WORKSHOP SESSIONS & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

This year, all participants will be able to take part in almost every session as panelists will come to YOU! 

Additionally, in an effort to make the discussions more lively and engaging, we are conducting almost every session in a "town hall meeting" format and alloting more time for Questions & Answers.

FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Law School Admissions Professionals Panel: What Every Law School Applicant Needs to Know About the Law School Admissions Process

DESCRIPTION: In this panel, knowledgeable law school admissions deans and directors discuss admissions requirements, what law schools are looking for in “competitive” applicants, and what minority candidates can do to stand apart from other smart and talented admissions candidates.  These admissions “insiders” will also discuss Grutter v. Bollinger, affirmative action, and the role that “diversity” plays in the admissions process.

MODERATOR: Aaron N. Taylor, Esq., Assistant Dean for Admissions, University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law (Little Rock, Arkansas)

PANELISTS:

Delphine Byrd, Associate Director, Admissions Office, University of Michigan Law School (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, Esq., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions, The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law (Flushing, New York)

Monica Ingram, Esq., Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Texas School of Law (Austin, Texas)

Reginald McGahee, Esq., Assistant Dean and Dean of Admissions, Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC)

Jill Nikirk, Esq., Associate Director of Admissions, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (Dallas, Texas)

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST

Addressing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Achievement Gap: Keys to Excellent Preparation for Earning the Scores that Competitive Law Schools Want

DESCRIPTION: This panel discusses the extremely important role that the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) plays in distinguishing applicants for admission and its usefulness as a predictor of success during the first year in law school.  Panelists impart critical information on how applicants can best prepare themselves to perform at their highest level on this all-important exam.  There will also be discussion about some of the factors that lead to African Americans’ underperforming on these exams, and how future test takers can avoid making common mistakes and buying into stereotypes and misconceptions that contribute to less than stellar scores.

MODERATOR: David E. Danner, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Office of David E. Danner, P.C. (Nashville, Tennessee)

PANELISTS:

Khary Hornsby, Esq., Associate Director of Admission and Recruitment, Emory University School of Law (Atlanta, Georgia)

BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admissions, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)

Virginia Keehan, Esq., Assistant Dean for Admissions, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (Dallas, Texas)

Reginald McGahee, Esq., Assistant Dean and Dean of Admissions, Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC)

Aaron N. Taylor, Esq., Assistant Dean for Admissions, University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law (Little Rock, Arkansas)

FOCUS: PERSONAL STATEMENT/DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The Law School Personal Statement and Diversity Statement: What They Are, Their Role in the Admissions Process, and How to Write Effective Statements That Really Stand Out

DESCRIPTION: In this session, panelists will discuss the differences between personal statements and diversity statements, what law school admissions committees consider to be effective and powerful statements, and how these writing samples can either help you or hurt you.  They also provide tips on how to write a statement that stands out from the pack, and point out common mistakes applicants should avoid.

MODERATOR: DeMonica D. Gladney, Esq., Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

Lynda Cevallos, Esq., Pre-Law Coordinator, Council on Legal Education Opportunity, American Bar Association (Washington, DC)

Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, Esq., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions, The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law (Flushing, New York)

Darrell J. Davis, Esq., Assistant Dean for Students and Multicultural Affairs, Hamline University School of Law (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Sandra English, Esq., Coordinator of Law Admissions and Multicultural Recruitment, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (Cleveland, Ohio)

Fareza Khan, Director of Admissions, St. Thomas University School of Law (Miami Gardens, Florida)

FOCUS: FINANCING LEGAL EDUCATION

How to Pay for Law School: Insider Information on Loans, Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (and Money Management Tips)

DESCRIPTION:  In this discussion, panelists will cover how aspiring lawyers without personal or family wealth will be able to finance an expensive professional legal education.  Information will be provided about those resources available (including loans, scholarships, fellowships, grants, as well as Loan Repayment Assistance Programs) and how incoming law students can qualify for them.  There will also be discussion on debt management and how one’s debt load can impact their career decisions.

