2009 Black Pre-Law Magazine

2 | NATIONAL BLACK PRE-LAW CONFERENCE BLACKPRELAW.COM

■ Full-time and part-time J.D., LL.M. and M.J. programs

■ Dual-degree J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.P.H. and J.D./M.D.

■ Nationally acclaimed faculty

■ Seven courtrooms, state-of-the-art library and classrooms

■ World, national and regional championship advocacy teams

■ Study abroad programs in seven countries

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM GUIDE NATIONAL BLACK PRE-LAW CONFERENCE | 3

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AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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inside

Welcome ............................................................... 6

Thank You for Your Support! .................................... 7

Fifth Anniversary Celebration ................................... 9

Keynote Speakers ......................................... 10, 11

Special Guests .....................................................13

Power Session Seminar Speakers .................. 14, 15

Schedule of Events.......................................16 - 18

Panel and Workshop Descriptions &

Featured Panelists and Moderators ...............20 - 25

Signature Event: Law School Admissions and

Preparation Help Advice Clinic ...............................26

Black Lawyer Authors ...........................................28

Law School Recruitment Fair Participants ..............30

Acknowledgments ................................................32

Cardozo understands the importance of a diverse student body.

Our students come from more than 30 states and numerous

countries around the globe. One half of our students are

women, more than 20% are students of color, and about 20%

are returning to school at least five years after receiving their

undergraduate degree. Our students’ ages range from 20-77.

For more information, contact:Office of Admissions • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University55 Fifth Avenue • New York, NY 10003 • 212-790-0274 E-mail: [email protected]

Cardozo School of Law is located in the heart of Greenwich Village inManhattan and is recognized as one of the nation’s top law schoolsand one of the finest in New York City:

• Cardozo is ranked #7 nationally in the area of IntellectualProperty Law and #8 in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolutionby US News & World Report (2009).

• Cardozo’s Center for Public Service Law and unique clinicalprograms offer a wide array of opportunities, emphasizehands-on experience, and highlight the School’s long-standingcommitment to serving the public good.

• Newly renovated facilities include the Center for Student Life,a modern residence hall, technologically enhanced classrooms,and a state-of-the-art library with 520,000 print andelectronic resources.

• Professors at Cardozo are vibrant, intellectually curious, andcommitted to the twin goals of teaching and scholarship.

Study law in

new york citynew york citynew york cityat Benjamin N. Cardozo

School of Law

On the cover (left to right): Brittany Sterling, Stephanie Mensah, Jamila Patten, Ronda Harrison, Esq., Angela L. Dixon, Esq., Emma Means, and Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq.


Welcome!to the Fifth Annnual National Black Pre-Law Admissions& Preparation Conference and Law Fair 2009!

Thanks!Thank You for Your Support! /////////////////The National Black Pre-Law Conference would like to thank the following bar associationleaders and elected officials for providing wonderful letters of greeting and expressions ofsupport. They can be read at the conference’s official website at www.blackprelaw.com. We sincerely appreciate you for supporting the Fifth Anniversary National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair!

13. Melissa Noriega, Member, Houston City Council

14. Rick Perry, Governor, State of Texas

15. Mavis Thompson, Esq., President, National Bar Association

16. Sylvester Turner, Esq., State Representative, Texas House of Representatives

17. Marc Veasey, State Representative, Texas House of Representatives

18. Royce West, Esq., Senator, Texas State Senate

1. Dr. Alma Allen Texas State Representative

2. Ed Emmett, Harris County Judge

3. Chaka Fattah, Congressman, United States House of Representatives

4. Dawnna Dukes, State Representa-tive, Texas House of Representatives

5. Al Green, Esq., Congressman, United States House of Representatives

6. Alcee L. Hastings, Congressman, United States House of Representatives

7. Pam Holm, Member, Houston City Council

8. Hon. Wallace Jefferson, Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court

9. El Franco Lee, Harris County Commissioner

10. Ruth Jones McClendon State Representative, Texas House

of Representatives

11. Andrew McGee, Esq., President, Houston Lawyers Association

12. Barrett Reasoner, Esq., President, Houston Bar Association

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Ican’t believe that we are celebrat-ing our fifth anniversary year! What an amazing blessing - and what a journey!

We are truly grateful to have made it to this significant mile-stone year. Five years ago, I felt an urgency to help fellow aspiring Black lawyers and thought that the books I was writing and the informational website that I was

publishing weren’t enough. I acted upon an idea and produced our first national conference in 2005. Little did I know that five years later, we would still be producing this event, and that it would continue to be as well-received and as greatly needed as when we first started. I feel so blessed that we still exist, and my team and I continue to strive to make it better every year.

We are thankful for all of the law school representatives, attorneys, judges, law students, and law graduates who converge from all over the nation to sacrifice their valuable time to come out to share their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences with those who participate. We know that none of this would be possible without their genuine commitment to diversity in law schools and in the legal profession, and desire to give back to the next generation of law school aspirants. You have made a difference! Know that there are people who are in law school now and who have since graduated from law school who benefited in some way from your contribu-tions to this event.

Attendees, we are so excited that you are here! However, as I state to those in attendance each and every year, please take full advantage of all of the amazing resources available to you at this event. Truly listen to the speakers, remain totally engaged in the panel discussions, take notes during the workshops, soak up as much as you can during the power session seminars, network and get to know fellow attendees, make connections with current law students, law graduates, and attorneys – and make a personal commitment to build and maintain those relationships. So many of us did not have access to this type of unprecedented opportunity before beginning our law school careers and would have loved to be in your position. Recognize that and don’t take it for granted for a single moment. You are being set up for success! What you stand to gain this weekend in knowledge, insight, and connections is priceless.

Finally, please make sure that all of you join us for all of the planned events taking place this entire conference weekend, not only the law school recruitment fair, and workshops and panels, but also the refreshment breaks and networking receptions! I am most proud of our addition of power session seminars on such critical topics as business image, power networking online, mak-ing connections, and personal brand management. These are topics that we can all benefit from. You can’t afford to miss any of them! A tremendous amount of time, energy, and care was taken to organize these events for your enjoyment and especially for your empowerment, so your full presence and engagement is required.

Thanks so much for being a part of our fifth anniversary weekend as we celebrate five years of inspiring and empowering aspiring Black lawyers! Now, let’s make the most of this confer-ence weekend! I look forward to connecting with you!

Best and sincere regards,

Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq.Founder & ChairpersonNational Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair

Conference Executive Board,Interns, and Volunteers

Executive BoardEVANGELINE M. MITCHELL, ESq.

EMMA MEANSSTEPHANIE MENSAHBRITTANY STERLING

KEITH LAMPKINJAMILA PATTEN

ANGELA L. DIxON, ESq.JANE MITCHELL

APRIL YVONNE GARRETTBRENNON JACKSON

CHRISTOPHER RUTLEDGE

InternsJASzMINE BOLDEN

MALCOLM COPELANDDOMINIqUE ROSS

JOSHUA THOMPSON

VolunteersUniversity of Houston Law Center – Law Students

CHANTYLE BEASONJANIKKA BRATTONLAVONNE BURKECRYSTAL FORD

FAMOSE GARNERTAMECIA HARRIS

NATASHA HAWKINSSABRINA JOHNSON

YESERO OLOWO-OKELLOJORDAN ROLFE

CORDELIA TULLOUSUBANI UKUKU

TIFFANI WALKERNICOLE WASHINGTON

FRED WILSONTONI WALLACE, ESq.

KRISTIE PICKNEYCHANDRIA JACKSON, ESq.

Thurgood Marshall School of Law,Texas Southern University – Law Students

ANDRE EVANSNANA ASARE

NERISSA COKERJUSTIN DANDRIDGEPATRICE HOLMES

JEROME KELLYEDWARD POLLARD

KENNETH STEPHENSKAILA TIMMONS

BLACK PRE-LAWTM MAgAzInE

Publisher & EditorEVANGELINE M. MITCHELL

Design & LayoutAMOS & GRANT ADVERTISING DESIGN

Advertising and Article [email protected]

Copyright (C) 2008 Persistence of Vision LLC. All material in this magazine is copyrighted by The National Black Pre-Law

Conference and Law Fair and Persistence of Vision LLC. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in

any form without written permission from the publisher.


