GULC BLSA Fall 2012 Programming Guide

The largest and most active student organization on Georgetown Law’s campus, Georgetown ‘s BLSA has supported diversity both in the legal

profession and educational settings for over 40 years.

Building Leadership, Service, and Activism Georgetown University Law Center Chapter of

The Black Law Students Association 600 New Jersey Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20001 [email protected] | www.georgetownblsa.org

Fall 2012 Programming

Guide

2012-13 Georgetown BLSA Executive Board

Contents

2. Greetings from our President 3. Academic Programming 4. Career Programming 5. Social Action Initiatives 6. Community Service Programming 7. Recruitment and Retention Initiatives 8. Alumni Outreach 9. Faculty Support Programming 10. Social and Cultural Programming 11. Salutations from our Corporate Relations Chair

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Building Leadership, Service, and Activism Fall 2012

Greetings, Thank you for taking the time to review Georgetown BLSA’s Fall 2012 Programming Guide. This guide provides a snapshot into the multitude of enrichment programs GULC BLSA hosts each year, ranging from a speed networking reception and alumni reunion to voter protection training and a Kwanzaa celebration. As the second largest BLSA chapter nationwide and the largest and most active student organization on Georgetown Law’s campus, GULC BLSA has been an exemplar for providing quality, needed resources to Georgetown Law’s diverse student body. Of course, we could not provide these resources without the generous contributions of our Partner Firms. The support from our Partner Firms is not just monetary, as we actively include Partner Firm attorneys in as many events as possible. Our aim is for our students to develop strong, meaningful relationships with our Partner Firms that can range from informal mentorships to recruiting. To this end, the majority of the events included in this guide are accessible exclusively to our Partner Firms. I welcome your feedback, comments, and concerns at any time. Please do not hesitate to email me directly at [email protected] should you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your support, and we look forward to working with you this year. All the best,

April A. Johnson President, Georgetown Black Law Students Association 2012-‐13

April A. Johnson

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BLSA is committed to ensuring students are equipped with all the tools necessary to excel academically. Each year students often reflect on BLSA’s Academic programming as providing the guideposts needed to navigate through first year and beyond. Our academic programming includes the following programs this fall:

1L Camp

This academic program is geared towards preparing 1Ls for their first week and semester of law school all at once. Through case briefing sessions and Professor talks, this e of the highlights of BLSA’s academic programming and has been instrumental in the success of our students each year.

Writing Workshop

In collaboration with Westlaw and Lexis, BLSA will organize a workshop to prepare 1L students on the basics of researching and legal writing. This event focuses on e tools needed to do effective research, the resources available to practice legal writing before the first semester memos are due, and provides a forum for 2L and 3L members to share advice as well.

Preparation Workshops

Led by BLSA members who have excelled academically and in partnership with professors, this workshop provides course reviews and tips on outlining and exam strategy.

A Look at Barrister’s Council: Advocacy Preparation Mock Trial Workshop Journal Workshop

September

1L Bootcamp

October

Outlining Workshop

November

Memo Writing Workshop

Exam Preparation Workshop

For more information contact Academic Chair, Victoria Ajayi,

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BLSA consistently aims to provide our members with comprehensive professional development programming. Through our network of alumni and community partners, BLSA members have the opportunity to explore their options and receive individual guidance throughout the job search process. Assisting our students in their career development is a process that begins 1L year and continues well beyond graduation.

In advance of the NALP deadline, this program is an opportunity for first-year students to receive one-on-one feedback on their resume. Attorneys from our Partner Firms, public interest attorneys, and recruiting professionals assist in coaching students on the particulars of a legal resume.

Annual Speed Networking Reception

In its second year, this program brings over 40 attorneys from the public and private sector to campus for short one-on-one networking sessions with BLSA members. The reception begins with a short panel on the “do’s and don’ts” of networking and, following the individual sessions, ends with an informal networking reception over wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Fall

Bringing together our nearly 200 members with representatives and attorneys from local and national law firms, the reception provides the ideal setting for students to learn more about each firm, ask questions to junior associates and partners alike, and begin to build relationships that will last throughout their law school and legal careers.

