 team is as follows: National Director : Siana J. McLean (University at Buffalo Law School) National Specialists: Cerrone G. Coker (University of Georgia School of Law) Johnson Atkinson (Duke University School of Law) Northeast Regional Director: Phillip Criswell (Harvard Law School) Midwest Regional Director: Sheena Hamilton (Saint Louis University School of Law) Mid-Atlantic Regional Director: Valerie Johnson (Regent University School of Law) Rocky Mountain Regional Specialist: Nikki Chreisman (Texas Wesleyan School of Law) Southern Regional Director: Sean Campbell (Florida A&M Law School) Western Regional Director: Aysha Pamucku (USC Gould School of Law) National Moot Court Advisor: Charles Tucker Jr., Esq.

2009 -2010 FDMCC Important Dates

Rules, Information, Frequently Asked Questions – Available on TWEN

July 15, 2009

FDMCC Problem available on TWEN September 15, 2009 Early Bird Registration Rate - $300.00* September 1 – October 2, 2009 Standard Registration Rate - $350.00 October 3 – October 31, 2009 Registration of 2 or more teams from same school - $300.00 per team*

September 1 – October 16, 2009

Brief Due Date November 16, 2009 Late Service of Briefs November 20, 2009 Western Regional Convention February 3 – 7, 2010 Rocky Mountain/Southern Regional Convention TBA – January 2010 Northeast Regional Convention TBA – January 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Convention TBA – February 2010 Mid-West Regional Convention TBA – February 2010 National Convention March 10 – 14, 2010

* Please note: only 1(one) discount will be applied per school* Siana J. McLean Cerrone G. Coker Johnson Atkinson National Director National Specialist National Specialist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] *PLEASE note that only one discount will be applied per team (if applicable).

33



Greetings NBLSA,

In March of 2002, the general body of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) voted to create the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition (TMMTC). The TMMTC has become one of the most respected competitions available to law students. The Competition offers its participants an unparalleled experience in which to discover or hone their trial advocacy skills and capabilities. It has created a training ground for some of the most accomplished litigators that this country has produced. With the assistance of practicing judges, attorneys, and law professors, the prestige of this Competition has been recognized across the nation.

This year’s TMMTC team has already been working diligently to ensure that this year’s competition will be one of the most exciting and challenging to date. To this end, we are in the process of refining and strengthening individual aspects of the competition which will, in turn, guarantee that the overall Competition will live up to its full potential. Your National TMMTC Director, with the help of your National TMMTC Specialists and Regional Directors and Specialists, we will ensure that the rules, procedures, and regulations of the Competition are adhered to uniformly at all times.

That said, we are extending this invitation to each and every one of you to become apart of this great Competition. If you decide to participate, you will be joining the ranks of some of the best mock trial teams in your region and perhaps even the country.

Your dedicated and enthusiastic 2009 – 2010 TMMTC team includes:

National Director: Whitney Matthews (University of Connecticut School of Law) National Specialists: Sonny Haynes (North Carolina Central University School of Law) Kara Akins (University of Virginia School of Law) Northeast Regional Director: Charlene Chinn (Massachusetts School of Law) Midwest Regional Director: Zeely Stewart (Thomas M. Cooley Law School) Mid-Atlantic Regional Director: Karen Wilson (Pennsylvania State Dickinson School of Law) Rocky Mountain Regional Specialist: Briseida Bethencourt (Saint Mary’s School of Law) Western Regional Director: Amena Jefferson (University of Washington School of Law) National Mock Trial Advisor: Kathryn Skagerberg Esq.

2009 -2010 TMMTC Important Dates* Rules, information, frequently asked questions available on TWEN

September 15, 2009

TMMTC problem available on TWEN October 15, 2009 Early Bird Registration Rate - $300.00** October 1 – November 2, 2009 Standard Registration Rate - $350.00 November 3 – December 5, 2009 Registration of 2 or more teams from same school - $300.00 per team**

October 1 – November 16, 2009

Western Regional Convention February 3 – 7, 2010 Rocky Mountain/Southern Regional Convention TBA – January 2010 Northeast Regional Convention TBA – January 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Convention TBA – February 2010 Mid-West Regional Convention TBA – February 2010 National Convention March 10 – 14, 2010

Please note: This information is tentative and therefore subject to change * *Please note: only 1(one) discount will be applied per team (if applicable)**

Whitney Matthews Sonny Haynes Kara Akins National Director National Specialist National Specialist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]


Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR


Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER



Whitney Matthews


Allison Monyei


Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman



Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

34




Melinda Hightower

NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR


Carrie Singleton

NATIONAL TREASURER



Whitney Matthews


Allison Monyei


Darryl Collins


Alicia Forde

ATTORNEY GENERAL


Shaniqua Clark



Destini Bowman



Cachavious English



Melvin Felton


Jessica Childress


Oneshia Herring



Ronald Johnson, Jr.

NATIONAL HISTORIAN


Chibundu Nnake



A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

Greetings NBLSA Family:

The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) invites you to participate in the 2010 International Negotiations Competition (INC). As the latest addition to the NBLSA competitions, the INC is the only non-litigation based competition opportunity within the organization. The program hones negotiation skills that are vital to a legal career while creating awareness of global issues. Participants will partner with a classmate, forming two person teams, to negotiate a cross-border conflict based on current issues in our global community. No prior experience is necessary and first year students are encouraged to participate. There is no writing requirement, but teams are encouraged to prepare based on the general facts given to all competitors at the close of registration. There is a 75 team maximum, so early registration is encouraged. Registration will open in November and conclude the Monday following the last regional convention in February. The fee for registration is $150 per team and schools are permitted to enter multiple teams. As exhibited last year, the rules for the competition will be consistent with those of the American Bar Association and other widely recognized negotiation practices. We will also have varied problem sets for each round based on a general fact pattern that will be distributed to all competitors. The competition will take place during the 42nd Annual National Convention in Boston, MA, March 10-14, 2010. No competition can be great without great competitors, so we look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please visit our Westlaw TWEN site. We look forward to seeing you in March!!

2009 -2010 INC Important Dates

Early Bird Registration Rate - $100.00* November 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009 Standard Registration Rate - $150.00 January 1, 2010 – February 15, 2010 Registration of 2 or more teams from same school - $100.00 per team*

November 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

National Convention March 10 – 14, 2010 * Please note: only 1(one) discount will be applied per school*

35

2009-2010 Membership Benefits

WHAT IS NBLSA? The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), founded in 1968, 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 most of the nation's accredited law schools, as well as unaccredited law schools. NBLSA encourages the development of talented, social conscious lawyers of tomorrow. Each year, the organization holds an annual convention to engage in legal activism and prepare new generations of Black lawyers to "effectuate change." Additionally, the Frederick Douglass Moot Court, Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial, and International Negotiations Competitions are held during its Annual Convention.

AWARENESS. ADVOCACY. ACTIVISM. 2009-2010

Census 2010: NBLSA will ensure that our community is represented in the 2010 census, through the accurate appropriation of $300 billion in yearly federal funding, districting, and congressional representation.

Student Loan Accessibility: NBLSA will bring awareness to the student loan accessibility issue by rallying thousands of students displaying the importance of this initiative to the entire nation.

WHY JOIN NBLSA? As a member of NBLSA you are part of an established and esteemed organization that has numerous benefits! Unparalleled networking opportunities with other law students and practicing attorneys Subscriptions to and publishing opportunities with NBLSA’s newsletter “The Legal Pad"” Leadership positions on the National and/or Regional Executive Boards Significant discounts with:

OTHER BENEFITS As a member you are also entitled to participation in all of our regional or national activities including:

Regional Job Fairs Regional Academic Retreats National and Regional Conventions National Networking Events and Career Expo Participation in prestigious the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial, Frederick Douglass Moot Court, and International

Negotiations Competitions NBLSA members are also eligible to apply for NBLSA Scholarships! Additionally, NBLSA members receive free membership into the National Bar Association (NBA).

Visit us at www.nblsa.org.

Questions about joining NBLSA? Contact the National Director of Membership at [email protected].

36

2009-2010 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2009

SSTTEEPP OONNEE::

Complete Membership Dues Worksheet below.

Submit completed Membership Dues Worksheet and payment in the form of check to:

NBLSA Membership Dues P.O. Box 300399

St. Louis, MO 63130-0399

SSTTEEPP TTWWOO::

Complete the Chapter Membership Roster* in the proper Excel format. o Please see Chapter Membership Roster Template**. o Please save your Chapter Membership Roster in Excel as ―[School Name] Membership Roster 09-10‖

Send the completed Chapter Membership Roster via e-mail to the National Director of Membership at [email protected].

o Please indicate ―[School Name & Region]: Membership Registration‖ in the subject line of your e-mail.

*Chapter Membership Roster must be submitted in proper excel format.

**Chapter Membership Roster Template is attached in separate excel file.

Questions? Contact Oneshia Herring, National Director of Membership, at [email protected].

37

2009-2010 MEMBERSHIP DUES WORKSHEET ************************************************************************************************************** School (Chapter) & Region: ______________________________________________________________________________ President Name, E-mail and Contact Number: ______________________________________________________________________________ Treasurer Name, E-mail and Contact Number: ______________________________________________________________________________

National/Regional Dues: $35.00 per Individual Member Dues Amount Paid

Total National/Regional Dues Paid: $__________

Total Number of Members: ______________ **************************************************************************************************************

Late Fee One flat fee of $10.00 must be added to all dues postmarked after October 1, 2009. GRAND TOTAL PAID (including late fee, if applicable) $____________

*******************************************************************************************

DUES MUST BE POSTMARKED TO NBLSA BY OCTOBER 1, 2009. A late fee must be added to all dues postmarked after October 1, 2009.

No dues will be accepted after December 1, 200934.

Please mail this form and your check made out to NBLSA to: NBLSA Membership Dues

P.O. Box 300399 St. Louis, MO 63130-0399

TWO STEP MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION PROCESS5:

(1) Submit this worksheet and payment for National/Regional dues to the above-mentioned address. (2) Submit the completed Chapter Membership Roster6 to the National Membership Director at [email protected].

