Workshops & Panels

Planned Workshop Sessions and Panel Discussions

ADMISSIONS

• How the Law School Admissions Process Works and How to Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant
• Mock Law School Admissions Committee
• Transferring and Visiting Law Schools: How Difficult It Is to Do and How the Process Works
• Conditional and Performance-Based Admission Programs
• The Non-Traditional Admissions Candidate and Law Student
• Models of Success: What It Took to Earn Acceptances into the Most Selective (Hardest to Get into) Law Schools in America

THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST (LSAT)

• Addressing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Achievement Gap: Keys to Excellent Preparation for Earning the Scores that Law Schools Expect from Competitive Applicants
• Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) Test-Taking Strategies Session

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

• The Personal Statement and the Diversity Statement: Similarities, Differences, Tips and Techniques

FINANCING A LEGAL EDUCATION

• How to Finance a Law School Education: Insider Information on Loans, Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (and Money Management Tips)

LAW SCHOOL CHOICE

• How to Choose the Best Law School for You

THE LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

• Mock Law School Class
• The Challenges and Rewards of Law School, and How to Best Prepare for a Successful Law School Experience
• The HBCU Law School Experience
• The Academic Demands of Law School: How and Why Law School is Radically Different from Undergraduate Education
• Telling It Like It Is: A No-Holds Barred Q&A With Current Law Students

LAW SCHOOL PREPARATION

• Start Out Ahead of the Game: The Benefits of Participating in Law School Preparation Programs
• It’s Not Too Early to Prepare for Law School Today (Special Session for High School Students)

DIVERSITY ISSUES

• The Non-Traditional Admissions Candidate and Law Student
• 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
• The Double Minority: The Additional Challenges of Being Both Black and a Woman in the Legal Profession
• Black Men in the Legal Profession: Getting More of Us on the Other Side of the Law

THE BAR EXAM

• African Americans and the Bar Exam: What It Tests, Where We Stand, and What It Really Takes to Pass This Necessary Hurdle to Earning Your License to Practice Law

THE LAW SCHOOL VALUE PROPOSITION

• Is Law School Really Worth the Investment? (Or Why Do Some People Tell You NOT to Go to Law School)

THE JOB SEARCH

• How to Find Valuable Legal Work Experience Prior to and During Law School
• Employers’ Perspectives When Hiring Law Students and New Attorneys

JOINT/DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

• The J.D. and M.B.A.: The Differences Between the Degrees and the Considerations for Pursuing the Joint/Dual Degree Programs

THE MASTER OF LAW (LL.M.) DEGREE

• What the Master of Law (LL.M.) Degree Is, the Admissions Process, the Academic Requirements, and Reasons to Pursue It

CAREER OPTIONS

• African American Lawyers: Different Career Paths and Possibilities
• African American Attorneys With Their Own Law Practices: The Challenges and Rewards of Being Legal Entrepreneurs
• More Than the Traditional Practice of Law: What Law Grads Have Done With Their Legal Educations Beyond the Norm

 

DESCRIPTIONS

 

Workshop Sessions and Panel Discussions

 

FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS

 

How the Law School Admissions Process Works and How to Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant

 

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 affirmative action and the role that “diversity” plays in the admissions process.

 

PANELISTS

• Jiovanna T. Bryant, Interim Director of Admission, St. Thomas University School of Law (Miami Gardens, Florida)
• Jimmi Nicholson, Assistant Director for Admissions and Minority Affairs, The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law (Columbus, Ohio)
• Donald D. Pritchett Jr., Esq., Director of Recruitment and Associate Director of Admissions, The Pennsylvania State University The Dickinson School of Law (University Park, Pennsylvania)
• Chloe T. Reid, Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions, Gould School of Law, University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)

 

MODERATOR

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

 

Mock Law School Admissions Committee

 

Description: Law school admissions professionals will discuss fictitious applicants openly as if they were in an actual law school admissions committee meeting.  The purpose is so that attendees can witness how admissions committee members really think and what they are looking for in selecting competitive applicants.  Participants will gain the opportunity to follow along while looking at practical examples of the credentials being considered by the admissions committee at Any Law School USA.  This panel discussion will provide invaluable ”insider” inside pre-law students need to better understand how the highly competitive law school admission selection process really works.