A Look at

Public Interest Series

Transaction and Litigation Brown Bag Lunches

Mock Interview Workshop

October

One-‐on-‐One Resume Review

November

Speed Networking Reception

December

Diversity Reception

For more information

contact Career Co- Chairs, Tarik Barrett,

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BLSA was founded on the principles of service and activism. Georgetown’s BLSA chapter fulfills that mission by remaining a powerful force advocating for political, social, and economic change in the largely African American residential population of DC and surrounding areas. Through direct community engagement, panels, and partnerships with other advocacy organizations, BLSA ensures that our memberships stay abreast of and involved in the socioeconomic and political issues of the day.

Weekend

Georgetown BLSA participates in the events and programs hosted and organized by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the National Black Law Students Association for the annual Congressional Black Caucus Weekend. We join thousands of African Americans from across the country that come together to discuss the socioeconomic issues affecting our community, to celebrate our accomplishments, and to network and empower one another. In 2012, Georgetown’s BLSA was a host school for the NBLSA CBC events.

Voter Protection Training:

In conjunction with the National Bar Association -‐ Young Lawyers Division, Georgetown BLSA will host voter protection training conducted by Will Crossley, Chief Counsel and Voter Protection Director for the Democratic National Committee. The training will cover voter rights and laws and will prepare our students to volunteer as poll monitors on election day.

Social Engineers for Change (SEC):

A joint initiative with Howard Law, SEC aims to educate and empower traditionally under-‐served communities to exercise their right to vote. We believe that in order to truly reach these communities, we must visit community members on their home turf and speak on issues relevant to them. We visit local churches and other community organizations to educate citizens on issues such as the economy, healthcare, and voter rights.

September

CBC Weekend

Voter Protection Training

October -‐ November

Social Engineers for Change

For more information contact Attorney

General, Garrett Thomas, .

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BLSA’s reach extends beyond the classroom walls as we aim to ensure our members are engaged in the local community. We are active in many organizations throughout the DC area: serving as mentors for high school students, partnering with programs needing volunteers, and raising awareness about the needs of the underserved and underprivileged in the DC community.

GULC along with other local BLSA chapters will be participating in the annual DC AIDS Walk benefiting the Whitman-Walker Clinic. This clinic is a non- profit community-based health organization providing comprehensive health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. To raise money for the AIDS Walk, we also host a 5-day bake sale on campus.

Youth Empowerment: This year, a number of our community service events are structured around our youth empowerment initiative. To this end, we have partnered with the following organizations:

Young Lives, providing mentorship to teen mothers; Boys2Books, providing tutoring to young men at Anacostia High School; Juvenile Delinquency Outreach, providing tutoring and mentorship to incarcerated youth.

September

AIDS Walk Bake Sale

Ongoing

Young Lives

Boys 2 Books

Juvenile Delinquency Outreach

For more information contact

Ericka Aiken,

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BLSA is actively involved in working to increase the number of diverse candidates, and particularly African-Americans, at Georgetown Law Center and, in turn, in the legal profession. As one of the largest BLSA chapters nationwide, we are dedicated to the recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds.

The Mentor/Mentee program continues to be the c providing each incoming 1L with the support needed to thrive in the law school environment. Through various programming year-round, students are able to receive academic and professional guidance on a more personalized level. The program usually kicks off with a Mentor/Mentee Brunch that provides a place for students to begin their mentoring relationship. This program has proven to be one of BLSA’s most successful endeavors.

Student of Color Outreach Day: GULC BLSA invites prospective law students from across the nation to the Georgetown Law campus for a day of application assistance, personal statement guidance, and immersion into the law school experience. Student attendees receive a warm welcome from Georgetown Law’s Dean of Admissions and a mock lecture by an esteemed faculty member of color. Through the bonds made on campus, attendees increase their likelihood of admittance into law school, and particularly, into Georgetown Law.