2009 advisory boardDr. Richard J. Reddick, Assistant Profes-

sor, Higher Education Administration, The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)

Gail Rock, Ed.M., Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives, Office of the Dean for Gradu-ate Education, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Massachusetts

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

David Taylor, Esq., Attorney Advisor, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Alexandria, Virginia)

Sara Thacker, Esq., Associate Ombud-sperson, University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, California)

Psonya Wilson, Esq., Attorney, Mississippi Supreme Court (Jackson, Mississippi)

Ronald W. Brown, Ph.D., Director, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, The Department of Student Success, Lone Star College System (The Woodlands, Texas)

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

Jonathan H. Cox, Esq., Attorney at Law, Cox/Pradia Joint Venture (Houston, Texas)

David E. Danner, Esq., Attorney at Law and Contract Specialist, Division of Research and Sponsored Programs, Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee

Andriel Dees, Esq., Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs, William Mitchell College of Law (St. Paul, Minnesota)

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

April Yvonne Garrett, M.A., M.T.S., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Civic Frame (Baltimore, Maryland)

DeMonica D. Gladney, Esq., Counsel, ExxonMobil (Houston, Texas)

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

Charles Holmes, Esq., Professor and Director of the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Program, Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, Mississippi)

Irene O. Joe, Esq., Public Defender, Orleans Public Defender (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Jean Johnson, Esq., President/CEO, Legal-WATCH (Houston, Texas)

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

BarbaraKaye Miller, Esq., Dean of Admis-sions, Phoenix School of Law (Phoenix, Arizona)

Regine Philippeaux-Pierre, Ed.M., Doctoral Candidate, Columbia University Teachers College (New York, New York)

A U S T I N

B E I J I N G

D A L L A S

D U B A I

H O N G K O N G

H O U S T O N

L O N D O N

M O S C O W

N E W Y O R K

P A L O A L T O

R I Y A D H

W A S H I N G T O N

www.bakerbotts.com©2008 Baker Bot ts L .L .P.

A Top-Notch and Varied Legal Team Can Often

MOVE MOUNTAINS.Each year, our firm grows stronger with the experience of an increasingly diverse team. In 2005, 2007, and 2008, Multicultural Law recognized us as one of the “Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity,” and in 2006 and 2008, it named us one of the “Top 25 Law Firms for Hispanic Americans.” Additionally, our lawyers have been named among Black Enterprise’s “Top Black Lawyers,” and Minority Law Journal has scored us among the top 75 law firms for diversity.

Baker Botts is proud to sponsor the National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair.


2009 featured keynote speakers 2009 featured keynote speakersRicky Anderson, Esq.Entertainment AttorneyManaging Partner, The Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C.CEO, Black Broadcasting Network, Houston, Texas

RICKY ANDERSON, a 1979 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, Benton Harbor, Michi-gan, attended Prairie View A & M University receiving a bachelor of business administration in 1983, and his juris doctor (J.D.) degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1992.

Ricky Anderson has been the managing partner of the Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C. since 1994, with their main office in Houston, Texas, as well as an adjunct professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he lectures Entertainment Law and Trial Preparation.

The Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C. represents celebrities including: comedian-actor Steve Harvey of “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Steve Harvey’s Big Time” and the nationally syndi-cated “Steve Harvey Morning Show;” Benton Harbor’s own MLA Management, the manage-ment company for comedian-actor Sinbad; J. Anthony Brown of “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and WB’s “Like Family”; Rushion McDonald of “Sister/Sister”, and the “Jamie Foxx Show”, Michael Colyar of “BET’s Live in LA;” comedian-actor Monique of “The Parkers” and “Showtime at the Apollo”; Rickey Smiley of “BET’s Comic View,” and ABC’s nationally syndicated “Doug Banks Morning Show,” “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” Mike Robles, in the George Lopez “Loco Comedy Jam” television series; WNBA’s four-time MVP and World Champion Hous-ton Comets’ Cynthia Cooper; former Houston Oiler, Tennessee Titan’s Eddie Robinson, the late Christopher Rios, professionally known as “Big Pun,” Virgin Records, Gorilla Black, R & B Artist “Rome,” Total Entertainment; Ace “The Players” from the UPN reality television show “The Player,” and comedian-actor Adele Givens, to name a few. Television shows, including weekly broadcasts ‘Like Family” on Warner Brothers, “The Parkers” on UPN, “Showtime at the Apollo”on UPN, “Steve Harvey’s Big Time,” “Coming to the Stage” on BET, “Comic View” on BET, as well as “Big City,” “Barbershop,” and “Trailer Park Disasters.”

In addition to the network television, movies, feature films, pay per view and HBO deals that Ricky Anderson develops, he is the creator and executive producer of the nationally syndicated weekly television show “Big City,” and the current CEO and president of Big City Records, Inc., and the majority shareholder in Qudel Promotions, Inc., producing national concerts such as the “Kings of Comedy”, “Jazzfest”, “The Boys are Back”, and “the Hip Hop Comedy Reunion Tour”, “Teens of Comedy,” “Class Clown Comedy Tour,” and “Learning through Laughter.” He is also the executive producer of such Independent feature films as “Renegade”, “Beach Party Weekend” featuring BET’s Rap City’s Big Tigger, Layzie Bone from Bone Thugs, Lil’ Flip, and South Park Mexican, “A Freakin Documentary with Shamar Moore, Bo Valentine, Ideal,” “Buckwild on the Beach featuring Mystical, Genuwine, Too Short, Solo, Goodie Mob, Case, Eight Ball & MJG, Luke” and “Beach Party.”Ricky Anderson’s Websites: | www.attorneyrickyanderson.com | www.blackbroadcasting.com

Oswald J. Scott, Jr., Esq.Author and Motivational SpeakerAttorney and Municipal Court Judge (City of Houston), Houston, Texas

OSWALD J. SCOTT, JR., a man of vision and purpose, believes that we all possess the potential for greatness, and he delivers his message of hope and encouragement through writing and speak-ing engagements. Having risen above his inner-city beginnings to become a judge, successful attorney, motivational speaker, and business owner, he shares with his readers and audiences the secrets of success learned from his own personal journey.

Oswald’s business and legal experience spans over 20 years. His career accomplishments in-clude becoming a judge, working as a financial consultant, lecturing to professional and civic organizations on such topics as wills & probate, writing articles on financial and business matters, and publishing a legal newspaper. In addition, he also speaks to youth groups and churches on the topics of success and achievement.

Oswald serves as the CEO and founder of a self-development firm specializing in products to inform, inspire, and motivate individuals seeking personal fulfillment and professional success, and is the CEO and founder of Street Corner Books, a publishing company established to publish his works and to inspire young Black men to discover the power of reading and writing. Recently, Oswald decided to put his thoughts into two books: “The Promise: A Black Man’s Guide to Money, Power & Respect,” and “Big Momma’s Ten Commandments for Abundant Living.” His third book, “How You Living? An African American Guide to Wealth, Success & Happiness,” promises to reveal proven strategies for African Americans to live the American dream.

Oswald works tirelessly in his community as a board member of a highly successful pre-school for inner-city kids, and as a member of a community-based chamber of commerce which develops business education and business development in the Black community. He also performs free workshops for young men on the principles of success and achievement.

Licensed to practice law by the Texas and Louisiana State Bars, he received a bachelor of science degree from Louisiana State University, and a juris doctorate degree from Southern University Law Center. As a Dale Carnegie Training graduate, he received the Highest Award for Achieve-ment. Oswald currently lives in Houston with his wife, Jennifer, and has three children, Guy, Sydney, and Drew.Oswald J. Scott’s Website: | www.getthepromise.com

Adia May, Esq., MBAProducer & Legal CounselFounder & CEO, zuri Entertainment LLC, Los Angeles, California

ADIA MAY, ESQ., MBA is the founder and CEO of Zuri Entertainment llC, which services clients in los angeles, chicago, and new york.

She is an entertainment attorney who has negotiated multi-million dollar deals for film, television and music on behalf of major studios, actors and music artists. Her impressive list of clients includes Anthony Hamilton, Kelly Rowland, Erica Hubbard, Rodney Perry and YoYo. She is the former in-house counsel for Codeblack Entertainment, where she was head of both business and legal affairs. She is also a former Screen Actors Guild advisor in entertainment contracts. She prides herself on her thoroughness and zeal-ous representation of her clients, whether serving as an advisor or master negotiator.

Ms. May has several feature films and television shows in development. She enjoys the creative process and helping filmmakers give birth to their stories.

Ms. May is a Howard University alumna who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She obtained her JD/MBA from The University of Iowa. At Iowa, she was the only person of color in her joint JD/MBA class.

