FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: When is this year’s conference?
Answer: Thursday, November 17, 2011 through Saturday, November 19, 2011

Question: How do a reserve a room at the Hilton or a nearby hotel at the discounted hotel rate?
Answer: Please go to our website at http://www.BlackPreLawConference.com. Look under the “Hotels” section for the phone number, address, and cut-off deadline for all of the hotels we have negotiated special rates with.

Question: Where I can find out even more about the event?
Answer:At our official website at www.BlackPreLawConference.com.

Question: Who can I contact to address specific questions about the event?
Answer:Call us at 281-247-4026 or e-mail us at info@blackprelawconference.com

Question: I have read a book or two on law school, and have spent time surfing the Internet.I think I have it all figured out.Isn’t that enough?  Why do I need to attend a conference to help me to be successful?
Answer: First of all, reading books and doing research on the Internet is very important.  However, it is NOT enough.  It’s just a start.  You do have to do your own personal research.  But, you also have to learn more to decipher what is good information and what’s not, and get different perspectives so you can choose the approach that’s best for you.  You do that by first doing your research, then asking questions of several knowledgeable people.  An event like this one is comprehensive.  You get information on the entire gamut of questions you might have about law school.
Getting into law school is difficult.  Getting through is tough.  Passing the bar is anything but a cake walk.  And being a competitive job applicant, or creating your own opportunities armed with a law degree is not easy.   Knowledge is power, and within those three days of this event, you will receive incredible information that can help you tremendously in your journey to becoming a lawyer.
If you’re serious about law school, then it’s also very important to attend events where you can interact with law school admissions representatives and benefit from their insight.  It’s also extremely important to meet current law students, and to talk to lawyers and judges who can share their experiences and invaluable perspective.

There is always information, wisdom, and insight that you can learn from the people you meet who are “in the know” that you just can’t get in books or on the Internet.   An opportunity like this one is something that many Black law students and lawyers were unable to benefit from.  Take full and complete advantage of it!

Question: There are other pre-law events, why should I attend this one?
Answer: This is the only comprehensive national conference in the country created specifically to help ensure the success of aspiring Black lawyers.  It was designed for the future Black law student in mind.

Question:What is the cost?
Answer: General/regular registration is ABSOLUTELY FREE!  But, if you’d like a deluxe registration package, the reduce price is $25, and the premium registration package is $75. The deluxe and premium registration upgrades provides social function, meals and extras that will be beneficial to attendees beyond the workshops and panels, and the law school recruitment fair.

Question:I can’t afford to pay the fee. Why can’t your organization provide stipends and reimbursements?
Answer: We are a small Black-owned organization created out of a vision to be more proactive and deliberate about helping to empower African Americans interested in going to law school.  If we had the resources, we would give them.  Unfortunately, at this particular time, we do not.  We are doing the best we can with what we have and are offering a true value to attendees.  However, we do what we can to make the conference extremely affordable by offering it as a free service and only charging to cover some of our costs, particularly the high costs of food. Also, keep in mind that you need to start thinking differently about the idea of paying a fee for an life-changing event like this one. You are not spending money, you are investing in yourself and your future – and what you get in return far far outweighs any financial contribution you make.

Question:What makes this conference different?
Answer: This event is comprehensive.  Information is shared regarding everything from getting into law school, succeeding in law school, passing the bar exam, career options, even the importance of professional dress and image, and networking and relationship building.
Also, we provide opportunities for pre-law students to interact with and learn from actual Black law students and lawyers from all over the country.  The networking opportunities are solid.
This event is special because the people who volunteer to participate have a genuine and sincere interest in the success of future Black lawyers and want to see them succeed.

Question:Why do those interested in law school need to attend this conference to help them to be successful?
Answer: Getting into law school is difficult. It’s a highly competitive process where one is competing with others who have proven themselves in college and beyond.  Getting through law school is tough.  Passing the bar is anything but a cake walk.  And being a competitive job applicant, or creating your own opportunities armed with a law degree is not easy.   Knowledge is power, and within those three days of this event, participants will receive incredible information that can help them tremendously in their journey to becoming a lawyer
If you are truly serious about law school, then it’s also important to do your research beyond searching on the Internet and reading books. It is critical to attend live events where you can interact with law school admissions representatives and benefit from their insight and experiences.  It’s also extremely important to meet current law students, and particularly to talk to various lawyers and judges.
An opportunity like this one is something that many current Black law students and lawyers were unable to benefit from.  Take advantage of it!  If We must support events like this one to ensure that such opportunities continue.

