NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
SPONSOR GUIDE
Enhancing ! Dream2012-2013
Contents: Message from the National Board ! ! ! ! 3 Organizational Highlights ! ! ! ! ! 4
C.A.R.E.S. International Service Trip Opportunities 5
Convention Sponsorship Opportunities! ! 7
Competition & Division Sponsorship Opportunities! 10
Advertisement & Exhibit Opportunities ! ! 11
Scholarship Sponsorship Opportunities! ! ! 12 Sponsor Commitment Forms! ! ! ! 14
NBLSA members visit the White House
Greetings!
In 1968, on the campus of New York University Law School, Algernon Johnson (“A.J.”) Cooper responded to the need for continued educational encouragement, professional development and community enrichment for Black law students. Mr. Cooper founded the National Black Law Students Association (“NBLSA”), a non-profit organization, which currently serves nearly 6,000 student members worldwide. For nearly 45 years, NBLSA has been a valuable resource in addressing the educational needs and goals of minority law students, while encouraging their professional advancement and fostering meaningful relationships with Black attorneys, and other legal professionals. NBLSA's 2012-2013 theme, "Enhancing the Dream," speaks to the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Charles Hamilton, Thurgood Marshall and others who have advocated for justice, equality and positive social change for those who often go unheard. NBLSA is proudly dedicated to developing and advocating for tomorrow’s brightest legal minds.
Our engaged members make NBLSA the largest student-run organization in the United States, with a presence on virtually every law school campus in the nation. In addition, NBLSA has overseas chapters in six different countries, including affiliates in Nigeria and South Africa. NBLSA has readily championed diversity in all its forms, and assisted with the formation of the National Latino/Latina Law Students Association (“NLLSA”), the National Association of Law Students with Disabilities (“NALSD”), and the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (“NAPALSA”).
Our success greatly depends on the generosity of corporate sponsors. Serving as an official sponsor is an opportunity for your organization to become an active participant with NBLSA. Moreover, your sponsorship highlights your ongoing commitment to diversity in the legal profession and advances your company as an industry leader and agent of positive social change.
Your support will enable us to execute our programming initiatives at both the national and regional levels, including our conventions throughout the nation, academic retreats, career fairs, and legislation events. In addition, we host voter education and juvenile justice community service events, professional development podcast series, and international service trips to Haiti and Nigeria.
NBLSA continues to be an organization committed to helping minority law students think intensively and critically to foster positive change in the world. We look forward to discussing sponsorship opportunities with you in detail, and are excited about the possibility of collaborating throughout the year!
Best regards,
" " Kendra Brown" Alyssa “Lee” Locus National Chair" " " " " " National Corporate Relations DirectorVermont Law School, J.D., Class of 2012" " " Loyola University Chicago Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, LL.M., Class of 2013 " " School of Law, J.D., Class of 2013
ABOUT NBLSA“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively, and to think critically. . . Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
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ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), is a leading national advocate for diversity in legal education and the legal profession. Below are the details of our national programs.
EDUCATIONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMINGNational and Regional Career Fairs: Bringing together some of the best and brightest law students in the Southern Region, the Regional Career Fair/Leadership Retreat serves as a unique venue for employers to personally connect with our members. Each event will be an unrivaled opportunity for organizations committed to diversity and inclusion to make their presence felt, through both participation and sponsorship.
Academic Retreats: Targeted primarily at first year students, academic retreats are held in each of NBLSA’s six regions during the fall semester. Members receive crucial academic support and tips on maximizing their law school experience.
Regional Law Journals: Our SRBLSA and MWBLSA each sponsor law journals. These student-run publications are an outlet for both talented law students and established professionals of all backgrounds to present their diverse perspectives on a range of relevant topics.
Community Service: Throughout the year, NBLSA members volunteer with elementary school children, in soup kitchens and at legal aid offices. In addition, NBLSA organizes an Innocence Project Week, chapter-based Community Service Weeks, and other important events impacting the community.
International Service Trips: Through our partnerships with the Pax Christi Haiti, the LAMP for Haiti Foundation and the Vincetian Family Worldwide’s Zafen Project, NBLSA members have reinforced our strong presence abroad with community service and field research on human rights issues. The NBLSA C.A.R.E.S (Contributing through Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Service) campaign has expanded our service. In 2012, NBLSA partnered with the Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), a non-governmental organization located in Abuja, Nigeria.
Alumni Reception: NBLSA’s Alumni Affairs Receptions allow our members to network with Alumni, law partners, solo practitioners, and various influential people in the legal area and community at-large. These events provide an opportunity to build long standing connections.
LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL ADVOCACYThe Amicus Curiae Program: The Amicus Curiae Program enables NBLSA members to submit amicus curiae briefs supporting judicial decisions that affect the Black community. Participation in this program allows students the opportunity to research current appellate cases and advocate for reform consistent with NBLSA's initiatives.
National Hill and Government Day: The 2013 Hill Day will allow members of NBLSA to collaborate with each other on legislative reform. Hill Day encourages NBLSA members to actively participate in the democratic process. Students will hear the perspectives of attorneys who have chosen careers in legislative advocacy and meet with legislators to discuss necessary reforms. This year's theme will center on issues relating to college affordability.
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NBLSA is proud to partner with the Vincetian Family Worldwide's Zafen Project. The Vincentian Family is a network of non-profit charitable organizations with a well-established organizational structure in more than 135 countries. The Zafen Project, based in Haiti, is an initiative dedicated to transforming the Haitian economy by creating jobs, expanding already existing small businesses, and empowering citizens by educating them on the economic benefits and legal aspects of entrepreneurship.
On January 4 – 11, 2013, ten (10) NBLSA student members from all over the country will travel to Haiti where they will assist the directors of the Zafen Project with various microfinance and legal projects. The primary purpose of the trip will be for the participants to not only familiarize themselves with the Haitian legal system, and its application to economic development but to experience first hand the conditions facing the people of Haiti. In addition to the week of service, NBLSA will also make a donation to the Zafen Project in support of their mission and initiatives throughout Haiti.
NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRIPS
NBLSA has developed strong roots in the United States and beyond. Since 2007, NBLSA has provided assistance and raised awareness of international issues facing countries with Black communities, including Haiti and Nigeria.
2013 HAITI SERVICE TRIP OPPORTUNITY | $2,000 - $12,000
Sponsorship benefits depend on the level of support your company is able to provide. The following benefits are some but not all benefits available to our sponsors:
• Exclusive signage and verbal recognition• Opportunity to deliver greetings/remarks• Premiere logo and link placement in program and event materials• Company listing as official sponsor on NBLSA’s website• Quarter page advertisement in the National Convention Program• One reserved table at Reception• Exhibitor’s Table• Company literature and marketing item distributed during registration• 15% Off any additional sponsorship package
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NBLSA C.A.R.E.S. INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRIPS
NBLSA is also proud to partner with the Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), a non-governmental organization located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. WOTCLEF was founded in 1999 by Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar (the wife of Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and is committed to addressing the issues of human trafficking, illegal child labor, women’s rights, and HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
On January 4 – 11, 2013, ten (10) NBLSA student members from all over the country will travel to Abuja, Nigeria to volunteer at the WOTCLEF office. Students will assist with rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts of trafficked persons. Additionally, they will help raise awareness of issues such as illegal child labor, women’s rights, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic through presentations and other already established WOTCLEF services. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the legal aspects of human trafficking. In addition to the week of service, NBLSA will also make a donation to WOTCLEF in support of their mission and initiatives throughout Nigeria.
2013 Nigeria Service Trip Opportunity | $5,000 - $20,000
Sponsorship benefits depend on the level of support your company is able to provide. The following benefits are some but not all benefits available to our sponsors:
• Exclusive signage and verbal recognition• Opportunity to deliver greetings/remarks• Premiere logo and link placement in program and event materials• Company listing as official sponsor on NBLSA’s website• Quarter page advertisement in the National Convention Program• One reserved table at Reception• Exhibitor’s Table• Company literature and marketing item distributed during registration• 15% Off any additional sponsorship package
NBLSA 45TH NATIONAL
CONVENTION
March 6-10, 2013
We look forward to
seeing you in Atlanta!
NBLSA members are not only talented law students, but also involved community advocates. Our alumni are among the most talented and respected legal practitioners and are active and influential community leaders.
MEMBER DEMOGRAPHICSLast year, over 200 schools were represented in our membership, including:
• Atlanta John Marshall• American University• Columbia University• Cornell University• Duke University• Emory University• Florida A&M • Georgia State University• Georgetown University• Harvard University • Howard University• Loyola University Chicago• New York University• North Carolina Central
University• Northwestern University
• Stanford University• Southern University• Southern Methodist University• Texas Southern University• Tulane University• UCLA• University of Missouri• University of Pennsylvania• University of Texas at Austin• University of Southern
California• University of Virginia• University of Wisconsin• Vermont• Yale University
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Corporate Sponsor United States Air Force JAG
We expect over 1,000 students to join us in Atlanta for our Convention!
