Unparalelled Opportunity For Aspiring Lawyers: Free National Black Pre-Law Conference And Fair

May 12, 2008 - PRLog -- HOUSTON, TEXAS - The Fourth Annual National Black Pre-Law Admissions & Preparation Conference and Law Fair 2008 will be held on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the University of Houston in the University Center in Houston, Texas.  This is the nation’s premier information-sharing and networking event focused on the success of aspiring Black lawyers.  

This year’s schedule is jam-packed with everything any aspiring lawyer would need to know to make a fully informed decision regarding pursuing a professional legal education.  There will be powerful and thought-provoking panel discussions made up of expert law school administrators and accomplished law students, lawyers, and judges imparting critical information on all areas a future law student should gain knowledge about.  Panels will discuss what admissions committees look for in competitive applicants, the Law School Admission Test, personal and diversity statements, financing a legal education, selecting a law school, preparation programs, the case method and Socratic method of classroom instruction, making the most of the law school experience, diversity issues in the legal educational environment and legal work settings, what it takes to pass the bar exam, the different legal career options and paths of those with legal training, and how to be successful in the legal job search.  All sessions will be followed by a question and answer period.

In addition to providing this key “insider” information in an engaging and lively “town hall meeting” format, participants will be able to gain small group interaction and networking opportunities that they otherwise would not receive in a friendly, positive, and non-threatening environment.  There will be planned icebreakers, speed networking activities, refreshment breaks/networking power half-hours, and a networking social/mentorship mixer.  Also featured is the Law School Admissions & Preparation Help Advice Clinic so attendees can get one-on-one assistance with their application materials and answers to their questions.  There will also be Lunch Round Tables where lunch will be provided and discussion facilitated in order to promote more personal interaction between prospective law student attendees with each other, and with participating law school representatives, current law students, law graduates, lawyers, and judges.

Moreover, there will be the Law School Recruitment Fair where pre-law students will have the opportunity to talk to law school representatives from numerous law schools at all tier levels from across the country.  The past three conferences have attracted over 100 law schools each year.  These schools’ presence at the fair and desire to share what their schools have to offer demonstrates their interest in increasing diversity and particularly African American representation at their schools and in the legal profession.

A brief morning pre-conference pep talk/motivational session will be given to explain to participants exactly what they should do to maximize their experience throughout the conference weekend, and to stress the importance of creating a strategic plan to help ensure their future success. The conference will officially kick off with a powerful opening keynote address given by Shawn Stuckey, a former professional football player turned successful and award-winning law student and new attorney, who will share his inspiring story of overcoming unthinkable odds and adversity to leading a dynamic life of great successes in both the sports and academic worlds.  There will also be a motivational closing keynote speech delivered by Vernellia R. Randall, a law professor who teaches in the areas of health care, race and racism, gender, and academic support at the University of Dayton School of Law and founder of the J.D. Project, and is known as an outspoken advocate for the importance of diversity in American law schools.

New this year and based on expressed interest will be a very special forum called “The Dynamic Duo: The Power of the J.D. and MBA Degrees.” This session is designed especially for those considering pursuing both their law and business school degrees.  Panelists will explore joint J.D./MBA programs, the differences between the admissions requirements, the different types of education they will receive in law and business school, and how both degrees can work for them in their careers.  They will have the opportunity to hear from persons possessing both degrees, and talk to business school representatives who choose to attend.

This groundbreaking “must attend” event is completely free of charge, free food is provided, and it is open to the public.  High school students, college students, college graduates, working professionals, career changers, pre-law and career advisors, supporters, and parents who want to encourage and guide their children who are interested in law school are all encouraged to come out and take part in what this conference has to offer.  Registration is required and can be done quickly and easily online at http://blackprelawconference.eventbrite.com. Further information and updates regarding the conference schedule and featured speakers can be found at the official conference website at www.BlackPreLawConference.com. You may also call 281-247-4026 or send an e-mail to register@blackprelawconference.com.