3 Exception for Spring Admits & Transfer Students: NBLSA will accept dues from Chapters on behalf of spring admits and transfer students only until February 1, 2010. In such cases, there will no late fee required. 4 Other exceptions may apply on a case by case basis. 5 Please be advised that incomplete or ineligible forms will be returned and not processed. Both steps must be properly completed in order to be an active chapter in good standing. 6 Chapter Membership Roster must be submitted in proper excel format. See Chapter Membership Roster Template.

38

MID-ATLANTIC

REGION

39


MID-ATLANTIC REGION Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey (South), Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia

Dear MABLSA Members: The Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Black Law Students Association is looking forward to a very exciting and dynamic year. Our Regional Board has been working tirelessly to plan events that benefit the MABLSA membership and the community as a whole. This year, MABLSA looks forward to strengthening our relationship with entities both internally and externally. MABLSA is excited to carry out the national vision of awareness, advocacy and activism. We as members of NBLSA have so much dedication, drive and talent as law students. It is our goal in the Mid-Atlantic region to ensure that we are using our specialized skill set to benefit our membership, future law students, and our community. MABLSA seeks to reach out to our alumni for support as well as strengthen our relationships with every chapter in the region. Further, we will create, maintain and strengthen ties within our community to ensure that the NBLSA voice is heard. We look forward to reaching out and empowering others to show that the move towards greatness is something that is powerful, tangible and within their reach. We as NBLSA members are well on our way to moving towards greatness and with your help and support we can continue on that path that our predecessors have worked so hard to create. The MABLSA Regional Board is proud to do the work of NBLSA and looks forward to working with everyone to ensure that this year is one of many successful years to come. In MABLSA Love, Shaniqua Clark Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair, National Black Law Students Association [email protected]

Shaniqua Clark

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR University of Richmond School of Law

Starr Brookins

REGIONAL VICE-CHAIR The George Washington University School of Law

Ashanti Crawford

REGIONAL TREASURER Villanova University School of Law

Sasha Miller

REGIONAL RECORDING SECRETARY University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Myron McClees

REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN College of William and Mary School of Law

Karen Wilson

REGIONAL DIRECTOR THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK

TRIAL COMPETITION Duquesne University School of Law

Valerie Johnson

REGIONAL DIRECTOR FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT

COURT COMPETITION Regent University School of Law

Alexandra King

REGIONAL ATTORNEY GENERAL University of Baltimore School of Law

Hafeeza Rashed

VIRGINIA SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR University of Richmond School of Law

Samantha Lyons

PHILADELPHIA SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Villanova University School of Law

Trudiann Kirby PENNSYLVANIA/WEST VIRGINIA

SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR Pennsylvania State University- Dickinson School of

Law

Monica Moran WASHINGTON DC SUB-REGIONAL

DIRECTOR The George Washington University School of Law

Yesenia Rivera

REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR

University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law

Elizabeth Soc

REGIONAL CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Pennsylvania State University- Dickinson School of Law

Bryan Hull

REGIONAL JOB FAIR COORDINATOR University of Maryland School of Law

Anthony Jones

REGIONAL CONVENTION COORDINATOR

College of William and Mary School of Law

40

MID-ATLANTIC REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010 AUGUST: August 22: Job Fair - Washington, D.C. August 23: Leadership Retreat (Required Attendance for all local Chapter Presidents) – Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER: September: Interlaw Quizzo (PA Sub-Region)* September 19: DC Academic Retreat – Location (TBD) September 24-27: Congressional Black Caucus Weekend – Washington, D.C. OCTOBER: October: W.VA/PA Sub-Region Academic Retreat* October 3: PA Sub-Regional Law Camp October 10: VA Academic Retreat October 17: PA Academic Retreat – University of Pennsylvania October 24: DC Sub-Regional Law Camp October 24: Poetry Slam Night (DC Sub-Region) October 31: VA Sub-Regional Law Camp October 31: Founder’s Day NOVEMBER: November: Getting to Know You Gatherings in East & West Coast (W.VA/PA Sub-Region)* November: Poverty Initiative Programming*

DECEMBER: December 31: New Year’s Celebration Party (DC Sub-Region) JANUARY: January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service FEBRUARY: February: Regional Convention & Regional Community Service Project – Virginia Beach, VA* February: Third Annual Poetry Cipher (W.VA/PA Sub- Region)* February 12: Black History Month Event - Book Club Meeting and Review for "Black Robes in White Justice: Why Our Legal System Doesn't Work for Blacks" by Bruce Right (DC Sub-Region) MARCH: March 10-14: National Convention at Hyatt Cambridge— Boston, MA APRIL: April 3: Social/Outing (DC Sub-Region)

* Exact dates and locations to be determined.

41

MID-ATLANTIC BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Alexandra is from Baltimore, MD and received a B.A. in International Relations from Drexel. Prior to law school, she taught in Philadelphia and did urban social action and civic engagement work. She is now the C.E.O. of An International Affair, LLC, an event-planning and consulting firm. She has previously served as the Director of Programming and Regional Parliamentarian. Employed in a Federal Agency, she has begun her career in global public policy and international relations. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Alexandra King Attorney General University of

Baltimore School of Law

Sasha is from Orefield, PA and received a B.A. in Politics-Philosophy and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. She has served as the Vice-President for her local BLSA chapter and also as the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Director of the Mid-Atlantic Board (2008-2009). She intends to pursue a career in labor and employment law upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Sasha Miller Secretary

University of Pittsburgh School of

Law

Myron is originally from Newport News, VA. He attended Virginia Tech, receiving bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Art History. Myron previously served as the parliamentarian of William & Mary’s BLSA and is the current president of the chapter. He aspires to work in a position related to international trade. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Myron McClees Parliamentarian

William and Mary School of Law

Ashanti is from Odessa, TX and received a B.A. in Sociology and a Certificate in Markets & Management from Duke University. Before entering law school, she worked as the senior manager at the Duke Law Career Center. She previously served as the President for her local BLSA chapter and will currently serve as the Inclusiveness Commission Representative of her local chapter and Treasurer of the MABLSA Board. Upon graduation, she intends to practice at a large Philadelphia law firm. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Ashanti Crawford Treasurer Villanova

University School of Law

Starr was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, but her hometown is Tampa, FL. She received a B.A. in Criminology from The University of Tampa. Prior to her matriculation to law school, she worked as a litigation case manager. Starr is currently a 2L and aspires to become a litigator upon graduation from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Starr L. Brookins Vice Chair

George Washington University School

of Law

Shaniqua is from Virginia Beach, VA and received her B.S. in Administration of Justice from George Mason University. Prior to entering law school, she worked in the criminal court system as a deputy clerk and a pretrial jail evaluator. She has served as the Secretary for both her local chapter and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Upon graduation from law school, she plans to pursue a career in litigation, concentrating in criminal and family law. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Shaniqua Clark Chair

University of Richmond School of

Law

mailto:[email protected]

42


Hafeeza grew up in Woodinville, WA and received a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College. After graduation, she joined Teach for America and taught second and fourth grade students in Atlanta, GA. She served as the 1L Representative, as well as the Vice President of her local chapter. Hafeeza's long-term goals include a career in the art of homemaking and raising nine children. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Hafeeza Rashed VA Sub-Regional

Director Univ. of Richmond

School of Law

Yesenia is from Bayamon, Puerto Rico and received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico-Cayey. She also attended Graduate School at Vanderbilt University where she studied Cancer Biology. Prior to law school, she worked as a biologist at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. Yesenia aspires to practice in the fields of immigration and civil rights. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Yesenia Rivera Community Service

Director Univ. of D.C. School of Law

Elizabeth is from Alexandria, VA and received a B.A. in Government and International Politics with a minor in Legal Studies from George Mason University. Prior to law school, Elizabeth worked as Director of Operations for Diamond Concepts and served as a paralegal at two law firms. Elizabeth intends to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer, upon graduating from law school and ultimately aspires to be a professor. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Elizabeth Soc Corporate Relations

Pennsylvania State Univ. Dickinson School of Law

Anthony is from Burlington, NC and received a B.S. in Business Administration concentration Management with a minor in Mathematics from Winston-Salem State University. Anthony served as historian of his local BLSA chapter for the 2008-2009 school year and also as the Attorney General for MABLSA during the 2008-2009 school year. Anthony intends to pursue a career in higher education

administration. He can be contacted at

[email protected].

Anthony Jones Regional Convention

Coordinator William and Mary

Valerie is from Bassfield, MS and received a B.A. in English with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Alabama. She has served as the Community Service Director for her local BLSA Chapter. Valerie intends to pursue a career in community development upon graduating from law school. It is her hope to establish a non-profit organization benefitting the rural areas of her home state, Mississippi. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Valerie Johnson Moot Court Coordinator

Regent University School of Law

Karen is from Stonybrook, NY and received a B.S. in Biology from St. Francis College. Prior to law school, Karen worked as a regional manager with Wachovia Bank as well as a manager of financial services with Prudential Financial. She served as Vice President for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career in commercial litigation upon graduation from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Karen Wilson Mock Trial Coordinator


43


Bryan is from Westbury, NY and received a B.S. in Health Science from Stony Brook University. He later received a Masters Degree in Public Health from Drexel University. Prior to law school, he worked as a hospital administrator in Brooklyn, NY. He has served as the Annual Banquet Marketing Chair for his local BLSA chapter. Upon graduating law school, he intends to pursue a career as a U.S. Attorney. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Bryan Hull Job Fair Coordinator Univ. of Maryland

School of Law

Samantha is from Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Ursinus College with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in English and Spanish. Before entering law school, she worked as a paralegal and began a non -profit dance program for adolescent girls. Samantha plans to pursue a career in litigation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Samantha Lyons Philadelphia Sub-Regional Director Villanova Univ. School of Law

Monica is from Queens, NY. She received a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.S. in Legal Studies from St. John's University. Monica has served as the Social Action Chair and 1L Rep for her local chapter and is also the senior editor for the MWBLSA Journal. Additionally, she was active as an undergraduate with the St. John's University BLSA chapter. Ms. Moran intends on pursuing a career in entertainment and international tax law upon graduating from law school. She

can be contacted at

[email protected]

Monica C. Moran DC Sub Regional

Director George Washington Univ. School of Law

TrudiAnn was born in Manchester, Jamaica. She lives in Pembroke Pines, FL. She received a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at The Florida State University. Before entering law school, she worked in the banking industry for SunTrust Bank. TrudiAnn previously served as the treasurer of her local BLSA chapter. After law school, TrudiAnn intends to pursue a career in healthcare and social

security law. She can be contacted at

[email protected]

TrudiAnn Kirby W.VA/PA Sub-Regional Director


mailto:[email protected]

44

MMIIDD--AATTLLAANNTTIICC BBLLAACCKK LLAAWW SSTTUUDDEENNTTSS AASSSSOOCCIIAATTIIOONN

JJOOBB FFAAIIRR When: Saturday, August 22, 2009

Where: Marriott Washington 1221 22nd St, NW, Washington DC 20037

Open to all rising 2L, 3L, and LLM NBLSA members. Employers representing various industries throughout the Mid-

Atlantic Region will be in attendance.