Adia is a member of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee and the Entertainment law Committee of the langston Bar Association. She also serves on the Board of Advisors of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, the non-profit foundation founded by actor, Hill Harper. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for the National Black Pre-MBA Conference and Business School Fair. Additionally, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorpo-rated.

She is a frequent speaker on the motivational speaker circuit. Adia lives in los Angeles, California and is originally from Chicago, Illinois.Adia May’s Website: | www.zurientertainment.com

Daryl K. Washington, Esq.Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C.Founder, Black Legal IssuesFounder, Unequal Justice Legal and Educational Defense Fund, Dallas, Texas

DArYl K. WAShIngton, ESQ. is the owner of The law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C. He is for-merly a partner with Shackelford, Melton & McKinley in Dallas, Texas. His experience includes represent-ing clients in a variety of commercial and general litigation matters, settlement negotiations, depositions, mediations, contract and business practice disputes, and other matters involving complex and unique is-sues. He represents clients before the Securites and Exchange Commission and the Texas State Securities Board. He also provides legal advice for small business formations and assists businesses and individuals with contract negotiations. He utilizes his experiences as a former contract advisor for the National Football league Players Association and former member of the Grambling State University football team to serve as a consultant to athletes in their selection of an agent to represent them in contract negotiations. Further-more, he represents entertainers, including Michael Baisden and “The Michael Baisden Show.”

Mr. Washington is a member of the Dallas Bar Association (DBA), serving as chair of the Judicial Investiture Committee. He served on the DBA Board of Directors for 2003-04, and a board advisor in 2004 on the Entertainment and Sport Committee, legal Ethics Committee, and Media Committee. He was the 2004 president of the J.l. Turner legal Association and a member of the Board of Directors in 2003-04 and 2006. Mr. Washington was the 2007-08 Region V director for the National Bar Association, which consists of Texas, louisiana, and Mississippi. He served as deputy director in 2006-07, assistant deputy direc-tor in 2005-06, and was affiliate chapter representative in 2005. He also served as the Sports, Entertainment and Art Section’s chair of sports programs. He is a 2005 Dallas Bar Foundation Fellow and was named Attorney of the Year in 2007 by the National Bar Association’s Sports, Entertainment and Art Section. Recently, he served as deputy chief of staff for the National Bar Association. Additionally, he is a Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inns of Court member for 2006-09. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at St. Philips School and Community Center. Moreover, he is the founder and editor of Black legal Issues and the chair of the Board of Directors for the Un-Equal Justice legal Defense and Educational DFund.

Attorney Washington is a graduate of Grambling State University where he received a degree in accounting. He earned a law degree cum laude from Southern University law Center. As a law student, he was a member of the Southern University law Review and the Moot Court Board. Daryl K. Washington’s Websites: | www.dwashlawfirm.com | www.blacklegalissues.comwww.unequaljusticelegaldefensefund.com


Carolyn WrightJustice, Texas State Fifth District Court of Appeals (Dallas, Texas, pictured left)

Justice Carolyn Wright is elected to the Texas State Court of Appeals and has served in the judiciary for more than 25 years. While many of the positions held by her have been historical firsts for women and minorities serving in the Dallas judiciary, her election to the Court of Appeals marks the first time in Texas history that an African American wom-an has ever won a multi-county election for any elected office in Texas, and she is the only African-American woman currently serving on an appellate court in the State of Texas. The court has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal appeals from trial courts in six large North Texas counties, from which she is elect-ed. Her prior judicial service includes eight years as an elected State District Judge and three years as an Associate Judge in the Family District Courts. Prior to her judicial service, she was engaged in the private practice of law in areas of business transactions and litigation, as well as juvenile and family law. Prior to and during law school, she worked for the federal government in a law-related field of juvenile justice. She graduated from the Howard Uni-versity School of Law, Washington, D.C.

She is past chair and a sustaining life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a multi-million dollar legal charity. She is a fellow of the Foun-dations of the Dallas Bar and Dallas Young Law-yers, a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, and the National and American Bar As-sociations and the JL Turner African-American Legal Association. She is a former faculty mem-ber of the Texas Center for the Judiciary and National Judicial College, Reno, Nevada. She was appointed to the Judicial Ethics Committee and a Texas Supreme Court Appellate Tribunal for removal of a judge from elected office; and was appointed to a National Task Force to set national standards for mediation practice. Most recently, she is serving on State Bar task forces to set standards for death penalty habeas represen-tation, and to improve the hiring and retention of minorities and women in major law firms in Texas.

Justice Wright is the recipient of numer-ous civic and professional awards, has been fea-tured in national and historical publications, and recognized for contributions to excellence in service to the community and law. She is a frequent media panelist and guest lecturer for churches, legal seminars, schools, public forums, and judicial education. She is a member of the

Special Guests

committee, and worked with the local com-mittee for the National Bar Association An-nual Convention. Mr. McGee is an active participant with the NAACP Legal Clinic, the Earl Carl Institute at Texas Southern Univer-sity, and the Omega Nu Phi Educational Cen-ter (ONPEC).

He is active on committees with the ACLU of Houston, the Harris County Criminal Law-yers Association, the Houston Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Houston Volun-teer Lawyers Program. He is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas.

///////////////////////////////////////Jessica n. ChildressNational Director, College Student DivisionNational Black Law Students Association(Charlottesville, Virginia, pictured right)

Jessica N. Childress is a Richmond native and a third-year law student at the University of Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both government and African American Studies from the University of Virginia, as well as a minor in Spanish. Ms. Childress is currently the director of the College Student Division for the Nation-al Black Law Students Association.

As an undergraduate, Ms. Childress was the chairman of the Black Leadership Institute, a peer advisor for the Office of African American Affairs, a counselor and judge for the University Judiciary Committee, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. The summer prior to law school, she served as intern in the office of United States Congressman Bobby Scott.

At the University of Virginia School of Law, Ms. Childress is an executive board mem-ber of the UVA Law Student Bar Association, and an editorial board member of the Virginia Journal of Social Policy & Law. She also sits on the University of Virginia Alumni Diver-sity Advisory Board.

Ms. Childress has worked as a summer as-sociate in the law offices of Perkins Coie, LLP in Seattle, Washington and McGuireWoods, LLP in Richmond, Virginia.

Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, the Downtown Rotary Club, the Executive Women of Dallas, theDallas Chapter of Links, Inc., and the Jordan CDC Board.

Justice Wright was honored as a “Yellow Rose of Texas,” a recipient of Governor Bush’s community service award. She is also the re-cipient of the Dallas Women Lawyers’ Louise Raggio Award for contributions to women and proficiency in law; Howard Univer-sity School of Law’s “Distinguished Alumnus Award.” the Dallas Bar Association’s MLK for Justice Award, the J.L. Turner Legal Associa-tion’s Jurist of the Year Award, the American Jewish Congress’s “Woman of Spirit” Award;, the Iota Phi Lamda Sorority’s Woman of the Year Award, the Committee on Race and Re-ligion’s Community Service Award, the North Texas United Methodist Conference, the Busi-ness Opportunity Symposium’s “Woman of Distinction Award,” the SMU Alpha Phi Al-pha Fraternity’s Metroplex Woman of the Year Award, the NAACP’s Juanita Craft Award in Law, the Legal Services’ Pro Bono Legal Ser-vice Awards, and Outstanding Performance Awards as a Federal Civil Servant.

///////////////////////////////////////Andrew g. Mcgee, Esq.President, Houston Lawyers Association(Houston, Texas, pictured center)

Andrew G. McGee, president of the Houston Lawyers Association (HLA), main-tains a solo practice, as principal for Law Of-fices of Andrew G. McGee, focused on the areas of criminal law and procedure, probate, and deceptive trade.

A graduate of the University of Detroit (History) and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (chair of Moot Court, member of the Black Law Stu-dents Association (BLSA), and member of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA)), Andrew has previously chaired the HLA Oral History Project committee, the HLA Continuing Legal Education (CLE)


power seminarsspeaker bios [

[

TOPIC: PERSONAL BRAND MANAGEMENT Reginald Rhodes is the author of the soon-to-be best-seller The Most Important Brand in the

World: YOU!, an entertaining, self-help, quick-read dealing with the importance of personal brand management to help ensure the success of everyday people. This resource is the first release from the BRAND collection from his publishing company, little Book, Big Impact. The company’s slogan is “Impacting lives in 100 pages or less.”