 

PANELISTS

• Collins Byrd, M.B.A., Assistant Dean of Admissions, The University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa City, Iowa)
• Carolyn Dennis, Director of Admission, Willamette University College of Law (Salem, Oregon)
• Paula Gluzman, Esq., Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Washington (Seattle, Washington)
• Ivy Washington-Marshall, Esq., Assistant Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, The University of Akron School of Law (Akron, Ohio)

 

MODERATOR:  Michele Hayes, J.D., LL.M., Director of Student Recruiting, University of Maryland School of Law (Baltimore, Maryland)

 

FOCUS: COMPETITIVENESS AND STRATEGY

 

Models of Success: What It Took to Earn Acceptances into the Hardest to Get Into/Most Selective Law Schools in America

 

Description: This panel features graduates of some of the most well-known and hardest law schools to get into in the country.  Graduates will provide insight on what they did in order to increase their chances for admission into these highly selective schools, and offer advice to those students who seek to gain admission into top-tier law programs.

 

PANELISTS

• University of Michigan Law School – Elizabeth Campbell, Esq., Partner and Chief Diversity Officer, Andrews Kurth LLP (Houston, Texas)
• Columbia Law School – Chanler Langham, Esq., Associate, Susman Godfrey L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)
• Harvard Law School – Michael Murphy, Esq., Associate, Vinson & Elkins LLP (Houston, Texas)
• Stanford Law School – Kourtney James Perry, Esq., Business Manager, Perry Evan Films (Houston, Texas)
• Yale Law School – Travis Torrence, Esq., Senior Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)

 

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

 

FOCUS: ACCESS TO LEGAL EDUCATION

 

Conditional and Performance-Based Admission Programs

 

Description:  There are a small number of  American Bar Association accredited law schools that offer Conditional and Performance-Based Admission Programs.  These programs are designed to provide an opportunity to students who would otherwise not be admitted into law school because of low GPAs and/or LSAT scores whereby they must prove that they can actually handle law school academic work.  Panelists will discuss what these programs are, the student selection process, how they generally work, and how students who are offered opportunities in these types of programs can take advantage of them in order to gain access to a legal education where the door might otherwise be closed.

 

PANELISTS

• BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admissions, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Duane Tobias, Esq., Assistant Director of Admission, The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (Washington, DC)
• Lawrencina Mason Oramalu, Esq., Assistant Dean and Director of Multicultural Affairs, William Mitchell College of Law (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

 

MODERATOR: Ronda Harrison, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST (LSAT)

 

Addressing the LSAT Achievement Gap: Keys to Excellent Preparation for Earning the Scores that Law Schools Expect from Competitive Applicants

 

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, high stakes exam.  Test preparation and test-taking strategies will be shared.  There will also be discussion about some of the factors that lead to African Americans’ underperforming on this exam, and how future test takers can avoid making common mistakes and buying into stereotypes and misconceptions about Blacks inability to “test well” that contribute to less than stellar scores.

 

PANELISTS

• Reginald McGahee, Esq., Assistant Dean and Dean of Admissions, Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC)
• Donald D. Pritchett Jr., Esq., Director of Recruitment and Associate Director of Admissions, The Pennsylvania State University The Dickinson School of Law (University Park, Pennsylvania)

• Troy Riddle, Esq., M.B.A., Multicultural Affairs Officer, Widener University School of Law (Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)

 

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

 

FOCUS: ESSAYS – PERSONAL STATEMENT AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

 

The Personal Statement and the Diversity Statement: Similarities, Differences, Tips and Techniques

 

Description: This workshop will cover the personal statement and the diversity statement.  The personal statement is a written piece that is used by law school applicants, and reviewed by law school admission officers.  Many law school admissions offices also request a diversity statement.  Come hear and see what the differences are between the two documents and learn about the role that each one plays in the law school admissions process.  Also attendees will gain some vital information about what makes a good statement, and what makes a statement dysfunctional.

 

PRESENTER

 

Collins Byrd, M.B.A., Assistant Dean of Admissions, The University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa City, Iowa)

 

FOCUS: FINANCING A LEGAL EDUCATION

 

How to Pay for a Law School Education: Information on Loans, Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants (and Money Management Tips)

 

Description:  During this discussion, the panelists will discuss 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.

