Post by Jazmaine Wilkins on Aug 28, 2007 11:49:37 GMT -5
Houston, TX (BlackNews.com) - The Third Annual National Black Pre-Law Admissions & Preparation Conference and Law Fair 2007 will be held on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the University of Houston in the University Center in Houston, Texas. This comprehensive conference, the only one in the country geared specifically toward African Americans interested in law school, continues for its third year after two previous successful and impactful years. Houston is the ideal location for this national event as the "host city" is the fourth largest city in the United States boasting one of the most significant African American populations. The event is being sponsored in part by Mayer Brown Rowe and Maw and the University of Houston Black Law Students Association.
The ongoing conference theme is "Encouraging Excellence, Strategic Thinking, and a Competitive Mindset Among African American Law School Aspirants." Among its many goals, it was created to increase the chances of admission of prospective Black law students by emphasizing the importance of early strategic planning, understanding the highly competitive nature of the law school admissions process, and stressing the significance of academic preparedness and standing out from tough competition. Another component of this conference is to inform students about the academic rigors, demands, and expectations of professional legal education, and to impart strategies to help them prepare for the challenging law school experience prior to actually beginning their law school careers. Additionally, it is designed to expose law school aspirants to actual Black law students and attorneys who will share their real-life experiences and potentially serve as role models and mentors. Furthermore, it gives participants the opportunity to fellowship and network with others with similar higher education goals and professional aspirations in order to create positive support systems and accountability partnerships with achievement-oriented peers.
Over 70 (and counting) community-minded law school administrative professionals, law students, law professors, judges, and attorneys from all over the nation will be featured in over 20 different sessions focusing on a number of areas, including the law school admissions process, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), personal and diversity statements, financing a legal education, summer preparation and academic support programs, the law school experience, law school academic success, the bar exam, career options, life as a lawyer, and the job search. There will be also be a Law School Recruitment Fair where pre-law students will have the opportunity to talk to law school representatives from over 100 law schools at all tier levels from across the country, who demonstrate their interest in increasing diversity and particularly African American representation by attending this event and sharing what their schools have to offer.
In the afternoon, interested participants can sign up to take part in the conference's signature interactive event - The Law School Admissions and Preparation Help Advice Clinic(TM), where law students, pre-law advisors, and attorneys will talk one-on-one with law school hopefuls about their personal admissions credentials, and answer any individual questions they might have about getting into law school, choosing a law school, and preparing for the law school experience.
A morning pre-conference pep talk will be given to explain to participants what they should do to maximize their experience throughout the conference day. The conference will officially kick off with a powerful opening keynote address given by Attorney Reginald T. Shuford, Senior Staff Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation's Racial Justice Program and Attorneys of Color Recruitment and Retention Officer. There will also be a dynamic closing keynote speech from Attorney Evett L. Simmons, Partner and Chief Diversity Officer of the Ruden McClosky law firm and Chairperson of the American Bar Association's Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession. After all sessions have ended, there will be a professional networking social/mentorship mixer where participants can practice their networking skills and mingle with fellow aspiring lawyers, law school administrators, law students, and attorneys, and will be encouraged to try to find potential mentors and contacts. During this time, attorneys who have demonstrated their commitment to helping those behind them with law school aspirations by going above and beyond the norm will be recognized through the presentation of this year's Legacy Builder Award. Additionally, special recognition will be given in a "Celebration of Black Lawyers" to all Black attorneys in attendance who will be applauded. Each attorney will be asked to plant a seed of confidence in our aspiring Black lawyers by committing to mentor at least one in attendance. All pre-law attendees will be given free memberships to the Aspiring Black Lawyers Association.
Make plans now to come out and be inspired, informed, and empowered. This "can't miss" groundbreaking event is COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE and open to the public. High school students, college students, college graduates, working professionals, career changers, advisors, and parents who want to encourage and guide their children who are interested in law school are all encouraged to attend. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served, as well as the chance to win prizes and giveaways. Free appetizers and drinks will also be provided during the professional networking social. More surprises are in the works.
