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Testimonials

Hear from past participants

Testimonials & Supporters

VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

Keith Lampkin, NBPLC Alumnus (Attended in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Sonya London, NBPLC Alumna (Attended in 2008)

Chris Oliver, NBPLC Alumnus (Attended in 2008 and 2009)

Jennipher Williams, NBPLC Alumna (Attended the NBPLC in 2006 and 2009)

TESTIMONIALS FROM 2010 PARTICIPANTS

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend The National Black Pre-Law Conference. I learned so much from every level including law students, law professors, admissions counselors, and from attorneys, judges, and others within the legal field. I was able to network with these beautiful people (who looked just like me) and share our experiences. This conference touches on everything from law school preparation – applications, personal statement, LSAT – to network building to the realities of the legal field – experiences of discrimination, hard work, time – to recruitment through the law sc hool fair. What more can I ask for? Again, thank you so much for the chance and I promise to spread the word and give back just the same as you all have done for me.

Kyra Young Student,

University of California at Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

The National Black Pre-Law Conference is an event that is exponentially beneficial to the young aspiring attorney. Like any decent conference seeking to reach young adults, it boasts a substantial amount of resources made available to undergrad and post-graduate students while also offering just as many networking opportunities. What sets this conference apart from any other is its ability to inspire. When you couple pertinent information with a mission to empower young adults the result is an experience that can only be had at this conference. I attended the 2009 and 2010 conferences and both were true to its mission. I was fortunate enough to meet the chairperson and she was very clear about her intention to motivate young adults in pursuit of legal careers. Having shared her ideals with me, I can honestly say that conference meets its standard. It’s obvious the panelists, keynote speakers, and law school instructors involved work very closely with the conference staff to make the event worthwhile. In my opinion, this conference is very advantageous and is a perfect launch pad for the young adult who endeavors to become an attorney.

Chris Rutledge Graduate,

Prairie View A&M University

Graduate Student, Arizona State University

I truly felt blessed to be a part of a conference that helped me take one step closer to my dream of becoming a lawyer. Everything was great! But, one of the sessions that stood out in my mind the most was the session called The Double Minority, which included a panel of African American women who have careers as lawyers.
Throughout the panel, each woman shared what her personal experience was like being a woman and a minority in the profession of law. They shared their triumphs, succeeding in the court room and in corporate America. And, they also shared their tribulations, trying to making others see that they deserved to be in that position and that it wasn’t given to them as a quota. I was so impressed! As a young Black woman aspiring to be a lawyer, I have never been exposed to so many other Black professional lawyers who are women that are letting you know, “It wasn’t easy for me, but I made it and you can too.”The encouragement and knowledge shared during that particular session and during the entire conference were immeasurable. The National Black Pre-Law Conference exceeded my expectations!

Clarice J. RobinsonStudent,

Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton,

Texas

I attended the Black Pre-Law Conference in 2010 during my quest for more knowledge about the legal profession. I did not expect much, as the conference was free for general registration. I was surprised! This conference was organized, detailed, informative and most importantly relatable. Actual attorneys headed different seminars and workshops. They were personable, knowledgeable, and answered all inquiries.Meal were included such as Jason’s Deli and a fantastic banquet dinner, as well as mock LSAT exams, a welcoming reception, networking mixers and a law school fair for a chance to speak face to face with law school admission deans.The value of this conference is well over hundreds of dollars. If you are even slightly interested in the legal field, attendance at this conference is a MUST!With the information shared at this conference, you will gain much needed insight, and a statistically shocking reality about Black law students. This will in hopes motivate Blacks to change the statistics. Thank God for Mrs. Evangeline Mitchell for having the vision to found such a remarkable event and having the heart to want to inform minorities that may not obtain this information otherwise! I will be in attendance every year!