 

PANELISTS

• BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admissions, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Edward René, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Jennifer Y. Sims, Esq., M.B.A., Assistant Dean of Admissions, Cumberland School of Law Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama)

 

MODERATOR: Ronda Harrison, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL SELECTION

 

How to Choose the Best Law School for YOU

 

Description: Choosing the law school that is right for you is an important decision warranting thoughtful and serious consideration.  During this session, panelists discuss the many factors one needs to carefully consider when making a decision about what law schools to apply to and which to ultimately attend.  Your law school choice will follow you throughout your career and life, therefore it is crucial that you make the choice about the law school that is the best fit for you, and that you can be proud of having chosen to attend.

 

PANELISTS

• Anita Barksdale, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP (Houston, Texas)
• Michele Hayes, Esq., LL.M., Director of Student Recruiting, University of Maryland School of Law (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Charles Holmes, Esq., Associate Professor and Pre-Law Advisor (Retired), Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, Mississippi)
• Jennifer Y. Sims, Esq., M.B.A., Assistant Dean of Admissions, Cumberland School of Law Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama)
• Brian Washington, Second-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)

 

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

 

FOCUS: INTRODUCTION TO THE CASE METHOD AND THE SOCRATIC METHOD OF LAW SCHOOL INSTRUCTION

 

Mock Law School Class

 

Description:  In this session, attendees will get a taste of what the daily law school experience is really like.  An actual law professor will teach a law school class utilizing the Socratic Method of classroom discussion.  Participants are required to read the assigned case and brief it prior to the start of the class, and to be fully prepared for discussion.

 

LAW PROFESSOR:  Tobin Sparling, Esq., Professor of Law, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

 

Introduction to Case Briefing and Legal Analysis

 

LAW PROFESSOR:  Cassandra L. Hill, Esq., Director of Legal Writing and Assistant Professor of Law, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

 

Demystifying American Legal Education: How and Why Law School is Radically Different from Undergraduate Education

 

Description:  In this discussion, panelists talk about the many differences between college education and professional legal education.  They will examine everything from the way courses are taught to how students are tested.  Many college students function under the misguided belief that law school will be similar to college but with a focus on the law.  This session tears down the common misconceptions and tells future law students the truth about the academic demands, expectations, and daily grind that law school imposes.  Most importantly, panelists will provide strategies and advice for students in order to become prepared and mentally ready for handling the academic demands and other relevant concerns that will impact their law school experience before they choose to enter the new academic territory of the strange land known as law school.

 

PANELISTS

• LaToya Jones Burrell, Esq., Academic Counselor, Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• Virgie Mouton, Esq., Assistant Dean for Student Development and  Instructor, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Troy Riddle, Esq., M.B.A., Multicultural Affairs Officer, Widener University School of Law (Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
• The Honorable Njeri Mathis Rutledge, Associate Municipal Judge, City of Houston; Assistant Professor of Law, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

 

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

 

The Challenges and Rewards of Law School, and How to Best Prepare for a Successful All-Around 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 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 solid support system in place in order to achieve a positive and somewhat balanced law school experience.

 

PANELISTS

• Kenneth Ford, Third-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Chibundu Nnake, J.D./M.B.A. Candidate, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law; National Chairperson, National Black Law Students Association (Dallas, Texas)
• Donna R. Tomlinson-Weyand, Esq., LL.M., Visiting Associate Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth, Texas)
• Lawrencina Mason Oramalu, Esq., Assistant Dean and Director of Multicultural Affairs, William Mitchell College of Law (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

 

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

 

The HBCU Law School Experience

 

Description: Of over 200 law schools students can choose from, there remain only five historically Black law schools: Howard University School of Law, Southern University Law Center, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Thurgood Marshall School of Law – Texas Southern University, and Florida A&M University School of Law.  Students and graduates of HBCU law schools share their knowledge about the unique history of HBCU law schools, their views of what HBCU law schools offer that other schools don’t, and share their personal experiences attending HBCU law schools and considerations for students considering a historically Black school for their legal education.

 

PANELISTS

• LaToya Jones Burrell, Esq., Graduate, Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• Rachel Kelly, Third-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Chinedum Okparaeke, Third-Year Law Student, President, Black Law Students Association, Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Christopher Suell, Esq., Recent Graduate, Florida A&M University College of Law (Orlando, Florida)

 

MODERATOR: The Honorable Oswald J. Scott, Graduate, Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

 

Telling It Like It Is: A No-Holds Barred Q&A With Current Law Students

 

Description:  During this informal discuss, law students will answer any questions attendees pose about law school admission, law school, and their experiences.  Come and ask anything you’ve been dying to know about but didn’t want to ask.  These law students will “tell it like it is” and give you honest and thoughtful answers.