Everyone is welcome. However, due to space and seating limitations, pre-registration online, by phone, mail, or via fax or e-mail is required. Further information on registration and updates regarding the conference schedule and featured speakers can be found at the official conference website at www.BlackPreLawConference.com. You may also call 281-247-4026 or send an e-mail to register@blackprelawconference.com
The ongoing conference theme is "Encouraging Excellence, Strategic Thinking, and a Competitive Mindset Among African American Law School Aspirants." Among its many goals, it was created to increase the chances of admission of prospective Black law students by emphasizing the importance of early strategic planning, understanding the highly competitive nature of the law school admissions process, and stressing the significance of academic preparedness and standing out from tough competition. Another component of this conference is to inform students about the academic rigors, demands, and expectations of professional legal education, and to impart strategies to help them prepare for the challenging law school experience prior to actually beginning their law school careers. Additionally, it is designed to expose law school aspirants to actual Black law students and attorneys who will share their real-life experiences and potentially serve as role models and mentors. Furthermore, it gives participants the opportunity to fellowship and network with others with similar higher education goals and professional aspirations in order to create positive support systems and accountability partnerships with achievement-oriented peers.
Over 70 (and counting) community-minded law school administrative professionals, law students, law professors, judges, and attorneys from all over the nation will be featured in over 20 different sessions focusing on a number of areas, including the law school admissions process, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), personal and diversity statements, financing a legal education, summer preparation and academic support programs, the law school experience, law school academic success, the bar exam, career options, life as a lawyer, and the job search. There will be also be a Law School Recruitment Fair where pre-law students will have the opportunity to talk to law school representatives from over 100 law schools at all tier levels from across the country, who demonstrate their interest in increasing diversity and particularly African American representation by attending this event and sharing what their schools have to offer.
In the afternoon, interested participants can sign up to take part in the conference's signature interactive event - The Law School Admissions and Preparation Help Advice Clinic(TM), where law students, pre-law advisors, and attorneys will talk one-on-one with law school hopefuls about their personal admissions credentials, and answer any individual questions they might have about getting into law school, choosing a law school, and preparing for the law school experience.
A morning pre-conference pep talk will be given to explain to participants what they should do to maximize their experience throughout the conference day. The conference will officially kick off with a powerful opening keynote address given by Attorney Reginald T. Shuford, Senior Staff Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation's Racial Justice Program and Attorneys of Color Recruitment and Retention Officer. There will also be a dynamic closing keynote speech from Attorney Evett L. Simmons, Partner and Chief Diversity Officer of the Ruden McClosky law firm and Chairperson of the American Bar Association's Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession. After all sessions have ended, there will be a professional networking social/mentorship mixer where participants can practice their networking skills and mingle with fellow aspiring lawyers, law school administrators, law students, and attorneys, and will be encouraged to try to find potential mentors and contacts. During this time, attorneys who have demonstrated their commitment to helping those behind them with law school aspirations by going above and beyond the norm will be recognized through the presentation of this year's Legacy Builder Award. Additionally, special recognition will be given in a "Celebration of Black Lawyers" to all Black attorneys in attendance who will be applauded. Each attorney will be asked to plant a seed of confidence in our aspiring Black lawyers by committing to mentor at least one in attendance. All pre-law attendees will be given free memberships to the Aspiring Black Lawyers Association.
Make plans now to come out and be inspired, informed, and empowered. This "can't miss" groundbreaking event is COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE and open to the public. High school students, college students, college graduates, working professionals, career changers, advisors, and parents who want to encourage and guide their children who are interested in law school are all encouraged to attend. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served, as well as the chance to win prizes and giveaways. Free appetizers and drinks will also be provided during the professional networking social. More surprises are in the works.
Everyone is welcome. However, due to space and seating limitations, pre-registration online, by phone, mail, or via fax or e-mail is required. Further information on registration and updates regarding the conference schedule and featured speakers can be found at the official conference website at www.BlackPreLawConference.com. You may also call 281-247-4026 or send an e-mail to register@blackprelawconference.com