National Black Prelaw Conference

About The
Conference

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 Graduate School of Education.

Join us for the nation’s premier information-sharing and networking empowerment event for aspiring Black lawyers!

07-9 November 2019 with 30+ sessions Columbia Law School, New York City, New York

About Us

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.

Benefits

FREE REGISTRATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Major Plenary and Keynote Sessions Featuring Prominent Keynote Speakers, Special Guest Speakers, and Student Organizational Leaders
Black Pre-Law Talks(TM) Featuring Black Law School Deans from Law Schools Across the Country
Featured Panel Discussion on Black Lawyers as Difference Makers
Workshop Sessions on Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach, Financing Legal Education and The Law School Personal Statement and Diversity Statement, and High Stakes Standardized Tests As Equalizers?: The Differences Between the LSAT and the GRE, Deciding Which to Take, and Advice on How to Score High on These Exams
Mock Law School Class Conducted by an Actual Law Professor at Columbia Law School
Law School Recruitment Fair Featuring Over 100 Law Schools
Special Question & Answer Session with Columbia Black Law Students Association (HBLSA) Members
One-on-One Consulting/Pre-Law Advisement and Practical Assistance Session
Attorney-Led Career Networking Small Group Discussions
Small Groups/Teams and Accountability Partnership Pairing Opportunities
Informal and Structured Networking Opportunities/Making Connections Social Receptions
Membership in the National Black Pre-Law Conference Virtual Community/Facebook Group/Basecamp Group/GroupMe
Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony
Free Conference Strategy Booklet and Sponsorship Guidance Booklet
Group Photos with Professional Attire AND with “I AM WHAT AN ASPIRING LAWYER LOOKS LIKE” T-Shirt
Free Digital Official Souvenir Program Guide (E-mailed prior to the event)
Tote Bag
Complimentary Resources and Giveaways
Complimentary Professional Headshots
Optional Bonus Day: Pre-Conference Tours of New York Area Law Schools

National Pre-Law Diversity Initiatives, Inc. and the National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair are not affiliated with Columbia University or Columbia Law School, nor is The National Black Pre-Law Conference a Columbia University or Columbia Law School program or activity.

Quick Facts

Between 2005 and 2018, The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair has:

Featured 65 keynote speakers, 131 special guest/guest speakers, and over 700 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.

Keynote Speakers

Presenters

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

Director of Programs for Diversity, AccessLex Institute (Washington, DC)

Collins B. Byrd, MBA

ASSISTANT DEAN OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA COLLEGE OF LAW (IOWA CITY, IOWA)

Scheherazade CF Mason, JD

Manager, Education Services, AccessLex Institute, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Akil Bello

Educational Access Consultant, New York, New York

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Student Organizational Leaders and Guest Speakers

Special 15th Anniversary Honorees – Commitment to the Cause Outstanding Service Awards

Sundria Ridgley, Esq.

(Previously of Urban One)

Ricky Anderson, Esq.

Managing Partner, The Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P..C., Houston, Texas

Sylvia F. James, Esq.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Winston & Strawn, Washington, DC

The Honorable Arthur L. Burnett Sr.

National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc., Retired Senior Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, The First African American U.S. Magistrate Judge (June 26, 1969), Washington, DC

Shirley Jefferson, Esq

ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DIVERSITY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF LAW, VERMONT LAW SCHOOL, SOUTH ROYALTON, VERMONT

Collins B. Byrd, MBA

ASSISTANT DEAN OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA COLLEGE OF LAW (IOWA CITY, IOWA)

BLACK LAW SCHOOL DEAN HONOREES

Black Law School Deans – Legal Education Leadership Award Honorees

Horace E. Anderson, Jr.

Dean and Professor of Law, Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law, White Plains, New York

Mario Barnes, Esq., LL.M.

Toni Rembe Dean and Professor of Law, University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington

Leonard Baynes, Esq., M.B.A.

Dean and Professor of Law, University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas

Patricia W. Bennett, Esq.

Dean and Henry Vaughan Watkins and Selby Watkins McRae Professor of Law, Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson, Mississippi

Craig M. Boise, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York

David A. Brennan, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, University of Kentucky College of Law, Lexington, Kentucky

Marcilynn A. Burke, Esq.

Dean and David Frohnmayer Chair in Leadership and Law, University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene, Oregon

Danielle M. Conway, Esq.

Incoming Dean, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Outgoing Dean and Professor of Law, University of Maine, Portland, Maine

Felecia Epps, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law, Dallas, Texas

Regina T. Jefferson, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Garry Jenkins, Esq., M.P.P.

Dean and William S. Pattee Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tamara F. Lawson, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami Gardens, Florida (St. Thomas University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution)

Kimberly Mutcherson, Esq.