 

PANELISTS

• Brandi Croffie, Third-Year Law Student, University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)
• Elizabeth Humphrey, Third-Year Law Student, Chairperson, Rocky Mountain Region, National Black Law Students Association, The University of Texas School of Law (Austin, Texas)
• Keith Lampkin, Third-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Chinedum Okparaeke, Third-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University; President, Barbara Jordan Chapter, Black Law Students Association (Houston, Texas)
• Nathan Williamson, Third-Year Law Student, The University of Oklahoma College of Law (Norman, Oklahoma)
• Kara Willis, Third-Year Law Student, President, Black Law Students Association, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Chibundu Nnake, Third-Year Law Student, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (Dallas, Texas)

 

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

 

Start Out Ahead of the Game: The Benefits of Participating in Law School Preparation Programs

 

Description:  Law school learning is different from what you have experienced in previous educational experiences.  By gaining a better understanding of the case method, the Socratic method, legal research and writing, how law students are evaluated, and what is expected of you as a law student before you even apply to and start law school, you will gain an edge over your classmates in the highly competitive legal educational environment.  There are several law school preparation programs designed to help prepare you for the experience.  Learn more about some of the existing programs and how you can apply for and take advantage of them so you can start out ahead of the game – instead of behind.

 

PANELISTS

• Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, Esq., LL.M., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions (On Leave), City University of New York School of Law (New York, New York)
• BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admisssion, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Duane Tobias, Esq., Assistant Director of Admission, The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (Washington, DC)

 

MODERATOR: Irene O. Joe, Esq., Training Director, Louisiana Public Defender Board (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

 

FOCUS: FACE, GENDER AND OTHER DIVERSITY ISSUES

 

The Non-Traditional Admissions Candidate and Law Student

 

Description: Many students apply to and enter law school in their late twenties and beyond, with families, and as a second career.  There are special concerns and issues that they have about how they are perceived in the admissions process and concerns about whether they can succeed with additional responsibilities that others who generally enter right after or only a few years after graduating from college don’t have to deal with.  In this session, panelists will discuss these issues, provide advice, and resources to assist the non-traditional student in being successful in law school despite competing time demands and navigating the complexity of life in the midst of an all-consuming academic environment.

 

PANELISTS

• Amber Burton, Third-Year Law Student, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Carolyn Dennis, Director of Admission, Willamette University College of Law (Salem, Oregon)
• Charles Holmes, Esq., Pre-Law Advisor and Professor of Political Science (Retired), Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, Mississippi)
• Brandy Howard, Law Student, The University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)
• Virgie Mouton, Esq., Assistant Dean for Student Development and Instructor, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Ronda Harrison, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)

 

Life as a Black Law Student: Coping With the Additional Burdens of Racism and Prejudice, and Concrete 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 moments and leadership in the law school community precisely due to their unique experiences and perspectives.  There will also be discussion about navigating racial issues in legal work settings while still a law student.

 

PANELISTS

• Tamecia Glover Harris, Third-Year Law Student and J.D./M.B.A. Candidate, President, Black Law Students Association, University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)
• Bianca Mack, Esq., M.B.A., Director of Diversity Services, George Mason University School of Law (Arlington, Virginia)
• Chibundu Nnake, J.D./M.B.A. Candidate, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law; National Chairperson, National Black Law Students Association (Dallas, Texas)
• Kara Willis, Third-Year Law Student, President, Black Law Students Association, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Nathan Williamson, Third-Year Law Student, Director of Pre-Law Division, National Black Law Students Association, The University of Oklahoma College of Law (Norman, Oklahoma)

 

MODERATOR

• W. Bernard Goudeau, III, Esq., Attorney, BP America Inc. (Houston, Texas)

 

 

Black Men and Black Women in the Legal Profession: The Special Issues We Each Face

 

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

 

Description:  Being Black 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. 