Question:Is having an event focused on the success of aspiring Black law students racist as there is no National White Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair?
Answer: No.  We do not believe in the racial superiority of any race, and this event was not created to show any prejudice or discrimination against any group that is not Black.  This event is open to anyone interested in law school who would like to attend.
However, we recognize that there is a clear disparity with regard to the number of Blacks who are successful in the law school admissions process and that of other groups.
According to recent LSAT statistics, Blacks are doing less well in terms of admission predictors than almost every other group, and fewer are getting admitted. Our nation’s history of exclusion and segregation has played a role in the current condition. This event was created to address this issue.   We believe that one of the reasons for this disparity is that many Black law school applicants may not have access to good pre-law advisement,  the resources they need, or access to those in law school or who have been through law school to share the insight they need to assist them to be successful in the process and beyond.  Many are intimidated by the process, and a better understanding of it and what law schools are really looking for and what legal education entails can empower them to be ready to create a strategy and compete.

Question:Can I get a scholarship and financial aid for my trip?  Can you all pay for my flight and hotel to stay in Houston for the conference?
Answer: Yes, we can attend the conference free of charge for general registration.  However, The National Black Pre-Law Conference does not have the financial resources to pay for the flight and hotel expenses of any of its participants.

Question:If I don’t have the personal funds to make this trip to Houston, and my family is unable to help me, what do I do?
Answer: It is very important to be resourceful.  Instead of thinking “I can’t”, starting asking the question “How can I?” Think positively and recognize that when there is a will there is a way.  If you are a student and don’t have any personal income, there are people who would be willing to help you
Talk to your school if you are still an undergraduate.  Talk to your pre-law advisor, instructors,minority/diversity advisors, etc.  In the past, we have had students attend who have asked their school to sponsor their trip.  In return, they go back to their schools and conduct a special presentation where they share what they learned with other interested students at their school who were not able to attend.   Be creative.  Think about ways you can give something of value back in return for your school or organization sponsoring your trip.
We also encourage you to ask family members, friends, associates, and people you know, as well as organizations you are are a part of to be your sponsors.  Tell them that you are an aspiring lawyer and are raising funds for a trip to a national conference.  Do some research.  Understand the arguments for why diversity is important in law schools – so that you can contribute and share a diverse perspective in and outside the classroom, and develop friendships with classmates who may have never gotten to know a Black person.  Understand your value and what you have to offer as an individual and based on your racial/cultural identity and experiences.  Explain how Black lawyers can have a sensitivity when it comes to their clients’ rights, particularly when it comes to Blacks not being fairly and zealously represented in the criminal justice system. Give concrete reasons why it is important for you to get the information and make the connections available at the event and the fact that you otherwise would not have this chance.
Write out your budget for the trip seeking out the lowest possible hotel and bus or airfare you can find
  When you take the initiative, and show people you are serious, then many would be willing to help you.  Don’t buy into the mentality of excuses.  You have to be relentless.
Also, ask local lawyers groups and law firms.  Ask. Ask. Ask.  Don’t get discouraged if you get no response or a “no”. Someone will be willing to help you, even if they can only contribute a few dollars
If you have to, do fundraisers.  Sell candy, baked goods, t-shirts.   Wash cars. Be creative.  It is possible to come up with a few hundred dollars for an experience that can change your life.  It is an investment in your future.  I’m sure you have wanted something badly and figured out a way to get it before.
If an opportunity like this is provided, you must ask yourself “How badly do I want law school?”  If you are serious, then we know you find a way to get there and will attend.

Question:What if I don’t have much money?  Can you tell me ways that I can cut costs so the trip can be more affordable?
Answer: Attendance at the conference on a very tight budget is possible and does not have to be expensive as long as you plan in advance.
You may have to go through a budget airline which requires you to leave earlier or later than you prefer at a discounted rate. Take a bus or train instead of a plane. Share rooms with a small group of other pre-law students instead of having your own room. Choose a value hotel as you will spend most of your time at the conference while in town and not in your hotel room.
We do provide a list serve for registrants, and you can post your interest in sharing rooms to cut costs if you don’t personally know anyone interested in attending and sharing rooms.
You may have to come to town with a specific budget whereby you eat what we provide, and save a small amount of money for snacks and other meals you want.  The conference does not have to cost a lot of you consider these issues in advance and plan accordingly.

Question:What is the expected attire for the event?
Answer: All attendees should plan to dress in business professional attire. This means business suits, blouses, dress shirts and slacks. If you don’t have these types of clothes in your wardrobe, then do your best. Baseball caps, t-shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes are viewed as unacceptable for a professional business event.