Co-Dean and Professor of Law, Rutgers Law School, Camden, New Jersey

Camille Nelson, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC (Former Dean, Suffolk University Law School)

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

Dean, Boston University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts

Carla D. Pratt, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, Washburn University School of Law

L. Song Richardson, Esq.

Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine School of Law, Irvine, California

Verna L. Williams, Esq.

Dean and Nippert Professor of Law, University of Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, Ohio

Michele Alexandre, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport/Tampa, Florida

Black Law School Deans at Historically Black Law Schools

Gary L. Bledsoe, Esq.

Acting Dean, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas

Danielle Holley-Walker, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, Howard University School of Law, Washington, DC

Renee McDonald Hutchins, Esq.

Dean, University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Washington, DC

The Honorable Elaine O’Neal

Interim Dean, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina

John K. Pierre, Esq.

Chancellor and Vanue B. Lacour Endowed Professor of Law, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LeRoy Pernell, Esq.

Interim Dean, Florida A&M University College of Law, Orlando, Florida

BLACK PRE-LAW TALKS™ SPEAKERS

Patricia W. Bennett, Esq.

Dean and Henry Vaughan Watkins and Selby Watkins McRae Professor of Law, Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson, Mississippi

David A. Brennan, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, University of Kentucky College of Law, Lexington, Kentucky

Danielle M. Conway, Esq.

Incoming Dean, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Outgoing Dean and Professor of Law, University of Maine, Portland, Maine

Felecia Epps, Esq.

Dean and Professor of Law, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law, Dallas, Texas

Kimberly Mutcherson, Esq.

Co-Dean and Professor of Law, Rutgers Law School, Camden, New Jersey

Camille Nelson, Esq., LL.M.

Dean and Professor of Law, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC (Former Dean, Suffolk University Law School)

Verna L. Williams, Esq.

Dean and Nippert Professor of Law, University of Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, Ohio

L. Song Richardson, Esq.

Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine School of Law, Irvine, California

PANELISTS

Black Lawyers As Difference Makers Panel

One-on-One Pre-Law Advisors

Networking Volunteers

Pre-Law Volunteers

Attorney-Led Career Networking Round Tables/Small Group Discussion Leaders

Panel Discussions

The Black Law Students Survival Guide: Tips on How to Navigate the Additional Challenges of Prejudice and Bias in the Law School Environment – and Not Only Survive, But Thrive

What “Competitive” Looks Like: Law School Admissions Professionals Share What They Look For in Selecting Competitive Admissions Candidates at Top Law Schools

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Those Critical Things They Don’t Teach You But You Need to Know to Succeed in the Professional World and in Life Both Before and After Law School

Inside the Careers of Black Lawyers: What We Do, How We Got to Where We Are and Wisdom for the Challenges Ahead (Government – Military – Big Law Firm – Solo Practitioner – Corporation – Public Interest – Politics – Judicial – Business)

Workshops

The Personal Statement and Diversity Statement

Financing Legal Education Presented by AccessLex Institute

Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach Presented by AccessLex Institute(R)

Law Fair

Event Schedule

Full Schedule

Hotels

Below is a listing of recommended hotels close to Columbia Law School:

Aloft Harlem
2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
New York, New York 10027
Phone: 212-749-4000
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nyclh-aloft-harlem/

Hotel Beacon
2130 Broadway
New York, New York 10023
Phone: 212-787-1100
Website: https://www.beaconhotel.com/

Hotel Belleclaire
2175 Broadway
New York, New York 10024
Phone: 212-362-7700
Website: https://www.hotelbelleclaire.com/

Hotel Newton
2528 Broadway
New York, New York 10025
Phone: 212-678-6500
Website: https://www.thehotelnewton.com/

The Lucerne Hotel
201 W. 79th Street
New York, New York 10024
Phone: 212-875-1000
Website: https://www.thelucernehotel.com/

Testimonials

Facebook Reviews

The law school application process has been a daunting one; however, attending the conference this past weekend was such a joyful relief. Being surrounded by black students and law professionals was a great push kick to get through the last few months of this process. Not to mention the panels that took time out of their busy schedule to speak with us. From personal statement assistance and current law students to current professionals and admissions counselors, each panel was carefully thought out to give us information we otherwise would not have been able to find if left to our own devices. The law school fair was another great aspect of the conference that put law school representatives at our fingertips to speak with and ask questions.