 

PANELISTS

• Laura J. Coe, Esq., Senior Counsel, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry (Houston, Texas)
• Donna R. Tomlinson-Weyand, Esq., LL.M., Visiting Associate Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth, Texas)

 

And

 

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 during the course of their lives.  In this panel, discussants will touch on the issues that Black men face in going to college.  Achieving in college, and then 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 greater Black male representation will be addressed.  Panelists will consider ways to reverse these alarming statistics and interest more Black boys and men in wanting to become lawyers, and interventions available to make sure that they achieve their goals.

 

PANELISTS

• The Honorable Arthur Burnett, Sr., National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. (Washington, DC)
• Famose Garner, Esq., Law Clerk, The Honorable Jeff Bohm, United States Bankruptcy Judge (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: The Honorable Oswald Scott, Municipal Judge, City of Houston, Author and Life Coach (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: THE BAR EXAM

 

African Americans and the Bar Exam: What It Tests, Where We Stand, and What It Really Takes to Pass This Necessary Hurdle to Earning Your License to  Practice Law

 

Description:  Panelists will discuss exactly what the bar examination is, what it tests, and the bar preparation course, 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 overcoming the final hurdle to becoming a full-fledged “attorney and counselor at law.”

 

PANELISTS

• Darian L. Conton, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)
• Shaundra Kellam-Lewis, Esq., Assistant Professor of Legal Writing, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Christopher Suell, Esq., Attorney (New York, New York)
• Rodney R. Miller, Esq., Litigation Associate, Patent Litigation, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Founder & Executive Director, National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: THE JOB SEARCH AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT

 

What Employers Are Really Looking For When Hiring Law Students & New Attorneys, and How to Advance in the Legal Profession

 

Description: In this session, attorneys will share “insider” perspectives on what employers are looking for when they hire law students and new attorneys.  They will also provide insight on what it really takes to move up and advance in one’s career in the legal profession.  There is a lot of knowledge that African American law students and young attorneys are often unaware of which could hinder their ability to get a job and stagnate their progress in rising up the ranks.  Come and gain some knowledge you otherwise might not have access to that can make the difference for you.

 

PANELISTS

• Donna M. Davis, Esq., Assistant Dean for Career Services, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Chanler Langham, Esq., Associate, Susman Godfrey  L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)

• Shaundra Lewis, Esq., Assistant Professor of Legal Writing, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Marlen Whitley, Esq., Partner, Thompson & Knight, LLP (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Angela L. Dixon, Esq., M.B.A., Owner, The Law Office of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

 

How to Find Valuable Legal Work Experience Prior to and During Law School

 

PANELISTS

• Gloria Ann M. Aldridge, Esq., Chief Counsel, Houston Field Office, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Houston, Texas)
• The Honorable Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.  (Washington, DC)
• Donna M. Davis, Esq., Assistant Dean for Career Services, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas)
• Tamesha Harper, Senior Regional Program Manager, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) (Atlanta, Georgia)
• The Honorable Hilary H. Green, Judge, Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 1 (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Angela L. Dixon, Esq., M.B.A., Owner, The Law Office of Angela L. Dixon PLLC (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: CAREER OPTIONS

 

African American Lawyers: Different Career Paths and Possibilities

 

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

 

PANELISTS

• Gloria Ann M. Aldridge, Esq., Chief Counsel, Houston Field Office, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Houston, Texas)
• W. Bernard Goudeau, Esq., Attorney, BP America Inc. (Houston, Texas)
• Courteney Harris, Esq., Attorney, Aldine Independent School District (Houston, Texas)
• Tracie J. Jackson, Esq., Of Counsel, Frye, Steidley, Oaks and Benavidez, and Director and Business Owner, Intuitive African Dance & Drum Culture  (Houston, Texas)
• Irene O. Joe, Esq., Training Director, Louisiana Public Defender Board (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• Darcell Walker, Esq., Intellectual Property Attorney (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Famose Garner, Esq., Law Clerk, The Honorable Jeff Bohm, United States Bankruptcy Judge (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS : LEGAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

 

African American Attorneys With Their Own Law Practices: The Challenges

 

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 attract and maintain clients, and successfully manage a law firm.   They share both the positives and negatives of having one’s own law office, as well s 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.