MODERATOR: Angela L. Dixon, Esq., Attorney at Law, The Law Office of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

Lynda Cevallos, Esq., Pre-Law Coordinator, Council on Legal Education Opportunity (Washington, DC)

Carolyn Dennis, Director of Admission, Willamette University College of Law (Salem, Oregon)

Catina M. Haynes, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski (Houston, Texas)

Fareza Khan, Director of Admissions, St. Thomas University School of Law (Miami Gardens, Florida)

BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admissions, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL SELECTION/CHOICE

The Truth About Law School Rankings, and How to Choose the Law School That is Best for YOU

DESCRIPTION: Just because a school is listed at the top of a popular ranking list does not mean that it is the best law school for you.  During this session, law school administrators and attorneys discuss the many factors one needs to seriously consider when making a decision about what law schools to apply to and ultimately to attend.  Your law school choice will follow you throughout your career and professional life, therefore it is crucial that you make the right choice about the best law school that is right for you and that you can be proud of having attended. 

MODERATOR: David R. Askew, Esq., Director of Pro Bono and Community Service, Wildman Harrold (Chicago, Illinois)

PANELISTS:

Mason D. Barrett, Esq., Director, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Savannah Local Office (Savannah, Georgia)

Darrell J. Davis, Esq., Assistant Dean for Students and Multicultural Affairs, Hamline University School of Law (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Denise A. Robinson, Esq., Diversity Administrator, O’Melveny & Myers LLP (Washington, DC)

Dennis Ryan, Esq., Partner, Faegre & Benson LLP (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Jennifer Y. Sims, J.D., Assistant Dean for Admissions, Cumberland University Samford School of Law (Birmingham, Alabama)

Kathryn R. Stell, Esq., Director of Diversity, Sidley Austin LLP (Chicago, Illinois)

Donna R. Tomlinson, Esq., Associate, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP (Dallas, Texas)

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL SELECTION/ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT/CAREER SUCCESS

Blazing Your Own Trail: Creating Opportunity from Every Tier in the Spectrum

Sponsored by Baker Botts LLP

DESCRIPTION: This panel will address the issue of creating your own unique path to success if you do not attend a top 25/first-tier law school as ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its annual law school rankings and/or perform as well as you expected.

PANELISTS:

Travis Foster, Esq., Associate, Intellectual Property Department, Baker Botts LLP (Dallas, Texas)

Sylvia James, Esq., Diversity Counsel, Baker Botts LLP (Washington, DC)

FOCUS: INTRODUCTION TO THE CASE METHOD AND THE SOCRATIC METHOD

Mock Law School Class

Participants will be placed in assigned “sections” for this session.  They will be urged to be well-prepared beforehand, and cases and materials will be available on the conference website and via e-mail prior to the class.

DESCRIPTION:  In this session, attendees have the chance to participate in an interactive “mock” law school class taught by real law professors.  Students must go to their assigned sessions, and are expected to have prepared for the class beforehand by reading and briefing the assigned case.  A list of participants will be provided to professors, and any “law student” will be subject to being cold called by the professor.  After the mock classroom experience, professors will take the time to discuss the case method and the Socratic method of class discussion as a learning tool to teach students how to “think like a lawyer.”  They will also share their candid advice about the academic demands and responsibilities of being a law student, and the lessons to be learned, skills to be acquired, and work ethic to be sharpened during those three to four years of law school training.

LAW PROFESSORS:

Everett Chambers, Esq., Director of Academic Support and Adjunct Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth, Texas)

David A. Green, Esq., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, North Carolina)

Melynda J. Price, J.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Law, University of Kentucky College of Law (Lexington, Kentucky)

Elbert Robertson, Esq., Professor of Law, Suffolk University School of Law (Boston, Massachusetts)

CLASS MATERIALS:

Professor Everett Chambers - Fisher v. Carrousel Motor Hotel, Inc.

Professor David A. Green - Garrett v. Dailey

Professor Melynda J. Price - Emmit E. Fisher v. Carrousel Motor Hotel, Inc.

Professor Elbert Robertson - United States v. Lambertson

Professor Patricia Wilson from Baylor Law School is no longer able to attend.  Those assigned to her class will be re-assigned shortly.