Reginald is well-known within the Houston community as the successful co-owner of iI10 Media, a popular print and media marketing firm. His company has been in business for eight years, and focuses on helping small businesses with gaining exposure for and success with their brands. Under the umbrella of i10 Media is IX Magazine, i10Media.com, and Big Apple Jazz and Soul.

Prior to starting i10 Media, Reginald was highly involved in the world of sports. He worked with let’s Be Friends, an all-star game, where over 25 children participants went on to play college basket-ball. He also served as an assistant basketball coach at St. Anthony’s High School, working alongside and under the guidance of the legendary coach Bob Hurley, at the time when his team was ranked as one of the top five basketball teams in America.

Before launching i10Media, he was the president and CEO of Railroad Sports and Entertainment, a company which hosted celebrity parties for well-known NBA and WNBA professional athletes. His impressive list of clients included Houston Rocket basketball players Roderick Rhodes (his brother), Rashawn McCloud, Moochie Norris, Steve Francis, and Glenn Robinson, as well as the WNBA four-time champion Houston Comets’ stars Tina Thompson and Sheryl Swoopes, among numerous oth-ers.

Reginald’s personal brand is built around helping others and doing things with unlimited energy, passion, quality, consistency, and exceeding expectations. His signature marketing advice for busi-ness owners is “Exhaust all of the possibilities.” He was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. He attended William Patterson College, where he majored in sports management. He currently re-sides in Houston, Texas.Website: | www.i10media.com

TOPIC: POWER NETWORKING ONLINE Crystal Washington is the owner of a Houston-based marketing firm, organizer of several

business organizations, and is a consultant and speaker that teaches entrepreneurs how to leverage image marketing and business networking to supercharge business growth.

What makes Crystal unique is that she not only shares knowledge that she gained as a result of her education, but she literally built her business empire from the ground up using these techniques. In other words, she has already practiced what she is now preaching.

Crystal’s journey started several years ago when she decided to leave corporate America to pursue her dream of owning a marketing business that would encourage and inspire business owners in Houston’s urban communities.

So what did a young entrepreneur whose very part-time business was just breaking even do to not only survive, but also thrive? She started building her network. Crystal began networking with business owners at networking events and online. She began the task of recreating her marketing business’ image to attract her target clientele. She built a business empire and network of thousands of businesses owners without a single loan, grant or investor. She leveraged her network and busi-ness image.

Websites: | www.CrystalWashington.comwww.black-marketexchange.com

Reginald RhodesOwner, i10 Media

Crystal WashingtonOwner

Black-Market Exchange

power seminarsspeaker bios [

[

TOPIC: BUSINESS IMAGE Delilah A. Alexander is a brilliant visionary with a unique approach to image and style. From a

young age, Delilah was passionate about fashion and encouraging others. Delilah is executive director of Image Essentials llC and Delilah Unlimited. She assists clients with building an image that reflects their personal style. As a public speaker, Delilah travels the country speaking to students about the value of a college education and making the right career choices. Through the delivery of compelling messages, she encourages and inspires her audiences. She is a sought-after speaker for schools, churches and social organizations. She produces and directs fashion events, and conducts modeling and etiquette workshops that educate, empower and motivate.

As an actress and model, she has appeared on numerous local and national commercials and print ads. Delilah is a 2009 recipient of the YMCA Minority Achievement Award. She sits on the Fashion Group International advisory board and is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International.

Delilah is a proud mother, serves in ministry at lakewood Church, and enjoys travelling, writing and time with family.

Website: | www. ImageEssentialsLLC.com

TOPIC:LINKED IN: MAKING CONNECTIONS COUNT

Kenya C. White, assistant director of Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP), re-ceived a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication from the University of Baltimore and a mas-ter’s degree in organization development and strategic human resources from John Hopkins Univer-sity.

She has over nine years of experience serving in admissions, advising, recruiting, and outreach roles in administration and programming at the schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Pharmacy at the University of Maryland Baltimore and in the schools of Business and Education at Johns Hopkins University.

Throughout her career, she has strived to excel in higher education and improve academic achievement and attainment for undergraduate and graduate students. As a means to further her commitment to higher learning, White founded Excel Coaching and Consulting, an independent prac-tice specializing in college student development and advising, where she serves as coach to several high school students and families in the Houston and surrounding areas.

Recently, she came on board to serve as assistant director of REEP and will support the pro-gram’s mission to train K-12 educators in business management to become the new generation of urban school leaders for Houston-area schools.

Delilah A. AlexanderExecutive Director

Image Essentials LLC

Kenya C. White, M.S.Founder

Excel Coaching and Consulting


School Education: Insider Information on Loans, Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loan Repay-ment Assistance Programs (and Money Management Tips)Location: A437, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #2 (Panel Discussion): Environmental Law: Today and BeyondLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Refreshment Break/Networking Power Half-HourLocation: Coffee House Area, Third Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXPERIENCESession #3 (Panel Discussion): The Challenges and Rewards of Law School, and How to Best Prepare for a Successful Law School ExperienceLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE BAR EXAM (MANDATORY ATTORNEY LICENSING EXAM)Session #3 (Panel Discussion): 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 LawLocation: A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. FOCUS: THE JOINT/DuAL J.D. AND M.B.A. DEGREESSession #4 (Workshop): The Pros and Cons of the J.D./M.B.A.Location: A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

Registrants sign up for time slots at table in lobby near the Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium. When it is time for your session, please come to the table and you will be escorted to the room for your clinic session.Location: A419, A422, A429, A439, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL SESSION/LEGAL CAREER EXPLORATIONSession #6 (Panel Discussion): 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)Location: A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: DIVERSITY (RACE AND GENDER) ISSuESSession #7 (Panel Discussion): 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 SettingLocation: A405, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #7 (Workshop): What Can You Do With a Law DegreeLocation: A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00p.m. - 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TESTSession #7 (Panel Discussion): Addressing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Achievement Gap: Keys to Excellent Preparation for Earning the Scores that Law Schools Expect from Competitive ApplicantsLocation: Room A437, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE JOINT/DuAL J.D. AND M.B.A. DEGREESSession #8 (Workshop): The Pros and Cons of the J.D./M.B.A.Location: Room A424, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST (LSAT)Session #8 (Workshop): Overview of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)Presented by The Princeton ReviewLocation: Room A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 20098:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. RegistrationLocation: In front of the Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast/IcebreakersLocation: Coffee House Area, Third Floor Academic Building

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. OPENING SESSIONInvocationWelcome – Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Founder & Chairperson, National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law FairWelcome to Houston – Andrew McGee, Esq., President, Houston LawyersAssociation

9:15 a.m. – 9:30 Special Guest Remarks: Carolyn Wright, Justice, Texas Fifth District Court of Appealswww.CarolynWright.com

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Featured Opening Keynote Speaker: Ricky Anderson, Esq., Managing Partner, Anderson & Smith P.C. and CEO, Black Broadcasting Network | www.AttorneyRickyAnderson.comwww.BlackBroadcastingNetwork.comLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

Note to Pre-Law Participants: Each time block for the law fair will feature different schools. Keep in mind that no one school will be represented in more than one block. Therefore, you should try to attend each block to be able to learn more about a wider variety of different law schools.

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. LAW SCHOOLRECRuITMENT FAIR (Part One) (Dedicated Time Block – No conference programming with be going on during this time)Location: Special Events Rooms, Third Floor Aca-demic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERS/CAREER ADVANCEMENTSession #4 (Workshop): How to Succeed in the Practice of Law in a Law FirmLocation: A405, Sixth Floor Academic Building

7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Power Session Seminar Topic: Linked In: Making Connections CountFeatured Speaker: Kenya Crawford White, M.S., Assistant Director, Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program, Rice University and Founder, Excel Coach-ing and ConsultingLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Refreshment BreakLocation: Coffee House/Lobby Area, Third Floor Academic Building

7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Featured Keynote Speaker: Oswald J. Scott, Jr., Esq., Municipal Court Judge, Attorney, Author, and Motivational Speakerwww.getthepromise.comLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

Lawyer/Author Showcase & Book SigningLocation: Coffee House Area/Lobby Area, Third Floor Academic Building

8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p .m. PRE-NETWORKING EVENT POWER SESSION SEMINARTopic: Power Networking ONLINEFeatured Speaker: Crystal Washington, Owner, Black-Market ExchangeLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. An All-Black Affair: Combined Networking Social/Mentorship Mixer – The National Black Pre-Professional and Graduate School Weekend – The National Black Pre-Law Conference and The National Black Pre-MBA Conference (Appetizers and drinks provided)Location: Outside Deck/Terrace, Third Floor Aca-demic Building

Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided.Catering by Chef Carolyn Shelton.