MABLSA Appreciates your support and looks

forward to your attendance!!! If you have any questions please contact Bryan Hull at [email protected]

45

WESTERN REGION

46

NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION WESTERN REGION

Cherise Latortue WESTERN REGION CHAIR

University of Southern California, Gould School of Law

Calvin Lowery EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Southwestern School of Law

Lauren Peebles SECRETARY

University of Oregon School of Law

Lauren Charles TREASURER


Rosezetta Upshaw ATTORNEY GENERAL


Muammar Reed CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Loyola Marymount School of Law

Chambord Benton-Hayes NORTHERN SUB-REGIONAL CO-DIRECTOR

University of California, Hastings School of Law

Victoria Smith NORTHERN SUB-REGIONAL CO-DIRECTOR

University of California, Hastings School of Law

Lauren Peebles PACIFIC NORTHWEST SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR


Michelle Iarusso SOUTHERN SUB-REGIONAL CO-DIRECTOR

University of California, Los Angeles School of Law

Mark Green SOUTHERN SUB-REGIONAL CO-DIRECTOR

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Amena Jefferson THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL

COMPETITION DIRECTOR University of Washington School of Law

Aysha Pamucku

FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION DIRECTOR


Christine Harding MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR


Nakhia Crossley CONVENTION COORDINATOR


Sunita Bali ACADEMIC RETREAT COORDINATOR


Elizabeth Broden COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION DIRECTOR

Pepperdine University School of Law

Aliyah Abdullah COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR University of California, Davis School of Law

Dear WRBLSA Membership: It is with great pleasure we welcome the upcoming year in NBLSA. The WRBLSA board has been

working diligently to share with you the benefits of being a NBLSA member. While we will continue to

operate under the motto, ―One Vision, One Purpose, One Goal‖; this year, we pledge to implement the

2009-2010 NBLSA theme of ―Awareness, Advocacy, Activism.‖ With this theme in mind, WRBLSA

has planned a variety of events and programs for our membership.

WRBLSA also understands that these are trying times. However, as the saying goes; ―[These are] the best

of times, [these are] the worst of times.‖ While we continue to celebrate the election of our nation’s first

African-American President, for many of us, we are also experiencing our worst economic times. We can

take advantage of this time to unite, and assist each other on the road to success. Brighter days are ahead,

and we will be stronger, bigger, and better when those days arrive.

Our events and programs will combine Awareness, Advocacy, Activism with the current economic and

political climate. Ranging from our revised job fairs in each sub-region; implementation of Academic

Retreats and Law School Boot Camps in each sub-region; Census 2010, and AIDS Awareness

Programming, WRBLSA will be stronger, bigger, and better. With your continued support and

participation, WRBLSA will lead the way to a brighter tomorrow and a better today.

We have included a calendar of events below for your benefit. For more information on our events,

initiatives, and programs, please contact any of our board members. Be sure to also visit our website,

which will be consistently updated.

In WRBLSA Love,

Cherise Latortue

Western Regional Chair,

National Black Law Students Association.

47

WESTERN REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010

AUGUST August 1-8: Annual NBA Retreat--San Diego, CA August 22: Southern Sub-Region Job Fair at the University of California, Los Angeles. August 29: Northern Sub-Region Job Fair at the University of California, Hastings.

SEPTEMBER September: Academic Retreats and Law School Boot Camps—Each Sub-Region* September 5: Pacific NW Sub-Region Job Fair at the Offices of the State Bar of Oregon—Tigard, OR September 24-27: Congressional Black Caucus Weekend—Washington, DC OCTOBER October 2009: Academic Retreats and Law School Boot Camps—Each Sub-Region* JANUARY January 15-18: Annual MLK Ski Retreat—Lake Tahoe, Reno NV FEBRURARY February 3-7: Regional Convention—San Francisco, CA* MARCH March 10-14: 42nd Annual National Convention—Boston, MA


48

WESTERN BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Muammar Reed is from Los Angeles, CA, and received his B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University. He is currently a 3L at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, and plans to pursue a career in copyright law and the developing digital media industry. He can be contacted at [email protected]. Muammar Reed

Corporate Relations Director

Loyola School of Law, Los Angeles

Rosezetta is from Vallejo, CA. She received her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Rhetoric from UC Berkeley. She is currently a 2L, and will serve as her local BLSA chapter’s Co-President this coming year. She intends to practice civil litigation and transaction work upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Rosezetta Upshaw Attorney General

USC Gould School of Law

Lauren is originally from New Orleans. She received her B.S. in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and her M.S. in Historic Preservation from the Pratt Institute. She served as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. She is currently a 2L, and served as the 1L Representative for her local BLSA chapter, and intends to pursue a career in land use/ environmental law upon graduating law

school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Lauren Charles Treasurer

University of Oregon School of

Law

Lauren is from Oakland, CA. She received her B.A. in African-American Studies from UC Berkeley. She worked as a paralegal at Berry & Berry, PLC before entering law school. She is currently a 2L, and served as the 1L Representative for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career with the District Attorney’s office in California or Oregon upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected] & [email protected].

Lauren Peebles Secretary &

Pacific NW Sub-Regional Director

University of Oregon

School of Law

Calvin is from Winston Salem, NC. He received his B.S. in Electronics and Computer Technology. He joined the United States Army Reserves, and served as a non-commissioned officer for a year in Iraq, where he managed the opening of the Tuz Business Center and assisted local politicians in overseeing Iraqi efforts to rebuild the region. He is currently a 3L, and served as his local BLSA chapter President. He plans to become a district attorney.

He can be contacted at [email protected].

Calvin Lowery

Executive Director Southwestern School of Law

Cherise is from Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. She received her B.A. in French Linguistics from New York University. She worked in real estate as a real estate salesperson and rental department manager before entering law school. She is currently a 3L, and served as the Co-President for her local BLSA chapter, and Moot Court and Mock Trial Director for the Western Region Board of NBLSA. She intends to pursue a career in civil litigation upon graduating law school.

She can be contacted at [email protected].

Cherise Latortue

Regional Chair USC Gould School

of Law

49


Nakhia C. Crossley is from Fort Washington, MD and received her B.S. in Journalism/Mass Communications from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2006. She is currently a third-year student at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, CA. She served as the President of her local BLSA chapter. She plans to pursue a career in entertainment law upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Nakhia Crossley Convention Coordinator


Christine is from Mission Viejo, CA and attended Stanford University where she received a B.A. in Economics. Before law school, she worked as a paralegal at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in their Silicon Valley office. Christine is currently a 2L, and will serve as the Executive Secretary and NBLSA Representative for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to clerk for a Federal judge, then pursue a career in employment law in a large firm upon graduation. She can be

contacted at

[email protected].

Christine Harding Director of

Membership USC Gould School

of Law

Aysha is from Sunnyvale, CA. She received her B.A. in English and Political Science from Stanford University. Prior to law school, Aysha worked for an international philanthropy and a government consulting firm. She is currently a 2L, and will serve as her local BLSA chapter’s Academic Co-Chair. She plans to continue to serve diverse communities, through government or the public service sector, upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Aysha Pamucku Moot Court Director USC Gould School

of Law

Amena is from Los Angeles, CA. She received her B.A. in Race, Law, and Social Movements from UC Berkeley. She is currently a 3L, and served as the President of her local BLSA chapter. She plans to be a litigator upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Amena Jefferson

Mock Trial Director University of Washington,

School of Law

Mark Scott Greene is from Oakland, CA. He obtained his B.S. in Economic and Business Administration from St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA. He worked for three years at M.L.K Middle School in Berkeley, CA. He is currently a 2L, and is a member of his local BLSA chapter. He intends to pursue a career in sports and entertainment law or family law upon graduation. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Mark Greene Southern Sub-

Regional Director Thomas Jefferson

School of Law

Chambord is from San Francisco, CA. She received her B.A. in Politics and Philosophy from the University of San Francisco. Chambord is currently a 3L, and served as the President of her local BLSA Chapter, and she intends to practice civil litigation upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Chambord Benton-Hayes

Northern Sub-Regional Director

UC Hastings School

of Law

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Aliyah is from Stockton, CA. She received her B.A. in History from the University of the Pacific. She served as her local BLSA chapter president, and as the Community Service Director for the Western Region of NBLSA. Her career interests include business, real estate, sports, and entertainment law. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Aliyah Abdullah Community Service

Director UC Davis School

of Law

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Please Join Us for Our THREE

Annual WRBLSA Job Fairs. The National Black Law Students Association is pleased to announce its annual NBLSA job fair. The Northern Sub-Regional division of the Western Region includes BLSA chapters in Northern California and Alaska; however, the job fair is open to all interested NBLSA members nationwide. Notwithstanding the current state of the economy, a variety of prominent employers have confirmed their participation in this year’s job fair, including law firms of all sizes, public interest organizations, and government agencies. In keeping with previous years, we expect this year’s job fair to be a huge success. We hope you will join us! For registration information and access to our regional job fair schedule of important dates, please contact the individual job fair directors.