I greatly appreciated the time, effort, and energy put into the conference. Not only is the information necessary, but the safe space that was created for black aspiring lawyers was a breath of fresh air.” Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Eponine Russell

“This was my first year attending The National Black Pre-Law Conference and I was really happy about my decision of attending. Each guest speaker and panel of law students got me more excited about starting my journey of applying to law school. I am a junior right now at Rutgers University so this was a great opportunity to discover what type of law I want to get in to and hear different stories from the guest speakers. I was the most excited to see Judge Hatchett she is my role model and is one of the few people who inspired me to want to become a judge. I met some great guests here and I am really excited about going again next year for my senior year. I highly recommend this conference to any aspiring lawyer or anybody who has a interest in law. I hope in the future to be on the law student panel.” Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Nygeria Bo'nae Jackson

“All I can say is WOW! This is one of the best decisions I’ve made on my journey to law school. Evangeline poured her heart into this conference to bring us the absolute best speakers and best law school recruiters. Each and everyone made me feel more confident and more aware of the how rewarding this career will be and how achievable it will become. It was great opportunity that Evangeline provided for all of us and I loved the meaning of the special gift at the end of the whole program!” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Betty Kodua

“I was privileged to listen and learn from the best (Judge Hatchett, Joey Jackson, Evangeline M. Mitchell, Chris Tia, Paulette Brown and Bryonn). This conference reaffirmed my confidence to practice law. As soon as I walked through the doors I felt loved, I felt a sense of community, I felt like I had something important to give back and I also understood the importance of paying it forward. I am thankful for the team that worked tirelessly to put this event together, and I am also grateful to Mrs. Mitchell for keeping the channels of communication open. Thank you, thank you, and I will keep you updated when my acceptance letters start rolling in.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Busola Adebola-Wilson

“What an honor it was to be able to partake in such a special event! Being in that space, you truly felt a sense of community.There are so many people that will tell you all the reasons why you shouldn’t be a lawyer, and I left this conference with all the reasons why I should (we should) all be lawyers. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn and grow from the speakers, panelists, law students, and other pre-law students. Highly recommend for anyone considering law school and anyone going through the application process!” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Cath Louise

“With this conference, it gave me the confidence to know that law school is where I belong. I was previously on the fence about applying, but now I’m sure that this is what I want to do in the future. My favorite parts were the law fair as it gave me the opportunity to speak to admissions representatives as well as the panel with current law school students. Talking with the students that aren’t too far away from where I am was helpful at visualizing where my path is headed.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Leye Owolabi

“I would like to thank Mrs. Mitchell and the rest of the team for planning a wonderful event for those interested in pursuing a legal career. Whether you were a first-year college student or a career professional, the panel discussions and law fair was invaluable to all. What I appreciated most about the conference was how it provided key insights into the process of growing a successful legal career– from best practice studying tips for the LSAT, to writing a personal statement that stands out, to deciding whether to work in the public or private sector, to being aware of the plethora of opportunities a JD can provide in future endeavors.

Next year, I would suggest using more spaces besides the one auditorium and having multiple sessions at once to facilitate movement and small group discussions. This may increase engagement of the conference attendees, as the panels often went longer than scheduled and it can get tiresome sitting in one spot for most of the day.

Overall, THANK YOU for the wonderful event!” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Sammy Camy

“As a freshman in college, I was unsure if attending the National Black Pre-Law Conference would be of much use to me. Fortunately, I did attend and, if I hadn’t, I would have missed out on incredibly valuable information and experience. As many of the speakers emphasized, the opportunity and privilege to attend such a conference should not go unappreciated, especially because such an event was unavailable to older generations. I learned new information about the process of applying to law schools and, furthermore, had the privilege of hearing invaluable insight from those who had already gone through the process and are studying or practicing law today. I would suggest that anyone considering law, even if it’s a very small consideration, attend the conference because there is information you can’t get anywhere else and because it’s a taste of what your future could look like. I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity that I did to attend the conference and I’ll certainly be attending next year, and the years after that as well.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Olivia Martinez

“I truly am grateful I signed up for this event. It was such an inspirational conference and it inspired me more to become a lawyer. I met with consultants, attorneys, and law students all who were willing to give me advice and help me understand what it means to be a great lawyer. I look forward to doing this again and will definitely recommend to other aspiring lawyers!” – Kiki Brittany Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

“The Conference was great. I made a lot of great connections and I received both great advice from current attorneys and current law students. I definitely was feeling hesitant about going at first because I was becoming discouraged about my potential career in law. I’m glad I went though. The advice I received was very reassuring. The conference did run late however, I still managed to make the best use out of it.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Chyanne Latrice

“Thankfully this year was my first year attending The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair! I will be attending next year, and look forward to being able to participate further. For this to be a two day conference, I have received information that will be valuable for a life time. I have learned information that will aid in the process leading up to and once attending law school. Very Well Done!” – Reny Leigh Finney Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