Black attire preferred, but not strictly enforced.

SATuRDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 20098:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. RegistrationLocation: Outside of the Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LuNCH (On your own)

Note to Pre-Law Participants: Each time block for the law fair will feature different schools. Keep in mind that no one school will be represented in more than one block. Therefore, you should try to attend each block to be able to learn more about a wider variety of different law schools.

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. LAW SCHOOLRECRuITMENT FAIR (Part Two) (Non-Dedicated Time Block – Other programming will be going on during this time)Location: Special Events Rooms, Third Floor Aca-demic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONSSession #1 (Panel Discussion): How the Admis-sions Process Works and How to Make Yourself a Competitive ApplicantLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL SELECTIONSession #1 (Panel Discussion): How to Choose the Best Law School for YouLocation: A436, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. FOCUS: PERSONAL STATEMENTS/DIVERSITY STATEMENTSSession #2 (Workshop): The Personal Statement and the Diversity Statement: Similarities, Differences, Tips and TechniquesLocation: A436, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.FOCUS: FINANCING A LEGAL EDuCATIONSession #2 (Workshop): How to Finance a Law

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast/IcebreakersLocation: Coffee House Area, Third Floor Academic Building

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Featured Keynote Speaker: Adia May, Esq., MBA, Producer and Legal Counsel; Founder & CEO, Zuri Entertainment LLCwww.zurientertainment.comLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. LAW SCHOOLRECRuITMENT FAIR (Part Three) (Dedicated Time Block – No other conference programming going on during this time)Location: Special Events Rooms, Third Floor Aca-demic Building

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. LuNCH (On your own)

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: INTRODuCTION TO THE CASE METHOD AND THE SOCRATIC METHOD OF LAW SCHOOL INSTRuCTIONSession #5 (Workshop)Location: Room A405, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL PREPARATION PROGRAMSSession #5 (Panel Discussion): Start Out Ahead of the Game: The Benefits of Participating in Law School Preparation ProgramsLocation: A406, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #5 (Panel Discussion): African Americans Attorneys With Their Own Law Practices: The Chal-lenges and Rewards of Being a Legal EntrepreneurLocation: A437, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #6 (Panel Discussion): African American Lawyers: Different Career Paths and PossibilitiesLocation: Room A405, Fourth Floor Academic Building

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. SIGNATuRE EVENT: LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS &PREPARATION HELP ADVICE CLINIC(Conference participants can sign up for 15, 30 or 45 minute time blocks)Featuring Members of the Southwestern Association of Pre-Law Advisors

Volunteer Law School Administrators, Law Students, and Attorneys

The Fifth Annual national Black Pre-LawAdmissions & Preparation Conference and Law Fair 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009 – Saturday, November 7, 2009

The University of Houston - DowntownMain Building | One Main Street | Houston, Texas

Encouraging Excellence, Strategic Thinking, and a Competitive MindsetAmong African American Law School Aspirants

Celebrating 5 Years of Inspiring and Empowering Aspiring Black Lawyers!

schedule of events


the World: YOU!Location: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. A Chocolate Affair: The National Black Pre-Professional and Graduate School Weekend Combined Networking Reception SocialCelebrating 5 Years of The National Black Pre-Law Conference and the Inaugural National Black Pre-MBA Conference

Special Guest Remarks: Jessica Childress, National Director, National Black Law Students Association College Student Division (NBLSA-CSD)Featured Keynote Speaker: Daryl K. Washington, Esq., Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C.

Food, Music, Speed Networking ActivitiesDelicious homemade Louisiana Creole food, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as decadent chocolate desserts will be provided.Catering by Chef Carolyn Shelton and Desserts by Delectable Desserts (Darrell Zeno, Owner).*** Special Recognition Ceremony in honor of those responsible for helping the event reach five success-ful years.***Location: Coffee House Area and Outside Deck/Ter-race, Third Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FOCUS: DIVERSITY (RACE AND GENDER) ISSuESPanel #8: Black Men and Black Women in the Legal Profession: The Special Issues We Each Face

Back-to-Back Panel DiscussionsThe Double Minority: The Additional Challenges of Being Both Black and a Woman in the Legal Profes-sion

Black Men in the Legal Profession: Getting More of Us on the Other Side of the LawLocation: Room 405, Fourth Floor AcademicBuilding

CONCuRRENT SESSION6:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Mock LSAT ExamPresented by The Princeton ReviewLocation: Room A427, Fourth Floor Academic Building

CONCuRRENT SESSION7:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. POWER SESSIONSEMINAR — Topic: Business EtiquetteFeatured Speaker: Delilah A. Alexander, Executive Director, Image Essentials, LLCLocation: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Refreshment BreakLocation: Coffee House Area, Third Floor Academic BuildingLocation: Coffee House Area, Third Floor Academic Building

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.Lawyer/Author Showcase & Book SigningLocation: Coffee House Area/Lobby Area, Third Floor Academic Building

7:30 p.m. – 7:35 p.m. Special Guest Remarks: Jessica Childress, National Director, National Black Law Students Association College Student Division (NBLSA-CSD)

7:35 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Featured Keynote Speaker: Daryl K. Washington, Esq., The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C., Attorneys and Counselors at Law (www.dwashlawfirm.com), Black Legal Issues (www.blacklegalissues.com), The Unequal Jus-tice Legal Defense and Educational Fund (www.unequaljusticelegaldefensefund.com)Location: Wilhemina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Third Floor Academic Building

8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p .m. PRE-NETWORKING EVENT POWER SESSION SEMINARTopic: Personal Brand ManagementFeatured Speaker: Reginald Rhodes, Owner, i10 Media and Author of The Most Important Brand in

Welcome to the 5th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference! The University of Illinois College of Law celebrates the significance of this event with you. Diversity, in all its forms, is an integral characteristic of a strong law school, and at Illinois, we believe students have as much to learn from one another as they do from their books and professors. Plan to come visit us soon!

23% of Class of 2012 are students of color

98% employment rate within 9 months of graduation

12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio

Black Law Students Association Women’s Law Society

University of Illinois College of Law Admissions Office

504 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Room 201 Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 244-6415 www.law.illinois.edu

Application fee waived for 2009-2010!


CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. FOCUS: PERSONAL STATE-MENTS/DIVERSITY STATEMENTSSession #2 (Workshop): 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 per-sonal statement is a written piece that is used by law school applicants, and reviewed by law school admissions officers. Many law school admissions offices also request a diversity statement. Come here 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 state-ment dysfunctional.

Workshop Presenters:Collins J. Byrd Jr., Assistant Dean for Admis-sions, The University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa City, Iowa)Sandra L. English, Esq., Assistant Director of Admission and Multicultural Recruitment, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (Cleveland, Ohio)

CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.FOCUS: FINANCING A LEGAL EDuCATIONSession #2 (Workshop): How to Finance a Law School Education: Insider Information on Loans, Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loan Repay-ment Assistance Programs (and Money Management Tips)

(Houston, Texas)Sonya Chandler-Anderson, Esq., Attorney, Law Office of Sonya Chandler-Anderson (Houston, Texas)Hon. Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coali-tion, Inc. (Washington, DC)Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, J.D., LL.M., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law (Flushing, New York)Jerome Coenic-Taylor, Third-Year Law Student, University of Iowa College of Law (Iowa City, Iowa)Catina Haynes, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)Ngozi Okechukwu, Esq., Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP (Dallas, Texas)Njeri Mathis Rutledge, Esq., Associate Profes-sor of Law, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE BAR EXAM (MANDATORY ATTORNEY LICENSING EXAM)Session #3 (Panel Discussion): 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 what the bar examination is, what it tests, and the bar prepara-tion 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,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONSSession #1 (Panel Discussion): How the Admis-sions 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 look-ing for in “competitive” applicants, and what minority candidates can do to stand apart from other smart and talented admissions candidates. These admis-sions “insiders” will also discuss affirmative action, and the role that “diversity” plays in the admissions process.