STUDENT REGISTRATION OPENS Monday, June 29, 2009.

Southern Sub-Region

August 22, 2009 9:00am – 5:00pm

University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law [email protected]

Northern Sub-Region

August 29, 2009 9:00am – 5:00pm

University of California, Hastings, College of Law [email protected]

Pacific North-West September 5, 2009 8:00am – 4:00pm

Offices of the State Bar of Oregon Tigard, OR

[email protected]

STUDENT REGISTRATION OPENS Monday, June 29, 2009.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN

REGION

53


ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming

Courtney Scipio REGIONAL CHAIR

St Mary’s University School of Law

Greg Shannon REGIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Southern Methodist University

Ruth Jeremiah REGIONAL SECRETARY

The University of Tulsa

Brittany Barnett TREASURER

University of Houston Law Center

Keith Lamar ATTORNEY GENERAL

Texas Southern Universitu

Andre Bennin DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY

SERVICE Brigham Young University

Nikki Chriesman

FDMCC SPECIALIST Texas Wesleyan University

Briseida Bethancourt

DIRECTOR OF TMMTC St Mary’s University School of Law

Amber Webb

TMMTC SPECIALIST Texas Tech

LaQuetta Ruston DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNICATIONS University of Denver

Naomi Green

DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Southern Methodist University

Sha’Branddon Johnson CONVENTION

COORDINATOR Texas Wesleyan

Kirsten Brew

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS

University of Texas

Lavonne Burke DIRECTOR OF

PROGRAMMING University of Houston Law Center

Shekinah Hammonds

JOB FAIR COORDINATOR St Mary’s University School of Law

Jessica Kemp

COLLEGE STUDENT..DVISION

DIRECTOR University of Texas

Greetings Rocky Mountain Family,

Welcome to the ―the Rock.‖ I am excited and humbled to serve as your Regional Chairperson for the 2009 - 2010 school year. It is truly an honor to serve an organization that has endured for over 40 years. We have an outstanding group of students serving on our Regional Executive Board. Their combined talents assure me that the Rock will have its most successful year ever. This year’s board will be driven by a familiar adage: ―To whom much is given, much is required.‖ Accordingly, you, as a member of NBLSA, should expect and demand much from us. To that end, this year’s theme in the Rocky Mountain Region is ―Transforming Theory into Action.‖ This theme incorporates both the national theme and our personal desire to ensure that our members are actively using their skills and abilities to better their communities.

This year’s programming will be centered on the personal and professional development of our membership. You can look forward to an exciting Job Fair and Academic Retreat weekend August 14th and 15th hosted by South Texas College of Law. We anticipate having the most well-attended job fair in the history of the ―Rock‖ on Friday, August 14, 2009, followed by a dynamic retreat on Saturday, August 15, 2009.

A focal point of the Rocky Mountain Region this year will be on community service and social action as I feel it is desperately important to give back and advocate on behalf of the millions of voiceless people within our region. As future attorneys we should use the skills that we are learning in law school to help those that are not able to fight for themselves. RMBLSA members are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but we have the opportunity to be the advocates of change today.

We also look forward to establishing a region webpage where you will be able to stay abreast of all things related to the Rocky Mountain Region, its local chapters, and individual members. At the close of the year, we will converge upon Baton Rogue, Louisiana for the joint Rocky Mountain/Southern Regional Convention. As in previous years, this convention will prove to be an excellent opportunity for the members of the Rock to come together to network, be enriched, serve, and compete in our advocacy competitions but this year these opportunities are heightened by the addition of the Southern Region membership. This convention proves to be one of the biggest and best regional conventions that NBLSA has ever seen.

Please keep in mind that one of the critical keys to success is member participation. Accordingly, I encourage you to get involved at every level of NBLSA. You possess valuable skills and talents that NBLSA can utilize in furthering its mission. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at one of our wonderful regional events this year. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or any of the Regional Executive Board members.

In RMBLSA love,

Courtney Scipio 2009 – 2010 Rocky Mountain Region Chair National Black Law Students Association

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010

JUNE June 22: Job Fair Registration Begins JULY July 1: First Regional Newsletter Released July 15: Job Fair Registration Ends July 18 – 21: Job Fair Bidding July 20– August 7: Academic Retreat Registration AUGUST August 10: Final Job Fair Schedule Available August 14 – 15: RMBLSA Job Fair/Academic Retreat—Houston, TX August 28: Sunbelt Minority Career Fair—Dallas, TX SEPTEMBER September 24-27: CBC Weekend—Washington, DC OCTOBER October: First Annual Rocky Mount Golf Camp* October 1-31: Early Bird Regional Convention Registration NOVEMBER

November 1- December 15: Regional Convention Registration Open November 1- January 9: Competitors Registration November 6: Second Regional Newsletter Released November 6 – 7: National Black Pre-Law Conference & Law Fair Houston, TX November 25- January 11: Registration for Regional Convention DECEMBER December 16- January 9: Late Registration for Regional Convention JANUARY January 8: Third Regional Newsletter Released January 9: Regional Convention Registration Closes January 20 – 24: RMBLSA Regional Convention—Baton Rouge, LA MARCH March 10 – 14: NBLSA National Convention—Boston, MA April 2: Final Regional Newsletter Released


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ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Lavonne Burke, a native Houstonian, is a 2L at the University of Houston Law Center. Prior to attending law school, she completed a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Howard University and a M.S. in Biomedical Engineering and doctoral coursework in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University. Lavonne currently serves as the Social and Public Relations Chair at her local BLSA chapter. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Lavonne Burke Director of

Programming University of

Houston

Keith Lamar Jr. was born in Macon, GA and attended Morehouse College where he obtained a Bachelors degree in Political Science. While at Morehouse, he became very active in the Pre-law society, was an Adams Scholar, and was elected SGA Senator. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Keith previously served as the 1L delegate for his local BLSA chapter and has recently been elected president. He can be contacted at [email protected]

Keith Lamar Attorney General

Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Brittany is a 2L at the University of Houston. She has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. Upon graduation, she plans to practice corporate law. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Brittany Barnett Treasurer

University of Houston

Ruth is originally from Tulsa, OK. She attended Ohio State University and graduated with a B.S. in Family Resource Management with a concentration in Consumer Affairs and two minors: African American Studies and Economics. Prior to attending law school, she worked for AmeriCorps. Ruth is an active member in her local BLSA and CLS chapters at the University of Tulsa College of Law. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Ruth Jeremiah Secretary

University of Tulsa

Greg is from San Antonio, TX but has lived in several other places due to his family’s military background. He holds a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Economics from Texas Tech. He is a 3L at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Greg served on the RMBLSA Executive Bboard last year as the Community Service Director. He can be contacted at [email protected]

Gregory Shannon Regional Vice-Chair SMU School of

Law

Courtney is from San Antonio, TX and received a B.B.A in Marketing and Management from Incarnate Word University. She worked as an insurance agent before entering law school. Courtney is currently a 3L at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She has served as the President of her local BLSA chapter and as the Director of Academic Development on the RMBLSA board last year. Courtney plans to own her own law firm specializing in general practice and corporate law. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Courtney Scipio Regional Chair

St. Mary’s School of Law

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Naomi Green is a 3L at SMU Dedman School of Law. She is currently the SMU BLSA President and is the RMBLSA Director of Academic Development. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington for her undergraduate degree and graduated in 2001. Naomi is originally from Marshall, TX and is a proud wife and mother of two. Her hobbies include watching movies, karaoke, and being a cheerleader for her children’s little league teams. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Naomi Green Director of Academic

Development Southern Methodist

University

Briseida "Bri" Bethancourt is a rising 2L at St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, TX. She currently holds the position of Thurgood Mock Trial Competition Director with the Rocky Mountain Region. She is currently interning with the Honorable Judge Penn in San Antonio, TX for the summer as well as volunteering as a mentor for the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Briseida Bethancourt Director of TMMTC

St. Mary’s School of Law

Jessica Kemp is from Houston, TX and attended the University of Texas where she received a B.A. in History. She is currently a 3L at the University of Texas and is an active member of the Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, National Black Law Journal, and The Student Recruitment and Orientation Committee. After law school Jessica plans to clerk for a federal court judge and then work for the government in the area of education. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Jessica Kemp Director of the

College Student Division

University of Texas

Shekinah Hammonds is from San Antonio, TX. She attended Texas Lutheran University. She is a 2L at the St. Mary’s University School of Law. Shekinah has interned in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas and the 225th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. She is currently interning at the Attorney General’s office. She anticipates practicing public interest law and opening a community center at her church upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Shekinah Hammonds

Job Fair Coordinator St. Mary’s School of

Law

s

Sha’Branddon is from Dallas, TX. She attended the University of Dallas where she obtained M.B.A. in Sports & Entertainment Management. She is currently a 2L at Texas Wesleyan University- School of Law in Fort Worth, TX. Upon graduation from law school, Sha’Branddon aspires to own her own sports & entertainment management firm. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Sha’Branddon Johnson Convention Coordinator

Texas Wesleyan

Andre Bennin is from Alexandria, VA and is a 2L at Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark School of Law. He received his B.S. in Molecular Science and a minor is French. Before law school, Andre worked for a government relations/ public relations firm in D.C. This summer, he is interning at the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit with the honorable Randall R. Rader. Andre wants to be a patent attorney upon graduation. He can be contacted at [email protected]

Andre Bennin Director of

Community Service Brigham Young

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Nikki Chriesman Moot Court Specialist