Jessica C. SmithGraduate,

Texas Southern UniversityHouston,

Texas

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 13 years old. What they don’t tell you growing up about dreams is that it often takes more than willpower and your own abilities to achieve them. There is a wealth of knowledge out there about the process to achieve a legal education that ethnic minorities are not exposed to, like their Caucasian counterparts. I attended the National Black Pre-Law Conference in November 2010, and I learned a million and one things about the legal education process, from when and even where to apply to, to when to take the LSAT, and even more priceless, are the connections I made with other like-minded aspiring lawyers from all over the country. I am truly blessed by the friendships that began last fall, and I look forward to attending this year and bringing as many of my friends as we can fit in the car. This event is truly a treasure for aspiring lawyers who often are challenged with finding information especially information specific to ethnic minorities. I look forward to this event getting bigger and better press and hopefully getting on the road for more people to take advantage of this opportunity.

Ayomide ShittuGraduate,

Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville,

Texas

The National Black Pre-Law Conference was an invaluable experience. It allows those who are pursuing a law career to be encouraged and motivated, and gives those who weren’t exactly sure about their career path the feeling of inspiration. It was an opportunity of a lifetimethat reassured me that becoming a lawyer is the best career choice I could have made.

Ashley BettsStudent,

University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg,

Mississippi

This initiative has been of a remarkable benefit especially in preparing and giving me an edge in the admissions process to law school and the opportunities of pursuing a legal career.I definitely believe that the process and path to become a lawyer is quite daunting with numerous setbacks that may often diminish the vision, but through discipline, determination and taking advantage of the opportunities available – the process is doable.I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for establishing a platform (NBPLC) where aspiring lawyers can take full advantage of the information, resources and advice to become competitive law school applicants.

Loic AnaghoStudent,

Grambling State UniversityRustin,

Louisiana

The 2010 National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair played an integral role in why I will be attending the University of Houston Law Center this fall. would encourage aspiring Black law students to also take part in this amazing and professional event as it is a rare opportunity in which you can learn how to make yourself a more well-rounded applicant, as well as network with successful black attorneys who are willing to have an open dialogue concerning the issues we as minority students may face in applying, financing, and conquering law school.I look forward to returning next year as I am certain it will again provide me with an abundance of useful tools for success. Ariell HardyGraduate, University of TexasAustin, Texas

The opportunity that presents itself here, you will not find anywhere else. The conference is uplifting and fulfilling. I attended this conference looking for an ounce of validation towards my decision to attend law school. I received that and more. I was amazed at how every professional I met truly cared and did not mind taking the time to really listen and answer every question no matter how many times they were asked.

Jiquay GlennGraduate,

University of MemphisMemphis,

Tennessee

This conference is a must for any pre-law student of color. What you see listed on the agenda is what you will receive as an attendee and it will bring immediate value.I had performed years of legal research and preparation before I attended the conference and I thought I was ready to start my legal journey. Once I did attend, I realized that even through my individual diligence, I’d missed a lot of things that I needed to know.That’s the gist of this conference – it will answer the questions that you have and the questions you didn’t know to ask. I repeat, it will answer the questions that you have and the questions you didn’t know to ask.What else is left? All of the people there are there for you – and they will prove to be valuable contacts along your journey. If you call, they will call back – if you email, they will reply.Your path to a legal education must be a proactive one, do not miss this opportunity to be the best law student and future law professional you can be.

Chris Oliver

Mechanical EngineerGraduate,

Prairie View A&M UniversityLaw Student,

South Texas College of LawHouston, Texas

  I feel the conference and the educational experience I received there greatly impacted my acceptance to my law school of choice, as well as acceptance to five other prestigious institutions.

I have gained a wealth of knowledge from workshops and seminars. I was also introduced to many programs that aid in the transition to law school as well as summer programs such as CLEO (Council on Legal Education Opportunity). The opportunity to attend this conference gave me insight into the world of a law student and an attorney.

The conference was also very inspirational and motivational. Attending was definitely a wise choice, especially since it provided the encouragement I needed throughout my law school preparation. The networking opportunities at the National Black Pre-Law Conference are countless and the relationships I have developed are priceless.

I believe that everyone needs an organization and/or people to help them through the rigorous and competitive law school process. I would encourage any student interested in attending law school to attend this conference. A person who does not take advantage of this resource is ultimately cheating themselves of resources, networking, advice, mentorship, and strategies to excel in law school.