Convention invitations will be sent to NBLSA’s membership of nearly 6,000 diverse law students, as well as to the Pre-Law Division and our robust alumni network. NBLSA will also utilize a peer-to-peer
marketing team comprised of approximately 200 individuals, one at each chapter, to relay Convention information and updates. Finally, NBLSA will promote the Convention using the internet and new media tools such www.nblsa.org, Facebook, and Twitter.
MARKETING PLAN
NBLSA’s National Convention1,000 students200 chapters1 purpose Each year, NBLSA chapter delegates, competitors, and members gather to develop their advocacy and leadership skills, learn from each other, and connect one-on-one with attorneys and employers who value diversity.
• Speaking opportunity and one seat on dais at a luncheon or gala
• Ten all-access Convention passes• One reserved table at onsite luncheons and gala• Table at Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• Prominent logo placement on all Convention marketing
materials
DIAMOND SPONSOR | $35,000
• Exclusive recognition at general/plenary sessions
• Message from sponsor included in all-member emails
• Speaking opportunity and 2 seats on dais at gala
• 20 all-access Convention passes• 2 reserved tables at onsite
luncheons and gala
• Table at the Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• Premiere logo placement in all
Convention marketing materials • 3 marketing items included in
Convention bag• Recognition on official signage• Exclusive signage at gala• Complimentary hospitality suite
• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine
and Annual Report• Full page ad on inside front
cover of Convention Guide• Choice of one customized
opportunity• 50% discount off additional
customized opportunities
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CONVENTION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PERKINS COIE LLP | NATIONAL CONVENTION TITLE SPONSOR
• Two marketing items included in Convention bag• Recognition on official signage• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine and Annual Report• Full page ad in Convention Guide
CLOSED
CLOSED
• One marketing item included in Convention bag• Recognition on official signage• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine and Annual Report• 3/4 page ad in Convention Guide
PLATINUM SPONSOR | $25,000 (3 Opportunities Available)
• Opportunity to deliver greetings/remarks at an appropriate event
• Ten all-access Convention passes• One reserved table at gala• Table at Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• High visibility for logo on all Convention marketing
materials
NBLSA members at 44th Annual National Convention in Washington, DC
• Opportunity to deliver greetings/remarks at an appropriate event
• Three all-access Convention passes• Table at Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• Logo on Convention materials• Recognition on official signage• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine and Annual Report• 1/4 page ad in Convention Guide
SILVER SPONSOR | $10,000
A. Leon Higginbotham LuncheonFriday | $15,000• Speaking opportunity at event• Exclusive signage at event• Company logo on Event Program
Sadie T.M. Alexander LuncheonSaturday | $15,000• Speaking opportunity at event• Exclusive signage at event• Company logo on Event Program
Welcome to Atlanta, GA Reception Thursday | $10,000 • Speaking opportunity at event• Exclusive signage at event• Company logo on drink tickets
Legacy of NBLSA & Sponsor’s ReceptionFriday | $10,000• Speaking opportunity at event• Exclusive signage at event• Company logo on drink tickets
Delegate Bags | $7,500• One color imprint of company
logo placed on attendee bags
Delegate Badge Holders | $7,500• Company logo on lanyard of
badge holder
Convention Guide | $7,500• Color company logo on front
cover of Convention Guide• Full page ad in Convention Guide
Convention Memory Stick | $7,500• Company logo of cover of
memory stick• Company information 2-pager
PDF included on memory stick
Workshop Sponsor | $5,000• Exclusive signage at event• Choice of topic and panelists
Convention Water Stations | $2,500• Company logo on cups used at
water stations
Delegate Bag Inserts | $2,500• One piece of company literature
into all delegate bags
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• Opportunity to deliver greetings/remarks at an appropriate event
• Five all-access Convention passes• Table at Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• High visibility for logo on all Convention materials• One marketing item included in Convention bag• Recognition on official signage• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine and Annual Report• 1/2 page ad in Convention Guide
GOLD SPONSOR | $15,000
Questions? Please contact Alyssa “Lee” Locus at [email protected] or (202) 618-2572
• Two all-access Convention passes• Table at Career Fair Expo• Workshop panelist opportunities• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine• 1/4 page ad in Convention Guide
• Two all-access Convention passes• Workshop panelist opportunities• Logo/link placement on website• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine• Recognition in Convention Guide
SPECIALIZED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SUPPORTER| $2,500BRONZE SPONSOR | $5,000
NBLSA hosts three competitions: the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, and the International Negotiations Competition. These competitions provide our members with opportunities to hone their advocacy skills using feedback from practicing attorneys.
