Date

Nov 16, 2023 - Nov 18, 2023

Location

Cambridge and Boston, MA

Speakers

Keynotes, Guests, Panelists, Presenters

About Us / why we do what we do

THE VISION of the National Black Pre-Law Conference is to provide a powerful forum to help increase the numbers of excellent, strategic and competitive African American law school applicants, students and graduates nationwide.

THE MISSION of The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive national event designed specifically for aspiring Black lawyers. Its purpose is to provide them with access to empowering information, resources, and contacts that will assist them in the challenging journey ahead in pursuing admission into law school, success in the law school experience and on the bar exam, and beyond.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Our conference is designed to help them prior to beginning their law school careers so they can have the key “insider” information and encouragement they need to help them to better understand what it really takes to be successful in their quest to become lawyers.

* Founded in 2005 by Evangeline M. Mitchell, a graduate of HBCU Prairie View A&M University, the University of Iowa College of Law, and Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

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Quick Facts / you ought to know

From 2005 until 2022, the National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair has:

Featured 84 keynote speakers, 208 special guest/guest speakers, and over 970+ community leaders, law students, lawyers, law school administrators, and judges who have served as featured panelists, moderators, workshop presenters, advisors, mentors, and small group discussion leaders.

Registered over 11,252 pre-law students nationwide.

Attracted nearly 200 ABA-approved Law Schools, majority of U.S Law schools.

Hosted 362+ mock law school classes, workshops, panels, clinics and other sessions.

Garnered the support of numerous elected officials and bar leaders.

The National Black Pre-Law Conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn more about:

the current statistics regarding African American law school applicants and law students

how to effectively navigate the law school admissions process

how to prepare to become more competitive and strategic applicants in regards to the overall package

how to properly prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

issues involving affirmative action and the role of diversity in the law school admissions process

how to choose the right law school for you

what various law schools across the country have to offer

how the financial aid process works, how schools select recipients of scholarships and fellowships, loan repayment assistance programs, managing law school debt, and relevant financial concerns during the current economic downturn

what is the value of the J.D.

what is the law student learning experience like (through a mock law school class with an assignment to read and brief a case to prepare for the Socratic method of class discussion)

how to make the most of the law school experience

how to make your diversity (racial, socioeconomic, educational, cultural, experience, etc.) work for you by contributing to the law school inside and outside of the classroom

what minority law school preparatory programs are available

what academic support is available to law students

what the unique challenges are that African Americans in particular face in law school admission, law school, and in the legal work environment, and coping mechanisms to overcome other people’s prejudices and misperceptions

how to project a professional business image

how to approach the job search and interviewing process, and what legal employers are really looking for

what the bar exam is and what it takes to pass the bar exam

what career options are available, and how to create your own opportunities

how to network effectively and seek out mentors

keys to career advancement

Benefits / Your FREE Registration Package Includes:

Pre-Event Orientation on “How to Maximize the National Black Pre-Law Conference Experience”

Pre-Conference Strategy Booklet

Meet-Ups to Connect with Fellow Attendees

Featured Keynote Speakers Include:

– Michael D. Jones, P.C., Partner, Litigation, Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Washington, DC)

– Monica Monroe, Esq., Assistant Dean for Community Engagement, Equity, and Belonging, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts

– Renee Nicole Allen, Esq., M.S., Associate Professor of Legal Writing and Faculty Director, Center for Race and Law, St. John’s University School of Law, New York, New York

– Bryan Fair, Esq., Thomas E. Skinner Professor of Law, University of Alabama School of Law, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

– Damon Hart, Esq., Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Liberty Mutual Insurance (Boston, Massachusetts)

– Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director, APA Foundation, American Psychiatric Association (Washington, DC)

– Angela Gomes, Esq., Partner, Sullivan & Worcester LLP (Boston, Massachusetts)

– Tracey West, Esq., Executive Director, Boston Lawyers Group (Boston, Massachusetts)

– Jonathan Allen, J.D., Co-founder and Director of Development, Leadership Brainery (Boston, Massachusetts)

Mock Law School Class Conducted by Professor Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr., Jesse Climenko Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Criminal Justice Institute, Harvard Law School (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

In-Person Law School Recruitment Fair (Featuring Law Schools From Across the Country)

Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony – Reading of the Aspiring Lawyers Success Pledge and Pinning of Aspiring Lawyers by Current Lawyers

Certificate of Participation for Pre-Law Attendees

Interactive Networking and Connection-Making Opportunities

Chances to Win Prizes!