* MOCK LAW SCHOOL CLASS AND SMALL SECTION ASSIGNMENTS:

Search for your name to find out what law professor and small section you are assigned to and what materials you are expected to read to prepare for class.  If you do not see your name, please e-mail us for your assignments.

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED SMALL SECTION AND MOCK CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

How to Become an All-Around Successful Law Student: Coping with the Realities of Life as a Law Student and Making the Most of the Entire Law School Experience

DESCRIPTION: In this session, panelists will discuss what it is really like to be a law student – the academic expectations and the daily grind, as well as the competing demands and opportunities outside of the classroom.  They will provide strategies for achieving success in the classroom, during study, and on exams, as well as through positive involvement and leadership in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities as well.  They will stress the importance of both working hard, playing hard, and having a support system in place in order to achieve a positive and somewhat balanced law school experience.

MODERATOR: David E. Danner, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Office of David E. Danner, P.C. (Nashville, Tennessee)

PANELISTS:

Sharonda Boyce, Director, College Student Division, National Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, Emory University School of Law (Atlanta, Georgia)

Cary Lee Cluck, Esq., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, University of Mississippi School of Law (Oxford, Mississippi)

David A. Green, Esq., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, North Carolina)

Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe, Esq., Law Clerk, The Honorable Napoleon A. Jones, Jr., United States District Court for the Southern District of California (San Diego, California)

Sonia Laird, Third-Year Law Student, University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Ngozi Okechukwu, Esq., Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP (Dallas, Texas)

Jackie Robinson, Esq., Partner, Thompson & Knight LLP (Dallas, Texas)

Jamila Patten, Esq., Third-Year Law Student, University of Houston (Houston, Texas)

FOCUS: THE BAR EXAM

African Americans and the Bar Exam: Understanding Exactly What It  Takes to Pass this High-Stakes Exam and Earn Your License to Practice Law

DESCRIPTION: Panelists will discuss what the bar examination is, what it tests, and the bar preparation courses, tutors, and materials available.  They also examine statistics regarding African American bar passage rates, and the real reasons why the bar exam presents such an obstacle for many African American law graduates in becoming licensed practicing attorneys.  Knowledgeable attorneys provide concrete suggestions and advice on how Black law students can ensure that they prepare well, persist, and get the support they need to ensure they succeed on this critically important, high-stakes exam – the passage of which presents the final hurdle to becoming a full-fledged “attorney and counselor at law.”

MODERATOR: David E. Danner, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Office of David E. Danner, P.C. (Nashville, Tennessee)

PANELISTS:

Cheryl Alsandor, Esq., Attorney at Law, The Alsandor Law Firm (Houston, Texas)

U. Lawrence Boze’, Esq., Attorney at Law, U. Lawrence Boze’ and  Associates, P.C. (Houston, Texas)

Everett Chambers, Esq., Director of Academic Support and Adjunct Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth, Texas)

Sandra English, Esq., Coordinator of Law Admissions and Multicultural Recruitment, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (Cleveland, Ohio)

Ronda L. Harrison, Esq., Academic Assistance and Student Counseling, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe, Esq., Law Clerk, The Honorable Napoleon A. Jones, Jr., United States District Court for the Southern District of California (San Diego, California)

FOCUS: DIVERSITY ISSUES

Life as a Black Law Student: Coping with the Additional Burdens of Racism and Prejudice, and Ways to Make Positive Contributions in the Law School Environment and Legal Work Setting

DESCRIPTION: This session discusses the importance of diversity in law schools, and the challenges that this diversity can bring.  Panelists address the realities of prejudice and discrimination in a diverse law school environment, particularly issues that Black law students must face.  The discussion will provide helpful suggestions to assist future law students in understanding that they can use such instances as opportunities for teaching and leadership in the law school community precisely due to their unique experiences and perspectives.  Their will also be discussion about navigating racial issues in legal work settings while still a law student.