Moderator: Aaron N. Taylor, Esq., ChiefAdmissions Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law (Little Rock, Arkansas)

Panelists:Noe Bernal, Assistant Dean for Admissions, Villano-va University School of Law (Villanova, Pennsylvania)Carolyn Dennis, Director of Admission, Willamette University College of Law (Salem, Oregon)Virginia M. Keehan, J.D., 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)Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco, J.D., LL.M., Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law (Flushing, New York)

Description: In this workshop, the presenter will cover how aspiring lawyers without personal or family wealth will be able to finance an expensive profes-sional 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.

Workshop Presenter: Veronica Wilson, Director of Financial Aid, University of California Irvine School of Law (Irvine, California)

CONCuRRENT SESSION3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #2 (Panel Discussion): Environmental Law: Today and Beyond

Description: With mounting concern over energy, climate change and sustainability, lawyers with expertise in environmental law will play a key role as we move towards the Obama Administration’s “green economy.” The members of this panel will discuss environmental law and its evolution into an interdisci-plinary multifaceted area of legal specialization. The panel members also will discuss their current day-to-day responsibilities and the professional challenges they confront in their respective organizations. The panelists will share their insights as to how students can best position themselves to pursue a career in environmental law upon completion of law school.

Moderator: Mark Latham, Esq., Associ-ate Professor of Law, Vermont Law School (South Royalton, Vermont)

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL SELECTIONSession #1 (Panel Discussion): How to Choose the Best Law School for You

Description: Choosing the law schools to apply to is a important decision warranting thoughtful and serious consideration. During this session, law school administrators and attorneys discuss the many factors one needs to carefully 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 profes-sional life, therefore it is crucial that you make the right choice about the best law school that is the best fit for your interests, and that you can be proud of having attended.

Moderator: Jamila Patten, Third-Year Law Student, University of Houston Law Center (Houston)

Panelists:Lynda Cevallos, Esq., Pre-law Coordinator and Undergraduate Advisor, Council on Legal Educa-tion Opportunity (CLEO), American Bar Association (Washington, DC)Catina Haynes, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)Jill Nikirk, Esq., Director of Admissions, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (Dallas)Brandice Burton Pierre, J.D., Law Clerk, The Law Offices of Reginald McKamie, Sr. (Houston, Texas)Anthony D. Pledger, J.D., Deputy Director of Admissions and Student Services, University of Wyoming College of Law (Laramie, Wyoming)Lillie V. Wiley-upshaw, Vice Dean for Admis-sions & Financial Aid, University at Buffalo Law School – State University of New York (Buffalo, NY)

Panelists:Helena Wooden-Aguilar, Esq., Senior Case Manager, External Compliance Team, The Office of Civil Rights (Washington, DC)Roberta Lewis, Esq., Senior Legal Counsel, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Section, Regulatory & Compliance Group, Shell Oil Com-pany’s Legal Services – U.S (Houston, Texas)Tamara D. Toles, J.D., Professional Extern, The Center on Race, Poverty and Environment (San Francisco, California)

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXPERIENCESession #3 (Panel Discussion): The Challenges and Rewards of Law School, and How to Best Prepare for A Successful Law School Experience

Description: In this session, panelists will discuss what it is really like to be a law student – the aca-demic expectations and the daily grind, as well as the competing demands and opportunities outside of the classroom. They will provide strategies for achiev-ing success in the classroom, during study, and on exams, as well as through positive involvement and leadership in co-curricular and extra-curricular activi-ties 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: Shirley A. Jefferson, Esq., Asso-ciate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity, Vermont Law School (South Royalton, Vermont)

Panelists:Fran Aden, Esq., Associate, Hunton & Williams

panel and workshop descriptions panel and workshop descriptions

Aaron Taylor

Chant’a D. Parker

Judge Arthur Burnett

DeMonica Gladney

Adam Hoff

Cheryl Diggs

Bernard Goudeau

Diana Walker

Andriel Dees

Collins J. Byrd, Jr.

Bill Johnson

Donald Crump

Angela Dixon

Darrell Davis

Brandice Burton Pierre

Elbert Robertson

Anita Barksdale

Daryl K. Washnington

Carolyn Dennis

Elizabeth Campbell

Anthony Pledger

David Taylor

Catina Hayens

Fran Aden


Session #5 (Panel Discussion): 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 the case method, the Socratic method, and what is expected of you as a law student – you will gain an edge against your classmates in a highly competi-tive 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 take advantage of them and start out ahead of the game – instead of behind.

Moderator: Ronda Harrison, Esq., Regional Director, Kaplan (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Andriel M. Dees, Esq., Associate Dean for Multi-cultural Affairs and Adjunct Professor, William Mitchell College of Law (City, State)Yolanda Ingram, Esq., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, University of Memphis Cecil C. Hum-phreys School of Law (Memphis, Tennessee)Vernellia Randall, Esq., Professor of Law, University of Dayton School of Law (Dayton, Ohio)

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #5 (Panel Discussion): African Americans Attorneys With Their Own Law Practices: The Chal-lenges 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

high school students can begin doing now to prepare themselves to become competitive law school candidates. Concrete suggestions regarding aca-demic 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:Angela L. Dixon, Esq., The Law Office of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Judge Caroline Baker, Judge, 151st Civil District Court (Houston, Texas)Marquetta Bryan, Esq., Associate, Carlock Copeland (Atlanta, Georgia)Brandice Burton Pierre, J.D., Law Clerk, The Law Offices of Reginald McKamie, Sr. (Houston, Texas)LaMonika D. Hurst, Esq., Legal and Compliance Manager, Geokinetics Inc. (Houston, Texas)Nan Leverett, Esq., Principal, Leverett Legal Group (Houston, Texas)Wilbur “Wes” Suggs, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: DIVERSITY (RACE AND GENDER) ISSUES

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: Ronda Harrison, Esq., Regional Director, Kaplan PMBR (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Mason D. Barrett, Esq., Director , U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,Savannah Local Office (Savannah, Georgia)Elizabeth A. Campbell, Esq., Partner and Chief Diversity Officer, Andrews Kurth LLP (Houston, Texas)Glenda Clausell, Esq., Attorney, Law Offices of Glenda Clausell (Houston, Texas)DeMonica D. Gladney, Esq., Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation (Houston, Texas)Tiffany Harvey, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)Chant’a Parker, Esq., Staff Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders (New Orleans, Louisiana)

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. THE JOINT/DUAL J.D. AND M.B.A. DEGREESSession #4 (Workshop): The Pros and Cons of the J.D./M.B.A.

Description: This workshop will focus on the increasingly popular JD/MBA degree path. The presenter will break down a variety of pros and cons to the JD/MBA, including cost, timing, admissions chances, and career goals. Additionally, there will be a brief analysis of some of the most popular JD/MBA programs, as well as information about new offerings and recent trends.

Workshop Presenter: Adam Hoff, Esq., Di-rector of Admissions Consulting, Veritas Prep (Malibu, California)

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. Ad-ditionally, they recommend resources and organiza-tions to assist those who have the courage to choose this route.

Moderator: Rhonda Beassie, Esq., As-sistant Dean of Career Development and Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Jonathan Cox, Esq., Attorney, The Cox Law Firm (Houston, Texas)Angela L. Dixon, Esq., Attorney, The Law Offices of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)Bill R. Johnson, Esq., Principal, The Law Office of Bill R. Johnson, PLLC (Houston, Texas)Cheryl Harris Diggs, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Office of Cheryl Harris Diggs (Houston, Texas)R. Nicole Stagg, Esq., Attorney at Law, Law Of-fices of James & Stagg PLLC (Houston, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #6 (Panel Discussion): African American Lawyers: Different Career Paths and Possibilities

Description: Panelists will briefly discuss their edu-cational and career backgrounds, as well as their cur-rent 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.

SATuRDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: INTRODuCTION TO THE CASE METHOD AND THE SOCRATIC METHOD OF LAW SCHOOL INSTRuCTIONSession #5 (Workshop)MOCK LAW SCHOOL CLASS

Description: In this session, attendees have the chance to participate in an interactive “mock” law school class taught by real law professors. Students will be assigned “sections” and class cases and materials will be available on the conference website at least two weeks prior to the conference. Students must go to their assigned sections, 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.