COMPETITION & DIVISION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• Company logo on all NBLSA Moot Court Competition Materials
• Exclusive official NBLSA Moot Court Competition signage
• Recognition during gala• Presentation of NBLSA Moot
Court Awards at gala• 5 all-access Convention passes• Logo/link placement on website• 1/2 page ad in Convention Guide• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine
and Annual Report
• Company logo on all NBLSA Mock Trial Competition Materials
• Exclusive official NBLSA Mock Trial Competition signage
• Recognition during gala Presentation of NBLSA Mock Trial Awards at gala
• 5 all-access Convention passes• Logo/link placement on website• 1/2 page ad in Convention Guide• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine
and Annual Report
• Company logo on all NBLSA Negotiations Competition Materials
• Exclusive official NBLSA Competition signage
• Recognition during gala Presentation of NBLSA Negotiations Awards at gala
• 5 all-access Convention passes• Logo/link placement on website• 1/4 page ad in Convention Guide• Recognition in NBLSA Magazine
and Annual Report
PRE-LAW DIVISION SPONSOR | $15,000
NBLSA believes current law students are uniquely positioned to support legal pipeline initiatives. NBLSA’s Pre-Law Division encourages undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates, to consider the benefits of law school and a legal career.
At the National Convention, our Pre-Law Division members participate in a special workshop series designed to help them prepare for the law school application process. In addition, complimentary registration is provided to select students who have demonstrated an interest in law but for who paid attendance is not financially feasible. Pre-Law Division Members are also eligible for a $1,000 sponsor-named scholarship. This year, we expect to have over 100 Pre-Law Division members in attendance.
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Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition: Since its inception in 1975, the National Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition has been the cornerstone of NBLSA programming, offering high caliber competition to showcase oral advocacy and brief writing talents among law students nationwide.
Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition: The National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition provides law students with a platform to develop their oral advocacy skills, improve their legal research and writing ability, and enhance their knowledge of substantive and procedural law.
International Negotiations Competition: The International Negotiations Competition was created to provide NBLSA members with realistic exposure to alternative dispute resolution.
Moot Court, Mock Trial and International Negotiation Competitions’ Winners
MOOT COURT | $15,000 MOCK TRIAL | $15,000 NEGOTIATIONS | $10,000
CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED
One-on-one impact. NBLSA’s Career Development Center and other networking events provide an opportunity to connect directly with talented law students. Advertising in the Event Program and participating at these events ensure broad attendee exposure.
CONVENTION ADVERTISEMENT & EXHIBIT
NBLSA’s Career Development Center allows you to have one-on-one contact with talented law students seeking employment opportunities and externships. This highly publicized one-day event allows you to distribute career recruitment information, marketing materials and conduct informational interviews while networking with Convention attendees. You can also receive a Resume Book highlighting mostly first-year candidates for hire with exceptional resumes.
EVENT PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT | $250-$1,000
Place your advertisement in the 45th Annual National Convention Program!
The Event Program allows you to:• Promote your organization’s services, products, and career
opportunities;• Celebrate your NBLSA chapter’s extraordinary accomplishments;• Show support of a local, regional, or national NBLSA member; and• Join us in celebrating 45 years of service to our communities.
Highlight your moment with an quarter-page, half-page, or full-page color advertisement. See the order form for pricing details.
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NBLSA fosters professional competence for Black law students.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER | $550
Our Vendor/Sponsor Exhibit space allows you to showcase your services, products and distribute marketing materials to attendees throughout the 45th Annual National Convention.
VENDOR/SPONSOR EXHIBIT SPACE | $325
NBLSA members are dynamic leaders and gifted law students. We encourage and recognize our members’ commitment to academic excellence and community service through our scholarship program.
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
This scholarship honors the late Rodney Pulliam, who served as the 1998-1999 NBLSA National Chair. This scholarship awards deserving graduating law students with a bar preparation course scholarship.
RODNEY PULLIAM SCHOLARSHIP | $10,000
Named to honor the courageous South African civil rights activist Nelson Mandela, this sponsorship provides scholarships to students planning to enter law school in the United States and pursue a career in civil rights. This scholarship provides financial support to those who need assistance to fulfill their dreams of a legal career.
NELSON MANDELA SCHOLARSHIP | $5,000
SANDY BROWN SCHOLARSHIP | $5,000
This scholarship honors the late Sandy Brown, a past NBLSA Western Regional Director. This scholarship awards several current law students $500 for the best-written essays discussing social activism.