Jennipher V. Williams,

Law Student,

Southern University Law Center , Baton Rouge, Louisiana

  I came to the National Black Pre-Law Conference this past fall. Not only did I have a magnificent time and learn SO much pertinent information, but I was also blessed with a Princeton Review scholarship! God has truly used this organization to make an impact on my life, and I pray that it will continue to help young aspiring attorneys accomplish their goals and dreams.

I have to just say that many of the contacts I made in Houston are still my friends to this day.I was able to have so much wisdom and discernment because of the things I learned in the conference. You should see how I was able to help some of my friends out because I gained so much information from your program.Thank you so very much again for all that you have done and continue to do!

Ricky Armand

Law Student, University of Vermont Law School

South Royalton, Vermont

I really enjoyed the conference. What I enjoyed the most is that I met my accountability partner, and met other students who are trying to obtain the same goals as I am. It was quite inspiring – the speakers and different attorneys willing to open up their doors for advice and suggestions on different phases of going through law school. I am very appreciative of this event and I look forward to coming back next year.

Tonya Scott

Graduate, Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

  This is by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I met so many inspirational people who were willing to help me by giving me their contact information and just talk to me about the demands of making it into and through law school. So many of the speakers were eager lend an ear and give you pointers on what it takes to be successful. I encourage everyone who is interested in the legal field to make an attempt to attend the conference. However, don’t just attend, utilize all the wonderful information that is being given to you.

Jackina Taylor

Graduate, University of Memphis

Memphis,Tennessee

PAST SUPPORTERS

Elected Officials and Organizational Leaders Submitting Welcome Letters and Letters of Support:
Wanda Adams, Houston City Council Member, District D, City of Houston
Dr. Alma Allen, State Representative, Texas House of Representatives
Ruthe Catolico Ashley, Chair, Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Legal Profession
Andre Carson, Congressman, United States House of Representatives
Garnet F. Coleman, State Representative, State of Texas House of Representatives
Elijah E. Cummings, Member of Congress, 7th District, Maryland
Arthur Davis, Member of Congress, 7th District, Alabama
Dawnna Dukes, State Representative, Texas House of Representatives
Rodney Ellis, Senator, The Senate of The State of Texas
Ed Emmett, Harris County Judge
Harper Estes, President, State Bar of Texas
Chaka Fattah, Congressman, United States House of Representatives
Al Green, Member of Congress, 9th District, Texas
Ronald C. Green, Council Member, At-Large, Position Four, City of Houston
Alcee L. Hastings, Member of Congress, 23rd District, Florida
Pam Holm, Member, Houston City Council
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., Member of Congress, 2nd District, Illinois
Hon. Wallace B. Jefferson, Chief Justice, The Supreme Court of Texas
Bethew “Bert” Jennings III, Esq., President, Houston Lawyers Association
Eddie Bernice Johnson, Member of Congress, 30th District, Texas
Jarvis Johnson, Council Member, City of Houston
Jolanda Jones, Council Member, City of Houston
Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Member of Congress, 11th District, Ohio
Barbara Lee, Member of Congress, Ninth District, California
El Franco Lee, Harris County Commissioner Precinct One
Sue Lovell, Vice-Mayor Pro Tem, City Council Member At-Large Position 2, City of Houston
Eric M. Mathis, Chair, National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Ruth Jones McClendon, State Representative, Texas House of Representatives
Andrew McGee, Esq., President, Houston Lawyers Association
Gregory W. Meeks, Member of Congress, 6th District, New York
Rodney G. Moore, President, National Bar Association
Melissa Noriega, Member, Houston City Council
Annise Parker, Mayor, City of Houston
Rick Perry, Governor, State of Texas
Barrett Reasoner, Esq., President, Houston Bar Association
Travis J. Sales, President, Houston Bar Association
Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Member of Congress, Third District, Virginia
Demetrius Shelton, President, National Bar Association
Mavis Thompson, Esq., President, National Bar Association
Daryl K. Washington, Partner, Shackelford Melton & McKinley Attorneys and Counselors, Partner, Daryl K. Washington, P.C. Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Sylvester Turner, Esq., State Representative, Texas House of Representatives
Marc Veasey, State Representative, Texas House of Representatives
Maxine Waters, Member of Congress, 35th District, California
Royce West, Esq., Senator, Texas Senate