Astro Bug

NEW YORK - AstroBug -- The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair recently commemorated its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary three-day event held on November 14-16, 2024, at New York Law School and New York University School of Law in New York City. Over 800 people attended the event over the course of the weekend, with both venues filled to capacity with standing-room-only crowds and also utilizing overflow spaces.

The first day included a mock law class at Columbia Law School led by Kerrel Murray, Esq., Associate Professor of Law and Milton Handler Fellow, followed by special tours of New York City-area law schools. Days two and three focused on programming including speakers, panel discussions, the law fair, and other events. All attendees were also provided with the opportunity to receive free in-person or remote pre-law advisement and admissions materials review through a partnership with the Harvard Black Law Students Association (HBLSA).

Since its founding in 2005 by visionary attorney and advocate Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M., the National Black Pre-Law Conference has been dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of Black students in law schools across the nation. Over the past two decades, the conference has empowered more than 15,000 aspiring lawyers with invaluable resources, mentorship, and support. This milestone event honored its legacy while looking ahead to the work still to be done.

The 20th-anniversary conference was a testament to the program's legacy of transformation and community building. Attendees experienced dynamic keynote addresses from trailblazing legal professionals. Keynote speakers were:

• Wiley S. Adams, Esq., President, National Bar Association
• Alphonso David, Esq., President & CEO, Global Black Economic Forum
• Jalene Mack, Esq., Entertainment Lawyer, Actress, Producer, Writer, and Philanthropist
• Janai Nelson, Esq., President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
• Bryan R. Parker, Esq., CEO and Co-Founder, Legal Innovators
• Jamel Adkins-Sharif, Ed.D., J.D., Co-Founder, Educan Trust, LLC
• Tanya Monique Washington, Esq., LL.M., Professor of Children's Constitutional Rights, Georgia State University College of Law

Special guest speakers included:

• William R. Bay, Esq., President, American Bar Association
• Nicole Lester Arrindell, Esq., President, Metropolitan Black Bar Association
• Nastassia Janvier, M.P.A., National Chair & CEO, National Black Law Students Association
• The Honorable Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Texas 30th District Representative
• The Honorable Congressman Gabe Amo, Rhode Island 1st District Representative
• The Honorable Judge J. Machelle Sweeting, Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice

In addition, numerous other Black law students and lawyers contributed their time and expertise to share advice and insight through serving as special guest speakers and guest speakers throughout the weekend. It also featured BLACK PRE-LAW TALKS - short, powerful talks presented by 20 conference alumni (representing each year of the conference) who are now law students or lawyers who came back specifically to give back and pour into current aspiring lawyers. This commitment to paying it forward is something that this event has emphasized to participants from the beginning of its inception. The conference also included the Black Legal Futures Panel Series with panel discussions on The State of the Black Pre-Law Student, The State of the Black Law Student, The State of the Black Law School Graduate, and The State of the Black Lawyer.

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Reflecting on the event's impact, Founder Evangeline M. Mitchell stated: "This year's milestone celebration was a profound reminder of what we can achieve together. For 20 years, we have provided aspiring Black lawyers with the information, resources, and connections they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive legal education environment and legal profession. I am deeply grateful for everyone who has joined us on this journey."

The event also showcased an expansive law fair, which included representatives from almost 100 law schools and also legal employers and law-related non-profit organizations, providing attendees with a comprehensive look at opportunities for legal education, employment, and resources to help them along the way.

The event also featured a 20th Anniversary Black Pre-Law Honors Awards Ceremony and Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony at the historic Riverside Church of New York City, adding to the milestone event a meaningful celebration of past contributors and inspiration through current lawyers pinning future lawyers.

Notably, this world-class event has remained completely free of charge for participants for the past 20 years, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and equity.

The 20th Anniversary National Black Pre-Law Conference was generously sponsored by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, AccessLex Institute, White & Case LLP, Locke Lord LLP, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

As the conference closes this remarkable chapter, the excitement builds for the 21st year of the National Black Pre-Law Conference. The next conference is scheduled to take place from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15, 2025, once again in New York City. Registration for the 2025 conference will open on January 15, 2025. More information can be found by visiting the website at https://www.blackprelawconference.org. Building on the momentum of this year's and past success, the conference will continue to serve as the nation's premier platform for equipping and empowering future Black lawyers with the tools and support they need to encourage their success.

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