Texas Wesleyan University

Kirsten Brew is a graduate of Texas A&M, and is currently a 3L at the University of Texas School of Law. She is an active member in the Thurgood Marshall Legal Society and the Student Recruitment and Orientation Committee. She is a 2009 summer associate for Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. A native of Dallas, TX – Kirsten hopes to return to the Metroplex to practice transaction law after graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Kirsten Brew

Director of Corporate Relations

University of Texas

Amber Web is a native of Dallas, TX and received her B.A. in Political Science from George Washington University. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Amber is a member of the Texas Tech Administrative Law Journal, Board of Barristers, Phi Delta Phi and former president of her local BLSA chapter. Upon graduation, she hopes to return to the Dallas area and practice complex commercial litigation. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Amber Webb Mock Trial Specialist

Texas Tech University

LaQuetta Ruston was born in Charlotte, NC, but grew up all over the country and overseas as the daughter of an Army solider. She also enlisted in the Army, during which time she received a B.S. in Accounting from Hawaii Pacific University. LaQuetta also holds a M.A. in Human Resource Development. She is currently a 3L and serves as the treasurer of her local BLSA chapter. Upon graduation, she intends to begin a career in criminal law in Colorado Springs, CO. She can be contacted at [email protected]

LaQuetta Ruston Director of

Communication University of

Denver

Nikki Chriesman is a 3L and serves as the Attorney General for her local BLSA chapter. Nikki is a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and has competed in several competitions with the Moot Court Traveling Team. She also is an active member of Phi Delta Phi. Nikki works for Aetna, Inc. where she has been employed for the past 12 years. Nikki will graduate in December 2009 and hopes to complete a judicial clerkship after graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected]

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Friday, August 14, 2009 South Texas School of Law

Rocky Mountain Region

National Black Law Students Association

Annual Recruitment Fair South Texas College of Law

Houston, Texas

Friday, August 14, 2009

Student Information All NBLSA members may register until July 15, 2009 by accessing our Simplicity website at

https://law-nblsa-csm.symplicity.com/students/. All non-NBLSA members who wish to register should email our

Job Fair Coordinator, Shekinah Hammonds, for further instruction on how to proceed with registration.

Employer Information Employers who are interested in participating in this year’s job fair may request a Registration Packet from our Job Fair

Coordinator, Shekinah Hammonds, via email at [email protected] and must have a completed packet to RMBLSA before July 15, 2009 which is the deadline for employer registration.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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NORTHEAST

REGION

60

Destini K. Bowman CHAIR

Albany Law School

Whytne Brooks VICE CHAIR

Columbia Law School

Joshua R. Jones SECRETARY

St. John’s University School of Law

Phillip G. McKie TREASURER

Albany Law School

Anthony Winn CNNE SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Massachusetts School of Law

Shetera Patterson CONNECTICUT SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

University of Connecticut School of Law

Karla S. Pettaway NY METRO SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

New York Law School

Pradine Saint-Fort UPSTATE NY SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Cornell Law School

Phillip J. Criswell FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT

COMPETITION DIRECTOR Harvard Law School

Charlene Chinn

THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION DIRECTOR

Massachusetts School of Law

Ashley Moore COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR

Harvard Law School

Kriss Fuller DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Western New England College School of Law

Tiffany Sullivan ATTORNEY GENERAL

Western New England College of Law

Alana St. Aude COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION DIRECTOR

Harvard Law School

Stacia Robinson DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Quinnipiac University School of Law

Moenika Coleman

PARLIAMENTARIAN New York Law School

Andrew Bass

CORPORATE RELATIONS CO-DIRECTOR Cardozo School of Law

Stuart P. Lott

CORPORATE RELATIONS CO-DIRECTOR Cornell Law School

Carol J. Foxx HISTORIAN

New York Law School

NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION NORTHEAST REGION

WWW.NBLSA.ORG _______________________________________________________________________________

Greetings NEBLSA members,

On behalf of the Northeast Black Law Students Association Executive Board, it is an honor to serve the Northeast Region of the NBLSA. This year we are taking a grassroots approach to developing our membership into future leaders and advocates. We will do so by encouraging involvement with NBLSA initiatives and by working with your local chapter to expand NEBLSA’s community service theme: ―Each One, Reach One.‖

As future attorneys, we all should keep in mind the value of serving and strengthening one’s community. We realize that a symbiotic relationship with our chapters is the optimal method of achieving success in this endeavor in the coming year. Therefore, we plan to support our local chapters by attending your events and assisting you carrying out our NBLSA and NEBLSA initiatives. All NEBLSA programs are focused on social action, fostering positive social interaction with our members, and equipping you, the membership, with real world skills and tools.

This year will commence with the 2009 NEBLSA Job Fair on Friday, August 21, 2009, to which all NBLSA members are invited to attend. Following this will be the NEBLSA Boat Cruise in New York City on Friday, September 18th. An important mandatory event to which your attendance is required is the NEBLSA Academic Retreat/Law Camp/Delegate’s Meeting to be held on October 17, 2009 in Connecticut. The Academic Retreat presents the opportunity for law students to give their efforts at achieving academic success a boost. The Law Camp will be an opportunity to mentor future law students. The Delegate’s Meeting will be an opportunity for you to suggest and vote on modifications to the NEBLSA Constitution and Bylaws in time for the NEBLSA Regional Convention.

The NEBLSA Regional Convention will be in January 2010. Please prepare your schedule for great workshops and networking opportunities. The year will conclude with the first annual NEBLSA Golf Tournament in April 2010. The NEBLSA Golf Tournament will provide members with an opportunity to network, formulate relationships with NEBLSA alumni, and learn the game of golf.

As proud NEBLSA members, we hope that you will continue to do exemplary work within your chapter to potentially become "Chapter of the Year." As we all individually strive to make our chapters shine, we are also working towards making the Northeast Region ―Region of the Year‖ at the NBLSA National Convention.

The NEBLSA Executive Board is here to support you. We look forward to an exciting year of awareness, advocacy, and activism. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at [email protected].

In NEBLSA Love, Destini K. Bowman Northeast Region Chair National Black Law Students Association

61

NORTHEAST REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010

JULY July 12 at 12:00am: Job Fair Student Bidding Begins July 17 at 11:59pm: Job Fair Student Bidding Ends July 18: Employer Selection Period Begins July 27: Employer Selection Period Ends AUGUST August 1-3: Job Fair Student Interview Acceptance Period August 21: NEBLSA Job Fair—Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel, Weehawken, NJ

Final Interview Schedules will be released within 7-14 days after the acceptance period. Only NBLSA members are eligible to participate.

August 22: Upstate NY Sub-region Cocktail Reception August 29: CT Sub-region Introductory Dinner and After Party—New Haven, CT SEPTEMBER September 18: NEBLSA New York City Boat Cruise at Chelsea Piers—New York, NY

11:30pm – 3:30am. Tickets go on sale in August. Look out for early bird specials. Contact [email protected] for more information.

OCTOBER October 17: NEBLSA Academic Retreat, Law Camp, and Delegates Meeting, CT Sub-Region November 13: CT Sub-region Networking Mixer

NOVEMBER November 19: NY-Metro Sub-region Mixer JANUARY January 27-31: NEBLSA Regional Convention, Upstate New York Sub-Region* FEBRUARY February 11: NY-Metro Sub-region Valentine Date Auction February 12: CT Sub-region Valentine’s Mixer and Auction—Hartford, CT* APRIL April: NEBLSA First Annual Golf Tournament* April: NY-Metro Sub-region Bowling Party* April: CT Sub-region Bowling Party—Newington, CT*


62

MEET THE 2009-2010 NORTHEAST REGION EXECUTIVE BOARD

1st row, (l-r): Whytne Brooks; Ashley Moore; Destini K. Bowman; Stacia Robinson; Shetera Patterson

2nd row, (l-r): Carol Jon ―CJ‖ Foxx; Joshua Jones; Pradine Saint-Fort; Tiffany Sullivan; Kriss Fuller

3rd row, (l-r): Phillip Criswell; Alana St. Aude; Charlene Chinn; Andrew Bass; Moenika Coleman; Phillip McKie

Unavailable for photo: Anthony Winn; Karla Pettaway; Stuart Lott

63

NORTHEAST BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Moenika Coleman

Parliamentarian

New York Law School

Moenika is from Dallas, TX and received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in International Business from Sam Houston State University. She worked as a corporate trainer at Citigroup in the Citi Cards Division before attending law school. Moenika has served as the secretary for her local BLSA chapter. She intends on pursuing a career in bankruptcy and tax. She hopes to open a not-for-profit community center in the community in which she grew up in order to help the black community. She can be contacted

at [email protected].

