Date

Nov 16, 2023 - Nov 18, 2023

Location

Gutman Conference Center | Harvard University | 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

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

Dominique D. Calhoun, Esq., M.B.A.

President

National Bar Association Managing Shareholder
Calhoun Meredith, PLLC
Houston, Texas

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Phillip C. Hamilton, Esq.

Managing Partner, Hamilton Clarke, LLP

Adjunct Professor, Cardozo School of Law
New York, New York

Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Esq., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Dean and Ryan Roth Gallo Professor of Law

Boston University School of Law
Boston, Massachusetts

Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Esq.

Jesse Climenko Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Criminal Justice Institute

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Roeshana Moore-Evans, M.B.A.

Executive Director

Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative Cambridge, Massachusetts

Suntrease Williams-Maynard, Esq., M.P.A.

Deputy City Attorney

City of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama

David Harris, Ph.D.

Managing Director Emeritus, Charles Hamilton Houston

Institute for Race and Justice, Harvard Law School
Medford, Massachusetts

Stephen L. Ball, Esq.

Dean of Students

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

John Crump, J.D., C.M.P., C.A.E.

Founder

Crump Law Camp
Executive Director Emeritus, National Bar Association
Suitland, Maryland

Antonette N. Smith

Executive Director

Just the Beginning Foundation
Chicago, Illinois

The Honorable Dedra Davis

District Judge

Harris County
Houston, Texas

Gregory Saint-Dick, M.S.

Author of Negotiating Your College Success: The Guide for First-Generation Students of Color Former Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Boston, Massachusetts

BAR/LAWYER ASSOCIATION LEADERS AND GUEST SPEAKERS

Hannah Laws Kilson, Esq.

President, Boston Bar Association

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

Desiree Murphy, Esq.

Sr. Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment

CVS Health
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Dominique D. Calhoun, Esq., M.B.A.

President

National Bar Association Managing Shareholder
Calhoun Meredith, PLLC
Houston, Texas

MODERATORS

Erica Edwards-O’Neal, Esq.

Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York Road Runners
New York, New York

Sydney Montgomery, Esq.

Executive Director and Founder, Barrier Breakers (R)

CEO & Founder, Outline It, Inc.
Princeton, New Jersey

Lisa Brathwaite

Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs Boston College

Newton Centre, Massachusetts

BLACK LAW STUDENT ASSOCIATION (BLSA) LEADERS

Merissa M. Spaulding

Second-Year Law Student

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

Joel Paulson

Second-Year Law Student

President, Black Law Students Association
Boston University School of Law
Boston, Massachusetts

Bouchra Danielkebir

Second-Year Law Student

Co-President, Black Law Students Association
Boston College Law School
Newton, Massachusetts

Ashley Walters

Second-Year Law Student

Co-President, Black Law Students Association
Boston College Law School
Newton, Massachusetts

Samantha E. Smart

Third-Year Law Student

President, Black Law Students Association
Suffolk University Law School
Boston, Massachusetts

Hadiyah Cummings

Pre-Law Director, Northeast Region

National Black Law Students Association
Second-Year Law Student
Yale Law School
New Haven, Connecticut

Tyler Morgan Parker

National Director of Pre-Law Affairs

National Director of Pre-Law Affairs
National Black Law Students Association
Third-Year Law Student
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Columbus, Ohio

Jarrius Adams

National Chairman

National Black Law Students Association
Third-Year Law Student
Howard University School of Law
Washington, DC

Ariel Talbert

Third-Year Law Student

President, Harvard Black Law Students Association
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Fontaine Chambers

Chair, Northeast Region National Black Law Students Association, Fourth-Year Part-Time Law Student

Quinnipiac University School of Law
Hamden, Connecticut

Zora Harley

VICE PRESIDENT

Black Law Students Association
New England Law | Boston
Boston, Massachusetts

PARTNER ASSOCIATION LEADERS AND GUEST SPEAKERS

Tyrell Adeyemi, M.Ed.

President, Harvard Black Alumni Society, Boston Chapter

Boston, Massachusetts

Kylan Benson

Development Chair, Harvard Generational African American Student Association, Harvard College

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Ricardo Razon IV

President, Harvard Generational African American Student Association, Harvard College

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Michaela Glavin

Vice President, Harvard Generational African American Student Association, Harvard College

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Eryka Anabell Clarke

Co-Founder, HGSE Student Law SocietyM.Ed. Candidate in Education Policy Analysis

Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Riley Jones, IV, J.D.