Looking forward into the spring: Admitted Students Phone-‐Banking Admitted Students Receptions

September

Mentor-‐Mentee Brunch

November

Student of Color Outreach Day


Aleshadye Getachew,

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Through our Alumni programming, BLSA coordinates eve s a ed at reconnecting Georgetown alums with BLSA, Georgetown, and their fellow alumni. The Georgetown BLSA network is rich with knowledge, wisdom, and experience. It is important that Georgetown BLSA facilitate events that allow current and past members to share in this wealth.

Annual Alumni Brunch

Each year Alumni Affairs in concert with BLSA hosts a Fall Brunch for all GULC BLSA Alumni. This is an opportunity for alumni to gather with family and friends and reconnect with the Law Center.

BLSA’s Annual Celebration of Excellence

In its second year, this event honors both BLSA alumni and students in the areas of leadership and community service. It presents a prime opportunity for BLSA students and alumni to meet, network, and celebrate BLSA’s rich legacy of activism, service, and excellence.

Many Georgetown BLSA Alum have stayed local—and continue to work in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia areas. Each semester, BLSA hosts an informal mixer at a local DC venue for alumni and students to gather and take a break from school and work.

Looking forward into the spring: BLSA Alumni Conference Spring Alumni Mixer

October

Alumni Affairs Brunch

November

Networking Mixer


Lorin Dale-Pierce,

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This year, Georgetown’s BLSA added a new position to our Executive Board to focus specifically on issues relevant to Georgetown Law’s faculty of color. We work to increase the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty members as well as provide our members with access to and opportunities to establish relationships with Georgetown Law faculty.

For this annual event, BLSA partners with one of our esteemed faculty members to host a reception that allows students and professors to become comfortable with one another outside of the classroom. While dining, students and faculty discuss scholarship, careers, and strategies for success throughout law school and beyond.

Faculty Spotlights

During each BLSA General Body Meeting, we spotlight an esteemed faculty member of color. The professor provides a narrative of his or her path to academia, offers tips for success, and ends with a stimulating discussion on his or her recent scholarship.

Looking forward into the spring: Faculty Scholarship Symposium Take a Faculty of Color to Lunch Day

October

Professor Meet & Greet

Ongoing

Faculty Spotlights


Jonis Belu-John,

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BLSA believes that well-rounded students should be able to thrive in both social and academic settings. Our social programming aims to foster strong bonds and relationships amongst its members that will last long after graduation. BLSA hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, often with other student groups, to give members an opportunity to relax, make new friends, and have a good time. Our social programming includes the following events for the fall:

Welcome Back BBQ

Every year BLSA sponsors a cookout for BLSA members, the larger Georgetown student body as well as law students from neighboring schools. Filled with fun, food and fellowship this is a great way to step away from the anxiety of beginning another or first year of law school.

Expo

In the great tradition of not only the Law Center, but of Blacks across the Diaspora, the Kwanzaa Cultural Expo serves as an opportunity for BLSA members and the larger DC community to come together to celebrate Black culture. In the past, the Expo has featured African drummers and dancers, dynamic speakers, and gospel choirs. It is a high-energy, spirited event where members are reminded of the very special privilege we have been afforded as students of color at the Law Center. The Expo also serves as one of the final major events before final exams and winter break.

September

Welcome Back BBQ

October

Charity Spades Tournament

December

Kwanzaa Cultural Expo


Nia Davis,

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Greetings,

We hope this guide has given you an idea of the extraordinary programming Georgetown’s BLSA has planned for this fall. Our chapter is excited about the impact we are having on the Law Center Campus and the larger community. We know that none of this would be possible without the generous support of our Partner Firms. The Partner Firm Program is a powerful opportunity for building lasting relationships between our students and top local firms. With your help we are growing, improving, and constantly working to fulfill the mission of excellence and social justice upon which our organization was founded. Please contact me at [email protected] to learn more about how your firm or organization can partner with Georgetown Law’s Black Law Students Association.

Thank you for your time. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Portia Boone, Corporate Relations Chair, Georgetown BLSA 2012-13

Portia Boone

Building Leadership, Service, and Activism

Visit us online at http://georgetownlaw.orgsync.com/org/georgetownblsa/home

Documents

GULC BLSA Fall 2012 Programming Guide