STUDENT LEADER SCHOLARSHIP | $5,000
This $5,000 sponsor-named scholarship recognizes the accomplishment of a NBLSA member who has excelled academically while being active in their NBLSA chapter and community.
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2011 - 2012 NBLSA Scholarship Recipients
NBLSA members lead various initiatives around the country, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New York. Successful implementation depends largely on our members’ ability to plan and attend these initiatives.
With your assistance, student members will have access to scholarship assistance to attend NBLSA events. Scholarships include registration, lodging and travel expenses. Sponsors will have the option of participating in the scholarship selection process. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with local BLSA members in your area each year.
Additionally, sponsors will receive recognition and a letter of gratitude from scholarship recipients.
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Support NBLSA’s Executive Board Members who have accepted the call to leadership. By providing a Board Leadership Scholarship, our student leaders are able to fully participate in national and regional events, while gaining unique opportunities to develop as corporate citizens.
Sponsors also will receive recognition and a letter of gratitude from scholarship recipients.
STUDENT TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
BOARD LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP| $1,000
MEMBER TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP | $325
NBLSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was established to promote the needs and goals of black law students and to serve as a conduit for purposeful change within the legal community.
We greatly appreciate in-kind donations of event space, water, office/school supplies, internet access, etc. to help us achieve our mission. Please contact your company’s tax preparer for more information on charity tax deductions to non-profit corporations.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
☐ ! YES! I/We welcome the opportunity to participate in NBLSA’s 2012 - 2013 programming ! at the level listed below.
☐ ! I/We cannot accept your invitation to participate as a sponsor, but we would like to ! support your efforts with an In-kind Donation. Enclosed is a tax deductible contribution of ! $________.
Premium Sponsorship☐ Title Sponsor - PERKINS COIE LLP N/A☐ Diamond Sponsor - CLOSED $35,000☐ Platinum Sponsor $25,000☐ Gold Sponsor $15,000☐ Silver Sponsor $10,000☐ Bronze Sponsor $5,000☐ Supporter $2,500
Competition & Division Sponsorship☐ Moot Court Competition Sponsor - CLOSED $15,000☐ Mock Trial Competition Sponsor - CLOSED $15,000☐ Negotiations Competition Sponsor $10,000
Scholarship Sponsorship☐ Rodney Pulliam Scholarship Sponsor $10,000☐ Nelson Mandela Scholarship Sponsor $5,000☐ Sandy Brown Scholarship Sponsor $5,000☐ Student Leader Scholarship Sponsor $5,000
C.A.R.E.S. International Sponsorship☐ 2013 Haiti Service Trip $12,000☐ 2013 Nigeria Service Trip $20,000☐ C.A.R.E.S. International General Sponsor $______
Sponsor Commitment Form
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Your commitment form, payment and materials must be received 30 days prior to the National Convention in order to secure sponsorship benefits.
Please mail your check, payable to NBLSA, and your commitment form to:
The National Black Law Students Associationc/o LaBrae McMillan, Financial SecretaryP.O. Box 617171Orlando, FL 32861
15Your commitment form, payment and materials must be received 30 days prior
to the National Convention in order to secure sponsorship benefits.
Company/Organization Name: _______________________________________________
Contact Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
City:____________________________________ State:________ Zip: _______________
Phone: ______________ Fax: _____________ Email: _______________________________
Authorized Signature:________________________________________________________
Specialized Sponsorship☐ A. Leon Higginbotham Luncheon $15,000☐ Sadie T.M. Alexander Luncheon $15,000☐ Welcome to Washington, D.C. Reception $10,000☐ Legacy of NBLSA & Sponsor’s Reception $10,000☐ Member Travel Scholarship $350☐ Board Leadership Scholarship $850☐ Delegate Bags $7,500☐ Delegate Badge Holders $7,500☐ Convention Guide $7,500☐ Convention Memory Stick $7,500☐ Workshop Sponsor $5,000☐ Convention Water Stations $2,500☐ Delegate Bag Inserts $2,500
45th National Convention Advertisement & Exhibit☐ Full Page Ad $1,000☐ Half Page Ad $500☐ Quarter Page Ad $250☐ Career Development Center Table $550☐ Resume Book $200☐ General Vendor/Sponsor Exhibit space $325
TOTAL SPONSORSHIP RESERVED: $_____________
Sponsor Commitment Form
NBLSAS P O N S O R S H I P
CONTACT
ALYSSA L. LOCUSNational Director of Corporate RelationsNational Black Law Students [email protected]
Su!o"ing # lawyers of tomorrow today!
National Black Law Students Association http://www.nblsa.org