President

Black Student Union
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, Massachusetts

PANELISTS

Bryan Fair, Esq.

Thomas E. Skinner Professor of Law

University of Alabama School of Law
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Yolanda Ingram, Esq.

Director, Access to Law School Education Programs

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mario Ernesto Lopez, Esq.

Chief Diversity Officer

University of California, College of Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings)
San Francisco, California

Tony Tolbert

Assistant Director of Admissions and Adjunct Faculty

UCLA School of Law
Los Angeles, California

Kiana Pierre-Louis, Esq.

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Northeastern University School of Law
Boston, Massachusetts

Angela Medcalf

Third-Year Law Student

Marquette University Law School
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lauren Howell

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Michael Kippins, Esq.

Lauren Sampson Fellow, Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston

Massachusetts

Dr. Beverly Caro Duréus, Esq.

Clinical Professor of Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy Dedman School of Law at SMU

Dallas, Texas

Scheril Murray-Powell, Esq.

Agricultural, Cannibis, and Dietary Supplement Attorney Of Counsel, Feldman Legal Advisors and Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP

Lake Worth, Florida

Khyla D. Craine, Esq.

Deputy Legal Director, Michigan Department of State

Detroit, Michigan

Suntrease Williams-Maynard, Esq., M.P.A.

Deputy City Attorney

City of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama

Marsha Ross-Jackson, Esq., M.P.A.

University Ombudsperson Associate Dean, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Executive Director, Martin H. Malin Institute for Law and the Workplace Senior Lecturer Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Tech

Chicago, Illinois

Xavier Donaldson, Esq.

Partner, Donaldson & Chilliest, LLP

New York, New York

Madison Jackson

Second-Year Law Student, Penn State Dickinson Law

Carlisle, Jackson

Patricia A. Wilson

Interim Dean and William Boswell Chair of Law

Baylor Law School
Waco, Texas

The Honorable Asha White

Associate Justice (Judge)

District Court at Massachusetts Trial Court
Boston, Massachusetts

Ty Brent, JD

Director of JD Admissions

Seton Hall University School of Law
Newark, New Jersey

ERICA EDWARDS-O’NEAL, ESQ.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

New York Road Runners
New York, New York

Ariana Arguello, Esq.

Associate Director of Recruitment

Admissions & Financial Aid Office
FIU College of Law
Florida International University
Miami, Florida

Kristin N. DiBiase, J.D.

Associate Dean of Student Life, Diversity & Inclusion

Seattle University School of Law
Seattle, Washington

Lionel D’Almeida

Third-Year Law Student

University of Nebraska College of Law
Lincoln, Nebraska

Devin Woodson

Second-Year Law Student

The George Washington University Law School
Washington, DC

WORKSHOP/MASTER CLASS PRESENTERS (In-Person and Virtual/Pre-Recorded)

Leah Young, M.Ed., AFC®

Regional Director, Northeast Center for Education & Financial Capability

AccessLex Institute
Washington, DC

Dr. Beverly Caro Duréus, Esq.

Clinical Professor of Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy Dedman School of Law at SMU

Dallas, Texas

Collins Byrd, MBA

Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management University of Iowa College of Law

Iowa City, Iowa

Rachel Patterson, J.D., M.S.T.

Senior Talent Manager, DEI Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Washington, DC

Angela L. Dixon, Esq., M.B.A.

Attorney | Administrative Judge | Professor | Legal & Educational Consultant | Writer | Curriculum

Developer/Designer
Houston, Texas

Lisa M. Blasser, Esq.

Owner, Law School Success Institute

Co-Owner and Managing Partner, Blasser Law
Los Angeles, California

PRE-LAW ADVISORS

Christina B. Williams

Second-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Kyanna Riggins

Second-Year Law Student

Northeastern University School of Law
Boston, Massachusetts

Zora Harley

Vice President

Black Law Students Association
Third-Year Law Student
New England Law | Boston
Boston, Massachusetts

Blair McDonald

Vice President

Black Law Students Association
Second-Year Law Student
Columbia Law School
New York, New York

Mikhail Grant

JD/MBA Candidate Yale Law School and Yale School of Management

New Haven, Candidate

Raj Ukondwa

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Nautica Jacobs

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cordy McJunkins

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Desiree Murphy, Esq.

