Mission Statement

We, the Black law students of Santa Clara University, strive to promote excellence within the legal community. Our goal is to aid in the diversification of the legal profession and to act as a light post for all students of color. Our mission is to operate as a resource for law students and others who desire to enter the legal profession. Our purpose is to demonstrate that it is possible to excel in the face of adversity and that persistence is the key success.

We will stand by each other through the lessons of law and the lessons of life. Though small in numbers, we will continue to be encouraged, for our strength lies in our unity.

Description

Founded in 1968, by Algernon Johnson ("AJ") Cooper, NBLSA (National Black Law Students Association) is the largest student-run organization in America. With 200 chapters, and over 6,000 members, NBLSA has expanded from its beginnings at NYU Law school to include chapters and affiliates in other countries, including, Canada, England, South Africa, the Bahamas, and Nigeria. Although it was originally founded as BALSA (Black American Law Students Association), in 1983 the name was changed to be inclusive of Blacks of non-American nationality. NBLSA's purpose was to effectuate change in the law and the legal system, which it continues to do through programs such as the Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition, the Adopt-a-School Program, and through its Nelson Mandela Scholarship programs. Justice Thurgood Marshall was NBLSA's honorary chair until his death in 1993.

2011-2012 Officers

Co-Presidents: Jasmine Walker (j2walker@scu.edu) & Sherrett Walker (sowalker@scu.edu)

Vice  President: Haris McKinley (hmckinley@scu.edu)

Treasurer: Antonio Raymo (araymo@scu.edu)

Secretary: George Atkins (gatkins@scu.edu)

Community Service Coordinator: Jason de Barros (jdebarros@scu.edu)

Historian: Shayla Jackson (stjackson@scu.edu)

Social Chair: Isabella Shin (ishin@scu.edu)

Part-time Liaison: Norah Alyami (nalyami@scu.edu)

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Mentor/Mentee Program

For 1LS who are interested in having a mentor for the year can you please send us an email at blsasculaw@gmail.com with the names of your professors. For 2LS and 3LS who are interested in being mentors can you please email us with the names of your first year professors. We'll factor this information in when matching mentors with mentees.

NBA Membership

Founded in 1925, the NBA is the oldest largest national association of African American lawyers and judges. Membership is free to law students. Please note that if you complete the application by September 15th, your name will be included in the September NBA Membership Committee E-Newsletter.

For updates, please check out http://scublsa.blogspot.com

Active Member Organization, Student Bar Association 2011-2012