MODERATOR: Andriel M. Dees, Esq., Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs and Adjunct  Professor, William Mitchell College of Law (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

PANELISTS:

Jerome Coenic-Taylor, President, Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa City, Iowa)

Janeia R. Daniels, Esq., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Florida State University College of Law (Tallahassee, Florida)

Shirley A. Jefferson, Esq., Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity, Vermont Law School (South Royalton, Vermont)

Shayne O’Reilly, Esq., Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP (Richmond, 

Virginia)

Reginald Skinner, Esq., Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP (Richmond, Virginia)

Donna R. Tomlinson, Esq., Associate, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP (Dallas, Texas)

Wintta Woldemariam, Chair, National Black Law Students Association; Third-Year Law Student, University of Texas at Austin School of Law (Austin, Texas)

FOCUS: RACE AND GENDER ISSUES

The Double Minority: The Additional Challenges of Being Both Black and a Woman in the Legal Profession

DESCRIPTION:  Being Black in law school and in the legal profession is not easy, but Black women have certain additional issues they must face as well in not only dealing with racial stereotypes but also gender inequalities.  This panel confronts the difficulties of life as a double minority, and provides suggestions as to how to deal with those sensitive issues with dignity and grace.  There will also be a brief discussion of the American Bar Association reports “Visible Invisibility: Women of Color in Law Firms," as well as "From Visible Invisibility to Visibly Successful: Success Strategies for Law Firms and Women of Color in Law Firms."   

MODERATOR: Jean Johnson, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer, LegalWATCH (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

Jamila Boozer, Esq., Attorney at Law, Boozer Law Firm (Houston, Texas)

Nakia M. Davis, Esq., Associate, Beck, Redden and Secrest, L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)

Demetra L. Liggins, Esq., Associate, Thompson & Knight LLP (Houston,  Texas)

Tracie J. Jackson, Esq., Associate, Simoneaux and Frye, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

Tara M. Shaw, Esq., Assistant City Attorney (Prosecutor), City of Houston (Houston, Texas)

Black Men in the Legal Profession: Getting More of Us on the Other Side of the Law

DESCRIPTION:  It is widely publicized how a substantial number (one in four by some statistics) of Black men will be negatively involved in the criminal justice system and spend some time in jail.  In this panel, discussants will touch on the issues that Black men face in achieving in college, and going on to law school and practicing law.  The biases and prejudices that Black men in particular experience in law school and the legal profession, as well as the great need for higher Black male representation will be addressed.  Panelists will consider ways we can reverse this alarming statistic and interest more Black boys and men in wanting to become lawyers and making sure that they achieve their goals.

MODERATOR: David R. Askew, Esq., Director of Pro Bono and Community Service, Wildman Harrold (Chicago, Illinois)

PANELISTS:

Damien L. Bevelle, President, Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, Seton Hall University School of Law (Newark, New Jersey)

Lonnie L. Johnson, Esq., Strategic Issues Manager, Public Affairs, Exxon Mobil Corporation (Houston, Texas)

David Taylor, Esq., Attorney Advisor, United States Patent and Trademark  Office (Washington, DC)

Daryl K. Washington, Esq., Partner, Shackelford, Melton & McKinley (Dallas, Texas)

FOCUS: THE JOB SEARCH/CAREER ADVANCEMENT

What You Really Need to Know to Successfully Gain Employment and Advance in the Legal Profession That You Will Not Learn Anywhere Else

Sponsored by Faegre & Benson LLP

DESCRIPTION:  This panel is designed for those many future and current Black law students who don’t have any lawyers in their family or close mentors to share with them the “inside” advice on what they need to do to be successful as a lawyer.  There are many unwritten rules for career success that you need to know, but many have to learn the hard way or fail to learn which presents an impediment to their successful entry into and progress within the legal profession.  Common mistakes that some minority and first-generation law students and attorneys make are addressed in hopes that you don’t sabotage your chances for gaining employment or positively advancing in your career, and are armed with key knowledge to help you create and execute a plan for success in your legal career.

Blazing Your Own Trail - Creating Opportunity From Every Tier In the Spectrum

Sponsored by Baker Botts LLP

DESCRIPTION: This panel will address the issue of creating your own unique path to success if you do not attend a top 25/first tier law school as ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its annual law-school rankings and/or perform as well as you expected.