Stacia Robinson

Director of Membership

Quinnipiac University School of

Law

Stacia is a native of St. Kitts, but has called the Bronx, NY home for the past six years. She received her B.Sc. in Business Administration, Finance and International Business from Ithaca College in 2007. Stacia is beginning her second term as her local chapter President. She intends to pursue a career in tax law after law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Joshua is from Miami, FL and received a B.A. in History from Clark Atlanta University. He is currently serving as the Daytime Vice President of his local BLSA chapter. Joshua plans to open a law firm that is dedicated to real estate development and business planning, after law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Joshua Jones

Secretary

St. John’s University School of Law

Phillip is from Jamaica, Queens and received a B.B.A. in Accounting from Bernard Baruch College. He worked as a senior accountant and budget analyst before he entered law school. He previously served as his local chapter President. Phillip intends to pursue a career in litigation upon graduating from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Phillip McKie

Treasurer

Albany Law School

Whytne is from Hagerstown, MD and received a B.A. in Anthropology from Yale University in 2007. She was also a member of the NEBLSA Executive Board during the 2008-2009 academic year, serving as the NY-Metro Area Sub-Regional Director. Upon graduating from law school, Whytne plans to begin her corporate legal career at Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett, LLP. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Whytne Brooks

Vice-Chair

Columbia University Law School

Destini is from Rochester, NY and received a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2005. She then moved to Baltimore, MD to serve as an Americorps VISTA and then a community organizer. She served as Vice-President of her local BLSA chapter and also as the Upstate New York Sub-Regional Director for NEBLSA. After law school, she will travel and then put her law skills to use in a disadvantaged community. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Destini K. Bowman

Regional Chair

Albany Law School

64


Shetera is from Los Angeles, CA. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of La Verne. Before law school, she worked in internet marketing for Verizon. She served her local BLSA chapter as 1L Delegate last academic year. After law school, she intends to pursue a career in criminal law. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Shetera Patterson

Connecticut Sub-Regional Director

University of Connecticut School

of Law

Anthony Winn

Combined Northern New England Sub-Regional Director

University of Massachusetts Law

School

Anthony is from Brooklyn, NY. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Management from the State University of New York-New Paltz. He also has a M.P.A. in Public Administration and Management from Bernard Baruch College. Prior to law school, he worked in community organizing, education, and program development. Last academic year, he served as his local BLSA chapter President. After law school, he intends to pursue a career in politics. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Karla is from Glen Cove, NY and received a B.Sc. in Legal Studies and a M.A. in Sociology from St. John’s University. She worked as a paralegal for an elder law firm before entering law school. She has served as the Alumni Dinner Chairperson for her local BLSA Chapter. She intends to pursue a career in family law upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Karla Pettaway

New York Metro Sub-Regional Director

New York Law School

Andrew is from Hartford, CT. He received a B.Sc. in Business Administration in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. After law school, he intends to receive a M.B.A. and become a talent agent. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Andrew Bass

Corporate Relations Co-director

Benjamin Cardozo School of Law

Carol, a North Carolina native received a B.A. in English from UNC-Chapel Hill. Before attending law school, she worked as an eighth grade language arts teacher for at-risk youths. Prior to becoming regional historian, she served as her local BLSA chapter Treasurer. Upon graduation, Carol hopes to pursue a career in real estate development to increase home ownership within the African American community. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Carol Jon Foxx

Historian

New York Law School

Stuart Lott

Corporate Relations Co-director

Cornell Law School

Stuart is from Memphis, TN. He received his B.B.A. in Finance from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. After graduation, he intends to practice corporate law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions. He can be contacted at [email protected].

65


Alana is from Long Island, NY and received a B.Sc. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. She has served as the Secretary and previously the 1L Section Representative of her local BLSA chapter. Alana aspires to be a corporate lawyer and eventually a prosecutor upon graduation from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Alana St. Aude

College Student Division Director

Harvard Law School

Ashley is from Silver Spring, MD. She received a dual B.A. in Psychology and Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. As a 1L, Ashley was a member of her local BLSA chapter’s community service committee. As a 2L, she served as External Vice President for her local BLSA chapter. She is interested in civil litigation and intends to pursue a career in a private firm upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Ashley Moore

Community Service Director

Harvard Law School

Tiffany is from Manhattan, NY. She received a B.Sc. in Business Administration in International Business from Bennett College for Women. While attending Bennett she was instrumental in chartering a NBLSA-College Student Division chapter there. After law school she hopes to work in the Securities Regulation field. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Tiffany Sullivan

Attorney General


Kriss earned her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, in Government and African-American Studies. Kriss entered the legal field as a corporate paralegal while working to complete her M.B.A. She has held positions with companies including Smith Barney, Webster Bank, and People's United Bank where she continues to be employed as a portfolio audit specialist. Kriss served on the 2008-2009 NEBLSA executive board as Attorney General. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Kriss Fuller

Director of Programming


Charlene Chinn is from Boston, MA and received her B.A. in Criminal Justice from Springfield College. Charlene was previously the Public Relations Coordinator for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career in employment law upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Charlene Chinn

Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition

Director

University of Massachusetts Law

School

Phillip is from Chicago, IL and received a B.Sc. in Finance and Marketing from DePaul University. He has served as the Competitions Director and is the Spring Conference Chair for his local BLSA chapter. Upon graduating from law school, he intends to pursue a career in entertainment law. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Phillip Criswell

Fredrick Douglas Moot Court Competition

Director

Harvard Law School

66


Pradine is from Brooklyn, NY and received a B.A. in English-Literature from Dartmouth College. Prior to attending law school, she taught English in South Korea, worked on legal rights in Minneapolis, MN, and worked for the Civilian Complaint Review Board in New York City. Last academic year, she served as her local BLSA chapter President. After law school, she hopes to pursue a career in litigation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Pradine Saint-Fort

Upstate New York Sub-Regional Director

Cornell Law School

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SOUTHERN REGION

69

SOUTHERN REGION BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Greetings SRBLSA, It is my great pleasure to serve as your Regional Chair for the 2009-2010 academic year. In the Southern Region there are numerous great and beneficial events planned throughout the year. Your entire regional board is very excited and dedicated to work diligently and tirelessly on behalf of SRBLSA. This year’s theme that we have adopted for the region is ―Excelling to New Heights‖, and we are committed to upholding this mantra with every program, workshop, and event that occurs this year. We will be working to ensure that the membership will be most adequately served by our community service initiatives, sub-regional academic retreats, and annual job fair, and culminating with our regional convention. I am excited to announce that we will be hosting our 5th Annual Job Fair in Atlanta, GA, August 7-8 on the campus of Emory University. We are currently working to ensure that members of the region have the opportunity to meet and potentially interview with a wide array of prospective employers. Given the fact that we are enduring difficult economic times, our job fair will serve as yet another valuable event to showcase the immense talent that exists throughout the entire Southern Region. Please pay close attention to your emails, as our job fair coordinator will soon be disseminating further announcements and registration information regarding this amazing opportunity. Each of your sub-regional directors are hard at work planning their respective annual academic retreats. These retreats have always served as valuable learning tools for every member that attends, offering workshops ranging from, ―How to Ace Your 1st Year of Law School,‖ ―Finding the Perfect Summer Clerkship for You,‖ ―How to Excel in Tough Economic Times,‖ etc. This year these programs and workshops are being intricately designed to address and meet the needs of the membership regardless of what point you are at in your law school matriculation. Finally, our 2010 Annual Regional Convention will be held in Baton Rouge, LA with Louisiana State University serving as our esteemed host university. This year SRBLSA will host our annual convention in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Region of the National Black Law Student’s Association. We are also currently working to ensure that our regional competitions provide you with an excellent venue to hone and highlight your oral advocacy skills. This will undoubtedly be one of our most exciting and memorable conventions. As you can see, your SRBLSA executive board members are hard at work on your behalf. In addition to everything mentioned above, we will remain steadfast in our adherence to the national initiatives while continuing to construct and perpetuate community service events that touch on the unique needs of the Southern Region. I am excited about the year and all of the things we have planned. As always thank you for your continued and unyielding support of SRBLSA as we continue to ―Excel to New Heights‖.

In SRBLSA Love,

Cachavious Q. English Cachavious Q. English Southern Regional Chair, National Black Law Students Association

Cachavious Q. English

REGIONAL CHAIR

Mechelle Bumpers VICE CHAIR

Menyian Woodall

TREASURER

Tony Perkins PARLIAMENTARIAN

Travis Sumter

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Danielle Hines DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNICATIONS

Amber Floyd SUB-REGION 1 DIRECTOR

Sydney Jakes

SUB-REGION 2 DIRECTOR

Amy Oraefo SUB-REGION 3 DIRECTOR

Tiffani McCain


Katrina Brown


Sean Campbell FDMCC DIRECTOR

Miesha Beverly DIRECTOR OF

PROGRAMMING

Feeneishia Green RECORDING SECRETARY

Kweku Toure

COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR

Ashley Mayes

COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION DIRECTOR

Jonielle Turner

JOB FAIR COORDINATOR

Harriet Huell EDITOR- IN- CHIEF OF SRBLSA LAW JOURNAL

Nesha Q. Spencer

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Jeffery Anderson Leontra Mayes

CORPORATE RELATIONS CO-DIRECTORS

Bryant Harvey

CONVENTION COORDINATOR

Latasha Lessington

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

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SOUTHERN REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010

AUGUST August 7-8: Job Fair/SRBLSA Board Meeting—Atlanta, GA SEPTEMBER September 17-19: Sub-Region V Academic Retreat—Birmingham, AL September 19: Sub-Region III Academic Retreat, North Carolina Central University School of Law—Durham, NC September 25 – 27: Congressional Black Caucus—Washington, DC OCTOBER October: Sub Region IV Academic Retreat* October 2: Sub-Region II Academic Retreat, Louisiana State University October 10: Sub-Region I Academic Retreat, University of Memphis NOVEMBER November 20-21: SRBLSA Board Meeting—Orlando, FL JANUARY January 27-31: SRBLSA Regional Convention—Baton Rouge, LA MARCH March 10-14: 42nd Annual National Convention—Boston, MA


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SOUTHERN REGION BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Danielle is from Washington, DC. She has a B.S. from Florida A & M University School of Journalism and a M.P.A. from Southeastern University, in Washington DC. She has been enlisted with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard since 2001. She is the 2009-2010 BLSA President for Miles Law School. She plans to pursue a career in public policy. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Danielle Hines Director of

Communications Miles Law School

No Photo

Available

Travis is from Columbia, SC. He received a B.A. in Political Science from Savannah State University and a Paralegal degree from South University. Prior to law school, Travis worked as a Paralegal for Elarbee Thompson, LLP in Atlanta. During his 1L year, Travis was active in his BLSA chapter. He attended his local academic retreat, as well as both regional and national conventions. He will pursue a career practicing labor and employment law.

He can be contacted at

[email protected].