“The National Black Pre-Law conference and Law fair was such an inspiring, motivating and elevating experience! Any doubts I had about attending law school are practically non existent. The guest speakers were phenomenal as they gave very enlightening insight, awesome advice and were completely honest about their trials and tribulations. Many of the panelist stories reminded me, as an aspiring law student, that I am not alone with my feelings during this process. It was so motivating to be reminded by successful black law professionals that I am worthy of law school and that I can do anything I put my mind to! I would definitely recommend to any pre-law student of color!” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Brianna Panton

“As a junior in college, I have been contemplating my next steps in regards to Law School. This includes LSATS, where to go, and all of the huge decisions that are involved in this next step of my life. I was looking forward to this Conference in hopes of receiving guidance, advice, and some inspiration for my future. After attending this conference I can certainly say I have received a lot of inspiration and valuable help. Many of the speakers helped me and inspired me to continue to pursue my career as Black Lawyer. I am looking forward to future conferences and am thankful I had this opportunity.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Keke Cruickshank

“This conference was exactly what I needed in my life. Not only was I able to learn a lot, I was inspired to keep on this journey into a career that is dominated by those who don’t look like me. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with different law schools around the country and made great friends in the process. I’m excited to continue on my journey towards a law degree!” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Shanice Leach

“I was only able to attend the first day, but it was packed full of useful information. I feel like I have a better strategy in approaching the admission process. I plan to attend next year and commit to attending the full 2 days. This was a great opportunity.” – Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Tracey Baker

“Due to a lack of resources, I struggled with applying for law school. This conference completely changed my life by providing me with a wealth of knowledge, potential mentors, & the opportunity to meet other aspiring lawyers. I cannot thank the organizers enough for this life changing experience!”- Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Ishtar S. Edwards

“The national black pre law conference was inspiring and wonderful. I really enjoyed it and made great connections.” – Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Dominique Domo Edmonds

evangeline

Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.

Conference Host
Founder, National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair (Established 2005)

Evangeline M. Mitchell has utilized her experiences as a first-generation college and law school graduate and her legal training to become a passionate social entrepreneur with a heart for empowering aspiring lawyers and increasing diversity in law schools and in the legal profession. She is the founder and executive director of National Pre-Law Diversity Initiatives, Inc., a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and charitable organization (www.nationalprelawdiversity.org). Their mission is to connect diverse aspiring lawyers to game-changing information, resources and networking opportunities to help them become more excellent, competitive and strategic law school applicants, law students and lawyers – as well as conscientious leaders and community servants.

Every year, her organization hosts the following information-sharing and networking empowerment events: the National Diversity Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair (www.diversityprelawconference.org), the National HBCU Pre-Law Summit and Law Expo (www.hbcuprelawsummit.org), the National Black Pre-Law Conference (www.blackprelawconference.org), the National Hispanic Pre-Law Conference (www.hispanicprelawconference.org) and the Joint National Black and Hispanic Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair (www.blackandhispanicprelawconference.org) in cities around the country, which will this year include Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia and Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts. Evangeline has been organizing conferences since 2005 and has impacted the lives of thousands of future law students.

Evangeline is also the founder of Hope’s Promise Publishing (http://www.hopespromisepublishing.org) and has also authored, edited and published books geared to helping African American and minority students in getting into law school, succeeding in law school and passing the bar exam, which she makes available free of charge. In addition, she has recently founded a media production company, Relentless Visionary Films LLC (http://www.relentlessvisionaryfilms.com), as another outlet to share the stories and wisdom of minority law students and lawyers on the path to lawyerhood. She is now in the pre-production stages of her first two major projects including Becoming Black Lawyers: African Americans and the Law School Experience and The Black Lawyers Legacy Project.

Evangeline has been recognized for her efforts by receiving the National Bar Association and IMPACT’s 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates Award, the National Black MBA Association Leadership Empowerment in Law Award, the National Black Law Students Association Sadie T.M. Alexander Award, the National Black Law Students Association Legacy of NBLSA Award, the Houston Lawyers Association Roberson L. King Excellence in Education Award, Who’s Who in Black Houston, the Top 50 Black Lawyers of Houston Trailblazer Award, the Ms. JD Road Less Traveled Award, and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity CLEO EDGE Award for Education. She is also a two-time recipient of the Houston Bar Association Equal Access Champion Award due to her commitment to pro bono legal service.

Evangeline earned degrees from Prairie View A&M University, the University of Iowa College of Law and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow. She earned a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University and is currently working on her Distance Certificate in Documentary Studies from Duke University. A native Houstonian, she currently resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with her husband Michael and two children, Nyla and Michael II.