FOCUS: CAREERS

African American Lawyers: Diverse Career Paths and Options

DESCRIPTION:  Panelists will briefly discuss their educational and career backgrounds, as well as their current positions and the work they do as a lawyer.  This panel is designed to expose aspiring Black lawyers to the various possibilities available to those possessing a professional legal education.  Tips will also be given as to how to gain entry into these various jobs.

MODERATOR: DeMonica D. Gladney, Esq., Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

Deloise “D.” Holmes, Esq., Supervisory Internal Revenue Agent, Internal Revenue Service (Houston, Texas)

Charles Holmes, Esq., Associate Professor and Pre-Law Advisor (Retired),  Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, Mississippi)

Jean Johnson, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer, LegalWATCH (Houston, Texas)

Oswald J. Scott, Jr., Esq., Attorney at Law and Municipal Court Judge, City of Houston (Houston, Texas)

Tara M. Shaw, Esq., Assistant City Attorney (Prosecutor), City of Houston (Houston, Texas)

David Taylor, Esq., Attorney Advisor, United States Patent and Trademark  Office (Washington, DC)

Nydia D. Thomas, Esq., Deputy General Counsel, Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (Austin, Texas)

African Americans Attorneys With Their Own Law Practices: The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Legal Entrepreneur

DESCRIPTION: This panel features African American attorneys who have chosen to become self-employed legal entrepreneurs.  They discuss the reasons why they started their own practices and what they did in order to learn how to successfully manage a law firm.   They share both the positives and negatives of having one’s own law office, as well as the unique challenges and concerns African American solo and small firm practitioners face.  Additionally, they recommend resources and organizations to assist those who have the courage to choose this route.

MODERATOR: Angela L. Dixon, Esq., Attorney at Law, The Law Office of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

Olaide A. Banks, Esq., Attorney at Law, Ngwolo & Banks PLLC (Houston, Texas)

Jamila Boozer, Esq., Attorney at Law, Boozer Law Firm (Houston, Texas)

Cheryl Harris Diggs, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Office of Cheryl Harris Diggs (Houston, Texas)

Ronald Edward Dupree, Esq., Attorney at Law, The Dupree Law Firm PLLC (Houston,   Texas)

Craig Kyle Hemphill, Esq., Attorney at Law, Craig Kyle Hemphill Law Offices LLC (Houston, Texas)

R. Nicole Stagg, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Offices of 

James and Stagg PLLC (Houston, Texas)

EARLY OUTREACH : FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY! (LAW SCHOOL AND LEGAL CAREER EXPLORATION)

Preparation for Success Starts Today!: What You Can Do Now to Prepare to Become a Highly Competitive Law School Candidate (Strategies and Advice for Success in High School and College)

DESCRIPTION: This session provides insight on things high school students can begin doing now to prepare themselves to become competitive law school candidates.  Concrete suggestions regarding academic performance, college choice, extracurricular involvement and leadership, research opportunities, summer programs, work experiences, preparation for the LSAT, career exploration, and more will be discussed.  It is very important to be strategic and to consider how students can make themselves the very best students and leaders well before filling out their law school applications.  The advice imparted will high schoolers learn how to stand out and shine whether or not they ultimately decide to pursue law school or another graduate/professional program or career choice.

MODERATOR: Ronda L. Harrison, Esq., Associate Director of Academic Assistance and Student Counseling, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

PANELISTS:

The Honorable Caroline Baker, Judge, 151st Civil District Court (Houston, Texas)

Damien L. Bevelle, President, Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, Seton Hall University School of Law (Newark, New Jersey)

Sharonda Boyce, Director, College Student Division, National Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, Emory University School of Law (Atlanta, Georgia)

Christina Crozier, Esq., Associate, Haynes Boone (Houston, Texas)

Nakia M. Davis, Esq., Associate, Beck, Redden and Secrest, L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)

SIGNATURE EVENT: LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS & PREPARATION HELP CLINIC

E-mail us for the opportunity to get one-on-one assistance regarding your law school application materials.

SIGNATURE EVENT: LUNCH ROUND TABLES

Take advantage of the opportunity to have lunch and informally ask questions of law school admissions reps, attorneys, law graduates, and current law students in a casual, relaxed and more intimate setting.