Schedule of Events / what's happening when

Event Speakers / listen to amazing law students and lawyers

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Michael D. Jones, P.C.

Partner, Litigation

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Washington, DC

Damon Hart, Esq.

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

Liberty Mutual Insurance
Boston, Massachusetts

Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq.

Executive Director, APA Foundation

American Psychiatric Association
Washington, DC

Angela Gomes, Esq.

Partner

Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

Tracey West, Esq.

Executive Director

Boston Lawyers Group
Boston, Massachusetts

Jonathan Allen, J.D., M.T.S.

Co-founder and Director of Development

Leadership Brainery (Boston, Massachusetts)

Monica Monroe, Esq.

Assistant Dean for Community Engagement, Equity, and Belonging

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Renee Nicole Allen, Esq., M.S.

Associate Professor of Legal Writing and Faculty Director, Center for Race and Law

St. John's University School of Law
New York, New York

Bryan Fair, Esq.

Thomas E. Skinner Professor of Law

University of Alabama School of Law
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Nicole Austin-Hillery, Esq.

President & CEO

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
Washington, DC

HOST CITY (BOSTON) LOCAL AND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION LEADERS

Hannah Laws Kilson, Esq.

President

Nolan Sheehan Patten LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

Tiffanie Cherie Ellis-Niles, Esq.

President

Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (MBLA)
Attorney & Real Estate Broker
Lyles & Niles, LLP
Randolph, Massachusetts

BLACK LAW STUDENT ASSOCIATION (BLSA) LEADERS

Merissa M. Spaulding

J.D. Candidate | Class of 2025

Co-Chair, Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
Northeastern University School of Law

Videos / highlights from past events

FILM SCREENINGS. / Witness the Power of Storytelling on Film

testimonials / See What People Say About Us

Learn more about what past attendees think. Check out our Facebook Reviews for yourself: https://www.facebook.com/NationalBlackPreLawConference/reviews/?ref=page_internal

Tickets / get access to this event

Pre-Law Student(High School)

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Pre-Law Student (College Student)

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Pre-Law Student (College Graduate)

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Law Student

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Law School Graduate/Lawyer

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Parent, Mentor, or Supporter

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Pre-Law Advisors @ Colleges and Universities ONLY

Free

Sales end on Nov 15, 2023

Law School Expo/Virtual Exhibit Hall

$399.00 +$28.60 Fee

Sales end on Nov 13, 2023

In-Person Law Fair - Non-Profit Organizations

$499.00 +$35.31 Fee

Sales end on Nov 10, 2023

Event FAQS / find your answers

When and where is this year’s National Black Pre-Law Conference?

Thursday, November 16th, 2023, Friday, November 17th, 2023, and Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

When is the Law Fair?

The Law Fair takes place on Friday, November 17th, 2023 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. EST at Harvard University Graduate School of Education in the Gutman Conference Center.

Do you have to be a student or a certain age to register?

No. This event is for anyone interested in pursuing law school. Ideally, it would be most helpful to students who are in college as well as college graduates. It would also be helpful to working professionals and those who are looking to change careers or revisit the path to a legal education when life has taken them in a different direction. There is something that can be gained from anyone in these groups. Everyone is welcome. Note that this year, we will be hosting a sister event – Future Legal Eagles Flight School intended for Black parents and youth from elementary to high school on the day after the National Black Pre-Law Conference. This would be best for school-aged students to attend (4th grade to 12th grade).

Is this year’s event in-person or virtual like it was the last two years?

This year’s event is fully live and in-person. If you would like to view recordings and extra content for a limited time, you may purchase the “replay” for a cost. However, the live event is completely free of charge.

Are you livestreaming the conference?

No.

The conference will not be livestreamed.

How and when can I register for this year’s National Black Pre-Law Conference?