Travis M. Sumter Attorney General Florida Coastal School of Law

Tony is a native of Memphis, TN. He received a B.A. in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in TV and Film Production from Clark Atlanta University. He has been active in his local chapter as a tutor, mentor, event moderator, and community service volunteer. Tony wants to practice civil rights litigation. Also, he plans to have his own news show focusing on legal, political and social issues affecting minority communities. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Tony J. Perkins Parliamentarian Florida Coastal School of Law

Menyian is from Auburn, AL and received a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She continues to work as a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital while attending law school. She has served as Treasurer and currently serves as Vice President of her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career in healthcare law upon graduation from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

R. Menyian Woodall Regional Treasurer

Samford University Cumberland School

of Law- Birmingham

Mechelle Bumpers is from Moss Point, MS and received a B.S. in Cardiopulmonary Care Science from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL. She worked as a cardiopulmonary care practitioner before entering law school. She has served as the Vice President and Alumni chair for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career litigating and/or mediating in an undetermined area. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Mechelle Bumpers Vice Chair

Georgia State University

Cachavious English is from Selma, AL and received a B.A. in African and African American Studies from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He has served as the National Historian as well as remained very active in his local chapter. He intends to pursue a career in civil litigation and eventually develop or work with an organization that provides legal assistance to impoverished rural and urban areas in the South. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Cachavious English

Southern Region Chair

University of Alabama

72


Sean is from Brooklyn, NY. He has a degree in Criminal Justice & Philosophy from Central Missouri State University. He is an active and dedicated general member of his local chapter. He plans to start his own law firm with two partners in Atlanta, Georgia upon graduation with an emphasis on civil litigation. He can be contacted at

[email protected].

Sean Campbell Moot Court Director

Florida A&M College of Law

Katrina is from Birmingham, AL and received a B.S. in Political Science from the University of North Alabama. She worked as an intern for the Office of Congressman Davis and as an enrollment and matching specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, before entering law school. She has served as the treasure for her local chapter of BLSA. Katrina intends to pursue a career in the area domestic litigation.

She can be contacted at

[email protected].

Katrina D. Brown Sub-Region V

Director Birmingham

School of Law

Tiffani is from Fairfax, VA and obtained a B.A. in Economics from North Carolina A & T SU in Greensboro, NC. She worked as a government contracts hiring specialist prior to entering law school. She also obtained an M.P.P. from George Mason University prior to law school. Currently, she serves as Secretary for FCSL-ABA and member of the FCSL Mock Trial Team. She intends to pursue a career as a JAG officer upon

graduation. She can be contacted at

[email protected].

Tiffani T. McCain Sub-Region IV

Director Florida Coastal School of Law

Amy Oraefo is from Raleigh, NC and she received a B.A. in Communication Studies and Cultural Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to serving on the SRBLSA executive board, she served as the Professional Development Chair of her local BLSA chapter. Upon graduating from law school, Amy intends to pursue a career in intellectual property, where she can protect the creative works of individuals and corporations.


[email protected].

Amy Oraefo SRBLSA Sub-Region

III Director North Carolina


Sydney is from Stone Mountain, GA.

She received a B.S. in Business

Administration with a concentration

in Management Information Systems

from Alabama A&M University. She

intends to pursue a career in family

law upon graduation. She can be

contacted at [email protected].

Sydney J. Jakes SRBLSA Sub Region II

Director Louisiana State

University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Amber is from Nashville, TN. She received a B.S. in Education from the University of Memphis. She has served as Activities Chair of her local BLSA chapter and is the current President. She also serves as the regional director for Sub-Region I. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in commercial litigation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Amber Floyd Sub-Region I Director

University of Memphis

73


Harriet is a native of Salters, SC. She received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Claflin University, and a M.A. in Media Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She served as the Secretary for her local BLSA chapter. Upon graduating law school, she plans to pursue a career in transactional law, become a law professor, and eventually become the provost of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).


[email protected].

Harriet L. Huell Editor-in-Chief,

SRBLSA Law Journal University of

North Carolina

Jonielle is a native of Queens, NY and received her B.S.B.A. in Finance and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to law school, Jonielle worked as an operations analyst for a major investment bank in New York City. She is currently the SRBLSA rep for her local BLSA chapter and also received the Emory BLSA 1L Scholarship for dedication and service. Jonielle plans to pursue a career in securities litigation upon graduation.


[email protected].

Jonielle Turner Job Fair Coordinator Emory University

School of Law

Ashley is from Houston, TX. She obtained her B.S.M. in Management and Legal Studies in Business from Tulane University. Before entering law school, she worked as an assistant buyer for Macy’s South Department Stores. Within her local BLSA chapter, she has previously served as the 1L Class Representative and is the current Vice President. After graduating from law school, she plans to work as a criminal attorney. She can be

contacted at [email protected].

Ashley N. Mayes Director of College Student

Division Paul M. Hebert Law Center – Louisiana

State University

Feeneishia is from Birmingham, AL and received a B.S. in Business Management from Birmingham Southern College. She worked as a litigation support specialist at Bradley, Arant Rose & White, and current works as an application support specialist at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. She was chairperson of her chapter’s First Annual Mock Trial Competition. She plans on being an advocate for children in family court, and becoming a certified

GAL. She can be contacted at

[email protected].

Feeneishia Green Recording Secretary

Birmingham School of Law

No Photo

Available

Miesha is from Baton Rouge, LA. She obtained a B.A. in English from Southern University A&M College and M.Ed. in Education Administration and Policy from Howard University. She served as SRBLSA TMMTC Specialist. Upon completion of law school, she intends to pursue a career in education policy. She can be contacted at

[email protected].

Miesha R. Beverly SRBLSA Director of

Programming Louisiana State


Kweku A. Touré is a native Washingtonian. He attended Phelps Career Center and Spingarn Senior High afterwards he received a degree in Sociology from Virginia State University. Kweku pursued a career in social justice after VSU working with ex-offenders, people living in public housing and way-ward youth in depressed communities. He has worked as a social worker in a clinical capacity and from a public policy perspective in an effort to alleviate poverty and crime. His future interest is simply to join in the fight for justice anywhere using his law degree. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Kweku A. Touré Director of

Community Service John Marshall Law

School--Atlanta

74


Latasha was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. She commenced her baccalaureate and graduate studies at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, in International Business & World Trade. Prior to entering law school, she worked for an international bank. She served as the Secretary for her local BLSA chapter, for which she was awarded Outstanding Executive Board Member. Upon receipt of her JD, she will pursue her LLM and then a career in international taxation for international entities. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Latasha Lessington Director of

Membership Florida A& M

University

Bryant is from Dallas, TX and received a B.A. in History and Political Science from Texas A&M. Prior to entering law school he worked as a billing specialist for Atmos Energy. Upon completion of law school, he intends to pursue a career in immigration law. He can be contacted at [email protected]. Bryant T. Harvey

Convention Coordinator Louisiana State


Leontra is from Greenwood, MS. She has a B.S. in Speech Education from Mississippi State University and a M.S. in Secondary Education Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Mississippi. Prior to law school, she taught 7th grade English for three years for the Holly Springs School District. She is the College School Division Chair for the University of Mississippi BLSA. She plans to practice employment and labor law. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Leontra M. Mayes Corporate Relations Co-

Director University of

Mississippi School of Law

No Photo

Available

Jeff is originally from Pittsford, NY. He received his B.A. in Business Administration from Morehouse College, and Masters of International Business Administration from NOVA Southeastern University. He served as a consultant for the City of Atlanta immediately prior to entering law school. Jeff has served the law school community in many local, regional and national capacities. He intends to pursue a career in international policy and education upon graduation from law school. He

can be contacted at

[email protected].

Jeffrey L. Anderson Corporate Relations Co-

Director Atlanta’s John

Marshall Law School

Nesha is from Chicago, IL and received a B.A. in Religious Studies and English Literature from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. She is currently serving as the Secretary for her local BLSA chapter. Nesha intends to pursue a career in criminal defense upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Nesha Q. Spencer Public Relations

Director Cumberland

School of Law

75

76

MID-WEST REGION

77

MIDWEST REGION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW

STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

P.O. BOX 11981, CHICAGO, IL 60611-0981

June 15, 2009

My name is Karl Riley, and I will be serving as your Regional Chair for the upcoming year. I am quite excited about the forthcoming year and its endless possibilities.

As we all know, the current economic climate is not as it was in the past, but this will not be an obstacle in

moving forward with the NBLSA goals for this year. In order to ensure that the members of NBLSA have the greatest opportunity for employment, the Midwest Region will be hosting its Annual Job Fair in Chicago, IL on September 11-12, 2009 at the Embassy Suites – Rosemont. This is only one of the many initiatives that the region hosts in order to improve career opportunities and employer exposure. One of the main aspects that I want to improve this year is communication. The Executive Board has been tirelessly thinking of new ways to improve communication throughout the region and between the National Board. To ease this process, we have set up a public Google Group which will allow every member to access important documents, important dates, and a centralized avenue of communication. Another aspect that I want to improve is the farming of undergraduate students into law school. Since we have already taken the journey and ventured into law school, it is our duty to give back to others who have yet to take the first step. This is why I want to implore each chapter to put extra effort into the College Student Division. Please see the various initiatives and programming that the National Board has put forth for the upcoming year. The benefits of NBLSA membership are amazing, and I encourage everyone to join. The networking, leadership, and career opportunities are endless. NBLSA constantly improves and grows on the back of its predecessors, and I hope to contribute to the legacy and the future of the organization. I ran for this position because I care about the future and I want to help the Midwest Region and the national organization accomplish wonderful things. I want to help your chapter in any way possible and answer any questions that I can throughout the year. Do not hesitate to contact me either by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (314) 749-9398. I look forward to working with you, and making the Mighty Midwest Region better than ever. Regards, Karl Riley Midwest Regional Chair National Black Law Students Association 2009-2010

Karl O. Riley REGIONAL CHAIR

Brittany Kimble

REGIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Kathryn Jackson REGIONAL SECRETARY

Ian P. Balom

REGIONAL TREASURER

Sheena Hamilton REGIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK


TBA

REGIONAL FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT SPECIALIST

Zeely Stewart

REGIONAL DIRECTOR- THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL

COMPETITION

Karrah Miller REGIONAL THURGOOD MARSHALL

MOCK TRIAL SPECIALIST

Joanna Lopez REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Gillian S. Crowl REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF

PROGRAMMING

Marchant Martinelli REGIONAL ATTORNEY GENERAL

Jina Hayes

SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR- REG. 1

Rob R. Love SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR-REG. 2

Sir M.V. Williams

SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR-REG. 3

Jerome Coenic-Taylor SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR-REG. 4

Alicia Hammond

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS &-PUBLIC

RELATIONS

Troy Ezell DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE

RELATIONS

Tamera Thomas CORPORATE RELATIONS

DIRECTOR- TEAM

TyReese Foreman CORPORATE RELATIONS

DIRECTOR- TEAM

Andrea Lewis REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF

MEMBERSHIP

Christy Sicher REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF

EDUCATION

Rury Grisham REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CAREER

DEVELOPMENT

Ollie Green REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN

Troy Ezell

RECRUITMENT CONFERENCE COORDINATOR

Twanna Hill

DIRECTOR OF THE COLLEGE STUDENT’S DIVISION

Courtney Petty

CHIEF EDITOR OF THE MIDWEST LAW JOURNAL

Nena Anderson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ryan C. Rowan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

78

MIDWEST BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL BOARD 2009-2010

Lori is from Palatine, IL and received a B.J. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Prior to entering law school, she worked as a broadcast journalist, investment representative, and trainer. She has served as the social chair for her local BLSA Chapter. She intends to pursue a career in transactional work upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Lori Taylor Event Coordinator Northwestern

University

Gillian is from the Bronx, NY and received a B.A. in History and a M.P.A. from Cornell University. She was the president of the Indiana University School of Law- Bloomington chapter of BLSA. She intends to be a Labor and Employment attorney upon graduating law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Gillian S. Crowl Director of

Programming Indiana University-

Bloomington

Ryan is from Kansas City, MO. Prior to law school, Ryan received his bachelors’ degree in African and African-American Studies and Political Science from the University of Kansas in May 2008. He intends to seek a commission with the Army or Navy Judges Advocate Generals Corp upon graduating from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Ryan C. Rowan Executive Director

Valparaiso University School

of Law

Nena Anderson is from Memphis, TN and received a B.A in History from Kenyon College. She worked as a manager for National City Bank in Columbus, OH before entering law school. Nena intends to pursue a career in health law upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Nena Anderson

Executive Director Saint Louis


No Photo

Available

Brittany is from Maywood, IL and received a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Jackson State University. She served as 2008-2009 president of the University of Missouri BLSA chapter and is currently serving as 2009-2010 parliamentarian. Upon graduating from MU Law, she intends to pursue a career as a Criminal Defense Attorney. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Brittany B. Kimble Vice-Chair

University of Missouri School

of Law

Karl is from Las Vegas, NV and received his B.S.B.A in International Business from Washington University in St. Louis. He worked as a project manager at National Oilwell Varco in Houston, TX before pursuing law school. Last year, Karl served as the vice-president of his local chapter and served on the Midwest Region Board as the director of corporate relations. Karl intends to become a litigator and settle in Texas after the completion of law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Karl O. Riley Regional Chair Northwestern


79


Sir hails from Chicago, IL and received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Northeastern Illinois University. Before law school, he spent three years working in Community Affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Sir has served as the parliamentarian and executive director for his local BLSA chapter. He is interested in pursuing a career in health law or criminal law upon graduating from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Sir M.V. Williams Sub-Regional

Director, Region 3 University of

Wisconsin Law

Karrah is from South Bend, IN and received a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Purdue University. She worked as Director of Administrative Operations for Indiana University before entering law school. She is the incoming President of her local BLSA chapter. Upon completion of law school, Karrah plans to remain in Northwest Indiana as a practicing attorney and community activist. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Karrah A. Miller TMMTC Specialist

Valparaiso University

School of Law

Sheena is from Springfield, IL and received a B.A. in English from Tennessee State University. She worked as a paralegal in the Office of the Corporate Secretary at American Airlines in Dallas, TX prior to entering law school. She has served as the Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee for her local BLSA chapter. She intends to pursue a career in business law upon graduating from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Sheena R. Hamilton Moot Court Director Saint Louis Univ.

School of Law

Ollie is from New Baden, IL and received a B.A. in Political Science from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. While in at Millikin, she founded Student’s United Darfur Action Network, a student led-organization devoted to ending the genocide in Sudan. At Saint Louis University, she is currently the Community Service Co-Chair of her local BLSA chapter. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Ollie M. Green Parliamentarian

Saint Louis University School

of Law

No Photo

Available

Zeely is from Baltimore, MD and received a B.A. in Corporate Communications from Drexel University. Before beginning law school, she worked as a dancer, teacher, and assistant to a Circuit Court Judge in Baltimore City. She is currently serving as co-chair of the mentor/mentee committee for her local BLSA chapter. Her goal is to become a business litigator specializing in mergers and acquisitions or sales after graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Zeely O. Stewart Director of Mock

Trials Thomas M. Cooley

Law School

Rob is from Indianapolis, IN and received a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Wabash College. He worked as a Social Studies teacher before entering law school. He has served in many capacities such as parliamentarian at his local BLSA chapter. He intends to pursue a career in government with a focus in education and public policy upon graduating from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Rob R. Love Sub-Regional

Director, Region 2 Valparaiso


80


Ty-Reese is from Trenton, NJ. He received an A.B. in Urban Studies from Brown University. Prior to law school, he worked as a literacy instructor and program director for Teach for America. Currently, Ty-Reese is co-chair of the community service committee for his local BLSA chapter. He intends to focus on educational equality by expanding charter opportunities for organizations seeking to start charter schools in underserved areas upon graduation from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Ty-Reese Britt-Foreman

Corporate Relations Northwestern


Jina is from Dallas, TX and received her B.S. in Business from Florida A&M University in 2008. She entered law school directly after graduation. Jina is an active member in her local BLSA chapter. Upon graduation from law school, she plans to pursue a career in litigation and return to work in the Texas area. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Jina N. Haynes Sub-Regional Director,

Region 1 Michigan State

University College of Law

Rury is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2005. He also received his M.S. in Optical Engineering from Norfolk State University in 2007. He intends to pursue a career in intellectual property upon graduating from law school. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Rury L. Grisham Director of Career Development

Univ. of Kansas

Marchant is from Glenview, IL and received a B.S. in Community Health and an M.S. in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She worked with the Upward Bound College Prep Academy at the University of Illinois before entering law school. She is currently the vice-chair of BLSA at KU and the COO of Native American Law Students Association. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Marchant Martinelli Attorney General University of

Kansas School of Law

No Photo

Available

Kathryn is from Milwaukee, WI and received a B.A. in Finance from Tuskegee University. She worked as a tax accountant before entering law school. She was an active BLSA member in her local chapter last year. However, this is her first leadership role with BLSA. She intends to pursue a career in criminal law upon graduation. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Kathryn Jackson Secretary

University of Wisconsin Law

No Photo

Available

Joanna is from Lorain, OH and received a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Case Western Reserve University. She is the corresponding secretary of her local BLSA chapter for the second consecutive year. She served as an associate editor for the MWBLSA Law Journal. She is interested in pursuing a career in juvenile law. She can be contacted [email protected].

Joanna N. Lopez Director of Community

Service Cleveland-Marshall

College of Law

81


Twanna is from St. Louis, MO, and received a B.A. in Legal Communication from Howard University. Before attending law school, she worked as an early childhood educator in both Washington, DC and St. Louis, MO. Upon graduating from law school, she plans on pursuing a career in entertainment, sports, and media law. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Twanna Hill College Student Division

Director Saint Louis

U. School of Law

Jerome is from Chicago, IL and received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has served as the president and social chair for his local BLSA Chapter. He intends to pursue a career in labor and employment law and ultimately become a judge. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Jerome Coenic-Taylor Sub-Regional Director,

Region 4 U. of Iowa College of

Law

Andrea is from Riverdale, IL, and received a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. Prior to law school, she worked as an immigration paralegal. Andrea is commencing her second year as co-chair of the Black History Month Committee in her local BLSA chapter. She intends become a litigator after she graduates from law school. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Andrea Lewis Director of

Membership Northwestern U. School of Law

82

NETWORK CONNECTION

www.nblsa.org

NBLSA

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=2204424976 http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=2388318628

MABLSA

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=NEBLSA&ref=ts&__a=1&sid=d76b28df4e2e81c0c29169135de040c4#/group.php?gid=2211688402

MWBLSA http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2263445202

NEBLSA

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=NEBLSA&ref=ts&__a=1&sid=d76b28df4e2e81c0c29169135de040c4#/group.php?gid=2212216694

RMBLSA http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=NEBLSA&ref=ts&__a=1&sid=d76b28df4e2e81c0c29169135de040c4#/group.php?gid=2261007744

SRBLSA

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=srblsa&ref=ts&sid=c5188e6519c3f5ae3cbad6b0142adfa8#/group.php?gid=2207652479

WRBLSA http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=srblsa&ref=ts&sid=c5188e6519c3f5ae3cbad6b0142adfa8#/group.php?gid=2214684816

NBLSA

http://www.twitter.com/NBLSA

WRBLSA http://twitter.com/WRBLSA_Chair

NBLSA - Chapter Presidents

http://groups.google.com/group/nblsa-chapterpresidents-2009-2010

MABLSA http://groups.google.com/group/mablsa-membership-information?pli=1

MWBLSA

http://groups.google.com/group/nblsa---midwest-region-membership-

NEBLSA http://groups.google.com/group/neblsa-members

SRBLSA –Chapter Presidents

http://groups.google.com/group/srblsa-chapter-presidents

WRBLSA - Coming Soon RMBLSA - Coming Soon

NBLSA

NBLSA Fredrick Douglass Moot Court Competition - Coming Soon NBLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition - Coming Soon

NBLSA International Negotiations Competition - Coming Soon

http://lawschool.westlaw.com/manage/homepage.aspx?courseid=63066

Documents

2009-2010 NBLSA Membership Packet