 

PANELISTS:

• Wilvin J. Carter, Esq., Attorney, The Law Offices of Wilvin J. Carter (Houston, Texas)
• Felix Chevalier, Esq., Attorney, Chevalier Helms, PLLC (Houston, Texas)
• Taft Foley, Esq., Chief Litigation Attorney, The Foley Law Firm (Houston, Texas)
• Lewis Harley, Esq., Attorney, The Harley Law Group (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Ronald Edward Dupree, Esq., Founder and Managing Member, The Dupree Law Firm, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL PURSUIT/VALUE OF THE LAW DEGREE

 

The Law School Value Proposition: Is Law School Really Worth the Investment?

 

Description:  There are several articles and popular blogs that discourage potential law students from going to law school.  The naysayers do have some valid points.  In this session, attorneys will discuss some of these controversial considerations.  In making such a serious commitment and life-altering decision, it is important to try to thoroughly understand and consider the reasons for and against going to law school.  The goal of this session is to expose prospective law students to a variety of opinions regarding this, including debt burdens, the marketability of the law degree, the oversaturation of lawyers in general and underrepresentation of Black lawyers, the employment landscape, and more.  Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the law school applicant to do their due diligence through rigorous research, talking to various people, weighing the pros and cons, and then making an educated decision for themselves about whether law school is the right next step for the career paths they envision for their futures.

 

PANELISTS

• The Honorable Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.  (Washington, DC)
• Felix Chevalier, Esq., Attorney, Chevalier Helms, PLLC (Houston, Texas)
• Famose Garner, Esq., Law Clerk, The Honorable Jeff Bohm, United States Bankruptcy Judge (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Brandice Burton Pierre, J.D. (Houston, Texas)

 

FOCUS: EARLY OUTREACH AND CAREER EXPLORATION

 

Preparation for Law School Success Starts Today!  What You Can Do Right Now to Get Ready for Law School While Still in High School (Special Session for High School Students)

 

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 for students to be strategic and thoughtfully consider how they can make themselves the very best standout students and leaders well before filling out their law school applications.  The advice shared will help high schoolers learn how to stand out and shine whether or not they ultimately decide to pursue law school or another graduate or professional degree program or career choice.

 

PANELISTS

• Sonya Chandler-Anderson, Esq., Attorney, The Law Office of Sonya Chandler-Anderson (Houston, Texas)
• Irene O. Joe, Esq., Training Director, Louisiana Public Defender Board (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• Julie Wenah, Third-Year Law Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Nathan Williamson, Third-Year Law Student, The University of Oklahoma College of Law (Norman, Oklahoma)

 

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

 

FOCUS: DUAL/JOINT DEGREES

 

Joint and Dual Degree Programs: The Pros and Cons of Pursuing Your Law Degree and an Additional Degree at the Same Time

 

Description:  Many prospective law students are also interested in the possibility of earning not only their law degrees, but also other degrees as well.  This panel will explore the different types of dual and joint degrees that students can earn, the process of applying to become a joint/dual degree student, and the degree requirements.  They will share both the positives and negatives of earning another degree along with the law degree at the same time in terms of the student experience and perceptions of employers.

 

PANELISTS

• Justin Dandridge-Smith, J.D./M.S. Candidate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
•  Tamecia Glover Harris, J.D./M.B.A. Candidate, The University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)
• Julie Wenah, J.D./M.P.A. Candidate, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law; National Director of Education and Career Development,  National Black Law Students Association (Houston, Texas)

 

MODERATOR: Troy Riddle, Esq., M.B.A., Multicultural Affairs Officer, Widener University School of Law (Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)

 

FOCUS: POST-J.D. DEGREES

 

Beyond the J.D.: What the Master of Law (LL.M.) Degree Is, the Admissions Process, the Academic Requirements, and Reasons to Pursue It

 

Description:  After earning the Juris Doctor degree, law school graduates have the option of spending another year or two earning a Master of Law (LL.M.) at many law schools across the country, in person or online.  Panelists will discuss the process they went through to apply to these programs, their experiences as LL.M. students, and their perspectives on whether it is useful or viewed as a positive added credential in one’s professional life as a lawyer.

 

PANELISTS

• Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, Esq., LL.M., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions (On Leave), City University of New York School of Law (New York, New York)
• Donna R. Tomlinson-Weyand, Esq., LL.M., Visiting Associate Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth, Texas)

MODERATOR: The Honorable Oswald J. Scott, Municipal Court Judge, City of Houston; Author, Speaker, Life Coach (Houston, Texas)