You can register online beginning in April (Early Bird). Registration is now open via the website at www.blackprelawconference.org and via Eventbrite.
Black Prelaw Conference

Who can participate in the Law Fair as a Vendor (to have a table to showcase materials and speak with prospective law students) and how do I sign up to participate in the Law Fair?

The Law Fair is open to law schools, law-related non-profit organizations, and legal employers. Any for-profit organizations hoping to reach our audience is encouraged to consider sponsoring the event.

What is the conference’s Covid-19 policy to ensure the health and safety of all attendees?

We encourage all attendees to be fully vaccinated and to wear a mask. However, this is optional. No one is required to show proof of vaccination or to wear a mask.

What do I do if I can't afford to attend? Can the conference help me with my flight and accommodations?

We do our part to make the event accessible by making it completely free of charge. However, we are simply unable to help attendees to cover the cost of accommodations and travel to get to where the event is hosted. In an effort to assist, we do provide registrants with an attendee sponsorship booklet which provides suggestions on ways to raise money and get others to help sponsor your trip.

Why is the event free? Does this mean that the event is not high quality? Why don't you charge what most conferences do for what you are offering?

We could easily charge hundreds of dollars for what we provide – at least $250 per ticket. We are fully aware that other events that offer the type of programming we do charge attendees high fees to attend. However, we intentionally choose to not charge a registration fee because we want to make this event accessible and widely reach our target audience of Black people who aspire to become lawyers from across the country. We know and understand that many of the people we want to reach may not be able to afford traditional conference fees and by not charging fees hope to eliminate that barrier.

Please do not mistake our choice to make the event free for it being something of lesser value. Our goal is for all participants to take away priceless information, resources and connections that can shift their thinking and change their lives if acted upon. Knowledge is powerful with action. Please understand that although it costs participants nothing, it costs us. Consider that the planning and execution of this event takes hundreds of hours of time over the course of several months by a team of people and tens of thousands of dollars to pay for numerous expenses. We help cover our costs through sponsors that help us so that we will not have to charge our registrants to participate.

We see this event as a WORTHY INVESTMENT in our community and our future, and want to sow into the lives of aspiring Black lawyers. We do this work as a service to those we reach out to, to the legal community, and to our society which needs greater representation of Black lawyers serving in various leadership roles.

Will food be provided?

We plan to provide complimentary bottled water and a snack bag upon check-in. However, we are unable to provide free meals to participants. There are several fast food establishments in Harvard Square, and some are affordable. Plan to budget for meals if you can.

Are there preferred hotels with discounted rates?

Yes, we have a list of recommended hotels in Cambridge and Boston. We have made agreements with some of the hotels to provide discounted rates to our conference attendees. We also have provided information on an affordable hostel as an option if the cost of a hotel stay is out of reach.

What should I bring to the conference?

Bring pens, paper to take notes (or your laptop and phone), and business cards (paper or electronic) – or you can use your LinkedIn QR code. Also, be sure to not forget your positive mindset, willingness to learn, and openness to meeting new people.

Must I pre-register or can I register the same day?

We strongly suggest that you pre-register in order to ensure that we can properly prepare for you. However, we aim to not turn anyone away so if there is space, we will make room for those interested in attending.

How do I make the most of the conference experience?

We will provide a recording created by the conference founder on how to maximize your conference experience. We will also provide a conference strategy booklet which provides tips on things you should do to prepare for the conference experience so you can go in with a plan on how to get the most out of the opportunities that the conference provides.

Will I be able to get professional headshots taken?

Yes, IF you upgrade your registration to VIP status.

How do I sign up for the Boston Law School Tours on Thursday, November 16th, 2023?

Sign up by filling out this form. Make sure that you plan to wear comfortable walking shoes and that you have funds for public transportation. You can also choose to take an Uber/Lyft and meet the group at the meeting points at the designated times. Make sure to complete the form so that we are able to give the law schools a headcount so they know how many prospective law students to expect.

How do I sign up for the Boston Black Heritage Trail Walking Tour on Thursday, November 16th, 2023?

Sign up by filling out this form. We need for you to complete the form so that we can add your name to the list and we can look for you on the day of the tour. We also need to know how many people will be joining us just in case we need to split up the groups.