President

Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Michael Endrias

First-Year Law Student

Fordham University School of Law
New York, New York

Cara O’Hanlon

First-Year Law Student

Fordham University School of Law
New York, New York

Taylor Diggs

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Ugochi Ndupu

Second-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Caroline Akhame

Third-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Brenna Phillips

Third-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Jordan Andrews

First-Year Law Student; NAACP LDF Marshall-Motley Scholar

Yale Law School
New Haven, Connecticut

Theresa Coney, Esq.

Racial Equity Statewide Training Lead

Committee for Public Counsel Services
Boston, Massachusetts

Erica Smith

President

Black Law Students Association
Columbia Law School
New York, New York

Kos Twum

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Lawrence Wint

Second-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Ty Brent, JD

Director of JD Admissions

Seton Hall University School of Law
Newark, New Jersey

Ariana Arguello, Esq.

Associate Director of Recruitment

Admissions & Financial Aid Office
FIU College of Law
Florida International University
Miami, Florida

Karla Davis-Jamison, M.B.A.

Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management

Stetson University College of Law
Gulfport, Florida

Lionel D’Almeida

Third-Year Law Student

University of Nebraska College of Law
Lincoln, Nebraska

Steven J. Hanton, Esq.

Partner

Nixon Peabody LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

Josiah Laney

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

EVENT TEAM MEMBERS

LaTaeja Fitzgerald

Event Management/Project Management Entrepreneur Graduate, University of North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Michaela Asante

Junior

BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston, Massachusetts

Sydney Sofola

Junior

Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island

Lauren Howell

First-Year Law Student

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Angela L. Dixon, Esq., M.B.A.

Attorney | Administrative Judge | Professor | Legal & Educational Consultant | Writer | Curriculum

Developer/Designer
Houston, Texas

Jennifer Fernandez, Esq., M.S.T.

Assistant Professor

CUNY School of Law
New York, New York

Carla D. Pratt, Esq.

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chair in Civil Rights, Race and Justice

University of Oklahoma College of Law
Norman, Oklahoma

Ronald C. Green, Esq.

Partner

Jones Walker
Houston, Texas

Karen Wishart, Esq., M.B.A.

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Urban One, Inc.
Silver Spring, Maryland

The Honorable Linda Marie Dunson, LL.M.

309th Family Judicial District Court

Harris County
Houston, Texas

Jannell Lundy Roberts, M.A.

Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment Services

Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California

Videos / highlights from past events

LAW FAIR / Friday, November 17, 2023 | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST | Gutman Conference Center

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 the Gutman Conference Center at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

When is the Law Fair?

The Law Fair takes place on Friday, November 17th, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 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 school to middle school to high school on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 (and possibly some additional programming on the day after the National Black Pre-Law Conference on Sunday, November 19th, 2023). These sessions would be best for school-aged students to attend (4th grade to 12th grade).

Is this event in-person or virtual like it was in 2020 and 2021, or is there a hybrid option?

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 and we encourage you to take advantage of the special opportunities that attending in person offers.

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 right now. FREE REGISTRATION is now open via the website at www.blackprelawconference.org and via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-19th-annual-national-black-pre-law-conference-and-law-fair-2023-tickets-608994227127

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.

Click here to download sponsorship guidance booklet

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?

Food will not be provided at this year’s conference. However, there are several food establishments and places to grab quick snacks in close walking distance to the conference venue.

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?

Due to limited seating, we request that you pre-register for the event. However, our goal is to not turn anyone away so if there is additional space, we will absolutely do our best to make room for and accommodate same-day and walk-in registrants.

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 Royall House and Slave Quarters 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. There is a $20 fee for this particular tour payable to the museum.

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?

There is no cost for the Boston Law School Tours and the Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour. 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. For the Royall House and Slave Quarters Tour, there is a $20 per person fee payable to the museum.

How do I sign up for the Pre-Law advisement or Practical Assistance Clinic?

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 the 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.

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

Yes, you must 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 form for either a customized marketing sponsorship, or a traditional tiered marketing sponsorship, and we will get back to you with a sponsorship package. Thank you for your interest in supporting our work!

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

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: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1696273965742&key=GRP&app=resvlink

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: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1689630111069&key=GRP&app=resvlink

/ Affordable Hostel Option

HI Boston Hostel

Contact Us / for more information