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

CONCuRRENT SESSION1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. FOCUS: LAW SCHOOL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

Moderator: W. Bernard Goudeau, III, Esq., Counsel, BP America Inc. (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Gloria Aldridge, Esq., Chief Counsel, Houston Field Office, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Houston, Texas)Anita Barksdale, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski (Houston, Texas)Robert N. Collier, Esq., Associate, Morgan Stanley (Houston, Texas)Jonathan Cox, Esq.,Frederick Day, Esq., Corporate Associate, Skad-den, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Houston, Texas) Sandra L. English, Esq., Assistant Director of Admission and Multicultural Recruitment, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (Cleveland, Ohio)Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe, Esq., Staff Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders (Houston, Texas)Nydia D. Thomas, Esq., Deputy General Coun-sel, Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (Austin, Texas)Diana N. Walker, Esq., Senior Associate, Tax Controversy Services Group, alliantgroup lp (Hous-ton, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL SESSION/LEGAL CAREER EXPLORATIONSession #6 (Panel Discussion): 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


Frederick L. Day

Lillie V. Wiley-Upshaw

Jerome Coenic-Taylor

Yvonne Cherena Pacheco

Glenda Clausell

Lynda Cevallos

Jessica Childress

Mary Ferguson

Gloria M. Aldridge

Mark Latham

Jonathan Cox

Mason Barrett

Helena Wooden-Aguilar

Marlen Whitley

Judge Caroline Baker

Nan Leverett

Irene Joe

Marquetta Bryan

LaMonika Hurst

Ngozi Okechukwu

Jamila Patten

Martin Camp

Latosha Lewis Payne

Nicole Stagg


Session #7 (Panel Discussion): Addressing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Achievement Gap: Keys to Excellent Preparation for Earning the Scores that Law Schools Expect from Competitive Applicants

Brief Description: This panel discusses the extremely important role that the Law School Admis-sion Test (LSAT) plays in distinguishing applicants for admission and its usefulness as a predictor of success during the first year in law school. Panel-ists impart critical information on how applicants can best prepare themselves to perform at their highest level on this all-important 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 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: Reginald McGahee, Esq., Assistant Dean and Dean of Admissions, Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC)

Panelists:Mason D. Barrett, Esq., Director , U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,Savannah Local Office (Savannah, Georgia)Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe, Esq., Staff Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders (Houston, Texas)Reginald McGahee, Esq., Assistant Dean and Dean of Admissions, Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC)Anthony D. Pledger, J.D., Admissions and Student Services Coordinator, University of Wyoming College of Law (Laramie, Wyoming)Aaron N. Taylor, Esq., Chief Admissions Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School

More of us on the Other Side of the Law

Brief 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 these alarming statistics and interest more Black boys and men in wanting to become lawyers and making sure that they achieve their goals.

Moderator: Angela L. Dixon, Esq., Attorney, The Law Offices of Angela L. Dixon, PLLC (Houston, Texas)

Panelists:Hon. Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., National Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coali-tion, Inc. (Washington, DC)Donald Crump, Esq., Attorney, Barker Lyman P.C. (Houston, Texas)Oswald J. Scott, Jr., Esq., Attorney at Law and Municipal Court Judge, City of Houston (Houston, Texas)David Taylor, Esq., Attorney Advisor, United States Patent and Trademark Office(Washington, DC)Marlen Whitley, Esq., Associate, Thompson & Knight LLP (Houston, Texas)Victor V. Wright, Esq., Senior Legal Counsel, TransCanada Corporation (Houston, Texas)

Session #7 (Panel Discussion): 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

Brief Description: This session discusses the importance of diversity in law schools, and the chal-lenges 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 in-stances as opportunities for teaching 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.

Moderator:Mary Ferguson, J.D., Creator and Director, Diversity Services Office, Michigan State University College of Law (East Lansing, Michigan)

Panelists:Jessica N. Childress, Third-Year Law Student, University of Virginia School of Law (Charlottesville, Virginia)Donald Crump, Esq., Attorney, Barker Lyman P.C. (Houston, Texas)Darrell J. Davis, Esq., Assistant Dean for Students and Multicultural Affairs, Hamline University School of Law (St. Paul, Minnesota)Frederick Day, Esq., Corporate Associate, Skad-den, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Houston, Texas)Vincent Harding, First-Year Law Student, The

of Law (Little Rock, Arkansas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE J.D./M.B.A. DuAL DEGREESession #8 (Workshop): The Pros and Cons of the J.D./M.B.A.

Brief Description: This workshop will focus on the increasingly popular JD/MBA degree path. The presenter will break down a variety of pros and cons to the JD/MBA, including cost, timing, admissions chances, and career goals. Additionally, there will be a brief analysis of some of the most popular JD/MBA programs, as well as information about new offerings and recent trends.

Workshop Presenter:Adam Hoff, Esq., Director of Admissions Consult-ing, Veritas Prep (Malibu, California)

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST (LSAT)Session #8 (Workshop): Overview of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)Presented by The Princeton Review

CONCuRRENT SESSION5:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. FOCUS: DIVERSITY (RACE AND GENDER) ISSuESPanel #11: Black Men and Black Women in the Legal Profession: The Special Issues We Each Face

BACK-TO-BACK PANEL DISCuSSIONSThe Double Minority: The Additional Challenges of Being Both Black and a Woman in the Legal Profes-

University of Texas School of Law (Austin, Texas)Jamila Patten, Third-Year Law Student, University of Houston Law Center (Houston, Texas)Wilbur “Wes” Suggs, Esq., Attorney (Houston, Texas)Travis Torrence, Esq., Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (Houston, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: CAREERSSession #7 What Can You Do With A Law Degree

Brief Description: While the majority of law school graduates go immediately into traditional legal jobs – jobs with the title “lawyer” – thousands of law-trained graduates find that their career paths take them to jobs where legal training is valuable, but where the title isn’t “lawyer.” These are jobs that do not require a law degree, but can be enhanced because of skills learned in law school. These positions range from contract administrators and human resources man-agers to sports agents and athletic directors. This session will: help identify those skills learned in law school (analytical skills, advocacy, communication, research, and the ability to break down a problem into its component parts) that are directly transferable to other professions; and bring attention to job op-portunities that are available to law school graduates who are uninterested in positions at traditional private law firm.

Workshop Presenter: Reginald Green, J.D., Assistant Dean for Career Resources, South Texas College of Law (Houston, Texas)

CONCuRRENT SESSION4:00p.m. - 5:15 p.m. FOCUS: THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST

sion

Brief 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 is-sues 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:Daryl K. Washington, Esq., Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C., Founder, Black Legal Issues (Dallas, Texas)

Panelists:DeMonica D. Gladney, Esq., Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation (Houston, Texas)Tracie J. Jackson, Esq., Attorney at Law, Simo-neaux and Frye, PLLC (Houston, Texas)Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe, Esq., Staff Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders (New Orleans, Louisiana)Latosha Lewis Payne, Esq., Of Counsel, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP (Houston, Texas)Diana N. Walker, Esq., Senior Associate, Tax Controversy Services Group, alliantgroup lp (Hous-ton, Texas)

Black Men in the Legal Profession: Getting


Njeri Mathis Rutledge

Sonya Montgomery

Robert N. Collier

Veronica Wilson

Noe Bernal

Tamara Toles

Roberta Lewis

Victor Wright

Nydia Thomas

Tiffany Harvey

Ronald Dupree

Vincent Harding

Reginald Green

Tracie Jackson

Ronda Harrison

Virginia Keehan Wilbur Suggs Yolanda Ingram

Reginald McGahee

Travis Torrence

Sandra EnglishRhonda Beassie

Vernellia R. Randall

Shirley Jefferson


Telephone: (414) 288-6767Website: law.marquette.eduE-mail: [email protected]

Nick W., ’10

Then: Professional soccer player

Now: Full-time student, husband, and father

What’s next: Marquette lawyer, class of 2010

Personal. Practical. Professional.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law offers...

"I chose Chase because I wanted to belong to a

community. Law school is such a large investment, and it takes up so much of my life that I wanted to make sure the school I chose

would be the best fit for my academic career and personal life." - JoAnna Hortillosa, 3L

signature eventLaw School Admissions and Preparation Help Advice Clinic [

[

Saturday, november 7, 20092:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The law School Admissions and Preparation Help Advice Clinic enables conference partici-pants to meet one-on-one with a knowledgeable pre-law advisor, law student, law school repre-sentative, law graduate, or attorney to ask questions and receive assistance regarding law school admissions and preparation for law school.

Attendees may sign up for 15, 30 or 45 minute time slots. If you have specific questions and would like to receive advice from our volunteer advisors, please

sign up at the designated table near the Wilhemina Cullen Roberson Auditorium. At least 10 minutes prior to the selected time for your session, please come to the designated table and you will be escorted

to the assigned room for your clinic session.