How do I sign up for the Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour on Thursday, November 16th, 2023?

Sign up by filling out this form. We need for you to complete the form so that we can add your name to the list and we can look for you on the day of the tour. We also need to know how many people will be joining us just in case we need to split up the groups.

Is there a cost associated with taking part in the Boston Law School Tours, the Boston Black Heritage Trail Walking Tour, and the Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour?

No. All tours are free of cost. However, you will be responsible for the cost of your own transportation to get there and must meet the group at the designated meeting point. Note that these are walking tours and not bus tours. You must bring your walking shoes, a bottle of water and a snack to keep you going.

How do I sign up for the pre-law advisement or practical assistance sessions?

Sign up by filling out this form.

If I am unable to attend in person, can I still take advantage of pre-law advisement or practical assistance opportunities?

At this time, we are unable to guarantee the ability to provide this service. We do not yet know if we will have the volunteers or capacity for this for all who may need it but are unable to attend. However, we will make an effort to make small group advisement opportunities available via Zoom who those who really need to connect with someone around their decision to apply and application materials. Do that that we will give priority to those who purchase the replay package or upgrade to VIP status, but our goal is to not leave anyone behind. Each of you is important to us.

Will I be able to get a Certificate of Participation for attending?

It depends. Those who upgrade to VIP status will be given a printed and downloadable copy of their Certificate of Participation via email.

How do I indicate my interest in attending the Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony and receiving a copy of the Aspiring Lawyers Success Pledge and eagle pin?

Sign up by filling out this form.

If I am unable to stay for the pinning ceremony, can I still get my pin?

No. You must attend in person and recite the Aspiring Lawyers Success Pledge and be pinned by a current lawyer. We are unable to mail out pins. However, we can send you a copy of the pledge to download and read.

What will be weather be like in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts in November?

It will likely be cold during the month of November. The temperature generally ranges from a low of 38 to a high of 52. Please plan to dress in layers and bring a sweater and coat.

Change the question – Am I required to sign or electronically submit the Covid-19 policy waiver and release form and terms and conditions to attend the event? – change this question to this one

Will it be cold in Cambridge and Boston in November?

Yes. It will likely be cold. The temperature ranges from a low of 38 to a high of 52 during the month of November. Plan to bring a sweater or coat.

Am I required to sign or electronically submit the Covid-19 policy waiver and release form and terms and conditions to attend the event?

Yes, you must sign the Covid-19 policy waiver and release form and the terms and conditions prior to entering the event.

Am I required to read and sign the terms and conditions form to attend the event?

Yes. You must read and sign the terms and conditions prior to entering the event.

If my company or organization is interested in purchasing a marketing sponsorship, then what should I do?

Please complete the following form, and we will get back to you.

Do you provide accommodations for those with disabilities?

Please contact us no later than two weeks before the conference and let us know about any disabilities you might have. We will try our very best to work out a plan to accommodate you at the venues where the event will be hosted on the days you will be in attendance. Send an email to info@blackprelawconference.org with “Accommodations for Disabilities” in the subject line.

Can I bring my child, parent, spouse, or family member to support me at the conference?

Yes. We welcome family members, mentors, and friends to attend to support someone in their life serious about exploring whether law school is for them.

***IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED HERE, E-MAIL US AT INFO@BLACKPRELAWCONFERENCE.ORG.

Sponsors / support our mission

COMING SOON

Partners / across the nation


COMING SOOON

Hotels / Recommended

Freepoint Hotel Cambridge

(Close to Alewife T Station – 3 Stops Away from Harvard Square T Station)

Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=BOSFRUP&groupCode=PRELAW&arrivaldate=2023-11-16&departuredate=2023-11-19&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

AC Hotel by Marriott Cambridge

(Close to Alewife T Station – 3 Stops Away from Harvard Square T Station)

Booking Link:

Porter Square Hotel

(Close to Porter Square T Station, 1 Stop Away from Harvard Square T Station)

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston – Cambridge

Studio Allston Hotel – Boston

Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston/Cambridge – Arlington

Residence Inn Boston Cambridge

Booking Link:

/ Affordable Hostel Option

HI Boston Hostel

Contact Us / for more information