Featured Pre-Law Advisors

Mel Hailey, Ph.D.Chair, Pre-Law Advisors national Council

Dr. Mel Hailey received his bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University in 1970 and went on to earn a master’s degree in 1973 and a doctorate in 1988, both from Texas Tech University. Hailey began teaching at Abilene Christian University in 1974 and became chairman of the Politi-cal Science Department in 1987. Hailey also served as co-director of the Taft Seminar for Teachers and is currently the director of the Jack Pope Fellows Program. He is currently the chair of the Pre-law Advisors National Council.

In 1990 Hailey was selected Teacher of the Year by the College of liberal and Fine Arts and was presented with the Trustee’s Award as Outstand-ing Teacher of the Year in 1991.

gary Keith, Ph.D.Vice President, Southwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors

Gary Keith has 35 years experience in the fields of public policy, political science, and law. He earned his doctorate in political science from Brandeis University and received his B.A. from Baylor University. Keith teaches political science at the University of the Incarnate Word and is the university’s pre-law advisor.

He previously taught at the University of Texas at Austin, Tarleton State University, Baylor University, and other colleges. He also served as a public policy analyst for the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research and as executive director of a caucus at the Texas legislature.

At the University of the Incarnate Word, Keith advises pre-law students. He was recently elected vice president of the Southwest Association of Pre-law Advisors. law-related courses that he teaches include Constitutional law, Introduction to the U.S. legal System, and law and Social Justice in Movies and Novels.

Jeffrey B. Robb, Esq.President, Southwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors

Jeffrey B. Robb is a full professor of Government at Texas Woman’s University and the director of the legal Studies Program. He teaches courses in Employment law, Civil litigation, Sex Discrimination, legal History, and legal Research and Writing.

Dr. Robb received his B.A. degree from North Texas State University, an M.l.S. from the University of North Texas, and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas School of law. Dr. Robb practiced law for fifteen years as a U.S. Navy JAG Corps officer and as an attorney in private practice.

He is a member of the State Bar of Texas. His research interests include the historical context of the evolution of law, the role of gender in law, and interdisciplinary research regarding law, business, and the environment.

Dr. Jerry PolinardPre-Law Adviser, The University of Texas-Pan American

Dr. Jerry Polinard is a professor of political science and the pre-law adviser at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinberg, Texas. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&I University, which is now Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He was awarded his Ph.D. in government from the University of Arizona. Dr. Polinard’s research and scholarly publications focus on Mexican-American political behavior.

Recently, he was recognized by receiving the University of Texas-Pan American’s College of Social and Behavioral Science’s Excellence in Teach-ing Award. He also received the leon Jaworski Award for Teaching Excellence in law Focused Education for the State Bar in 2006, as well as the Hidalgo County Bar Association’s liberty Bell Award in May 2009.

Professor Polinard has actively served in leadership positions in regional and national pre-law advisement associations, which have the goal of improving law-related education. He is also the coordinator and one of the professors in the University of Texas-Pan American’s intensive law School Preparation Institute (lSPI).


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Chapman University School of Law continues to rank among the nation’sbest law schools in Princeton Review’s Best 174 Law Schools, 2009 Edition.Chapman retained its Top 10 status in the “Quality of Life (#3)”“Professors Rock (Legally Speaking) (#7),” and “Best Classroom Experience(#3)” categories. More importantly, Chapman added a fourth Top 10category to its roster — “Most Diverse Faculty,” debuting at #9.

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Hunton & Williams LLP is Proud to Sponsor The Fifth Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and depend on the facts of each matter. Attorney Advertising.© 2009 by Andrews Kurth LLP. All rights reserved.

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Our firm is proud to supportThe Fifth AnnualNational Black Pre-LawAdmissions & PreparationConference and Law Fair

Univ. of Baltimore School of LawUniv. of California Irvine School of LawUniv. of Colorado Law SchoolUniv. of Houston Law CenterUniv. of Illinois College of Law Univ. of Iowa College of LawUniv. of Kansas School of LawUniv. of Kentucky College of LawUniv. of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of LawUniv. of Maryland School of LawUniv. of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of LawUniv. of Mississippi School of LawUniv. of Oklahoma College of LawUniv. of Oregon School of LawUniv. of the Pacific McGeorge School of LawUniv. of San Diego School of LawUniv. of San Francisco School of LawUniv. of St. Thomas School of Law (Minneapolis, MN)Univ. of Texas School of LawThe Univ. of Toledo College of LawUniv. of Wyoming College of LawVanderbilt Univ. Law SchoolVermont Law SchoolVillanova Univ. School of LawWashburn Univ. School of LawWestern New England College School of LawWestern State Univ. College of LawWidener University School of Law Willamette Univ. College of LawWilliam Mitchell College of LawWhittier Law School

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law SchoolAve Maria School of LawBaylor Law SchoolBenjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Yeshiva Univ.California Western School of LawCase Western Reserve Univ. School of LawCatholic Univ. of America Columbus School of LawChapman Univ. School of LawCharleston School of Law, LLCCharlotte School of LawCity Univ. of New York (CUNY) School of LawCleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland St. Univ.Columbia Law SchoolCreighton Univ. School of LawDePaul Univ. College of LawThe Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania St. Univ.Duquesne Univ. School of LawEmory Univ. School of LawFlorida A&M Univ. College of LawGeorge Mason Univ. School of LawGeorgia State Univ. College of LawGolden Gate Univ. School of LawGonzaga Univ. School of LawHamline Univ. School of LawHofstra University School of Law Howard Univ. School of LawIndiana Univ. School of Law – IndianapolisLewis & Clark Law School – Display OnlyLiberty Univ. School of LawLoyola Univ. New Orleans College of Law

Louisiana State Univ. Paul M. Hebert Law CenterEarl Macke School of Law at Drexel UniversityMarquette Univ. Law SchoolMercer Univ. School of LawMichigan State Univ. College of LawMississippi College School of LawNew England Law | BostonNew York Law SchoolNortheastern Univ. School of LawNorthern Illinois Univ. College of LawNotre Dame Law SchoolOhio Northern Univ. College of LawOklahoma City Univ. School of LawPace Univ. School of LawRoger Williams Univ. School of LawSalmon P. Chase College of Law N. Kentucky Univ.Seton Hall Univ. School of Law South Texas College of LawSouthern Univ. Law CenterSouthern Methodist Univ. Dedman School of LawSouthwestern Law SchoolSt. Thomas Univ. School of Law (Miami Gardens, FL)Stetson Univ. College of LawSuffolk Univ. Law SchoolTemple Univ. Beasley School of LawThomas Jefferson School of LawTulane Univ. Law SchoolThe Univ. of Alabama School of LawUniv. at Buffalo Law SchoolUniv. of Ark. at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

Law School Recruitment Fair2009 Participating Schools

[

[

Acknowledgements Without the support from the followingindividuals and organizations, this important

annual event would not be possible:

university Organizational SponsorsUniversity of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown Black Student AllianceUniversity of Houston-Downtown Pre-Law Association

Friday Welcome Breakfast SponsorLatham & Watkins LLP

Friday Lunch SponsorAndrews Kurth LLP

Friday Professional NetworkingSocial/Mentorship Mixer Sponsor

Thompson & Knight LLP

Gold Sponsor: Houston Black Book African American Business Directory, BlackWallStreetNow.comSilver Sponsors: Baker Botts LLP,Phoenix School of LawPatron Sponsors: Dickstein Shapiro LLP,Hunton & Williams LLP , Veritas PrepPhotography Sponsor:L.I.G.H.T. Studios; Reuben Clewis, PhotographerCatering Services Sponsors: Carolyn Shelton,Noted Cookbook Author and Chef;Delectable Desserts (Darrell Zeno, Owner)Partners: Blacke Student Summit and The Founda-tion for Student Leadership and Success; Reginald Rhodes, i10Media.com; Princeton Review; Anika Sala, Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center & Bookstore; Nan Leverett, Tomorrow’s Attorneys Pipeline Program; Houston Young Lawyers Association; Houston Public Library

SupportersCraig Amos, Erika Johnson,Byron Lundy, Michael and Nyla Means, Mike Moore, Lisa Sterling

. . . and of course, all of the wonderful conference executive and advisory board members, speak-ers, panelists, moderators, presenters, volunteers, friends, family members, and the law school rep-resentatives that come out and support the event every year! We thank you and we appreciate you!

Documents

2009 Black Pre-Law Magazine