2012 MABLSA Convention Recap

The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention & Celebration took place in Philadelphia, PA at the Radisson Plaza- Warwick Hotel on February 1 - 5, 2012 and this event was a tremendous success. Drexel University served as the host chapter for the Convention. This year, over 250 students united under a common theme, "MABLSA Strong: A tradition of unity, action, and excellence." , We are happy to announce that for the fifth year Patton Boggs LLP has signed on as MABLSA's title sponsor and their contribution is greatly appreciated! The MABLSA Board would like to thank all Convention attendees and Sponsors.

Community Service, Networking, Social Events, and Workshops

The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention featured dynamic programing to include community service, multiple networking opportunities, social events, and workshops. Arriving attendees received a warm Philadelphia welcome on Wednesday night and from the MABLSA Board at the "Meet the Board Social."

On Thursday, attendees were given a service learning opportunity where participants worked with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project at Temple University. Opening with a lecture seminar describing the work of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project participants were able to gain new insight and apply their knowledge with the consecutive advocacy for legislative reform letter writing campaign. Later on Thursday, participants were given the opportunity to speak with various employers at the MABLSA Career Expo. Participating employers included: Air Force JAG Corps, Arent Fox LLP, Arnold & Porter LLP, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Building Excellent Schools, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Duane Morris LLP, the Federal Communications Commission, Miles & Stockbridge P.C., Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel LLP, Patton Boggs LLP, Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP, Saul Ewing LLP, Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Afterwards attendees were officially welcomed to Philadelphia with the "Welcome to Philadelphia Reception" which featured keynote speaker Shelley R. Smith, Philadelphia City Solicitor. This was followed by the Thursday night after glow at Walnut Room, who were gracious and fantastic hosts!

On Friday attendees were engaged in a packed day of programming with a dynamic and engaging luncheon featuring a The Honorable Susan Wigenton. On Friday evening, MABLSA held its second Annual Legacy of MABLSA Reception and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Students were invited to network with local Philadelphia attorneys from firms such as Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel LLP and the Barrister's Association of Philadelphia. MABLSA was proud to induct two qualified individuals to our Hall of Fame. The 2011-2012 inductees were Ms. Latoya Asia, an associate at McGuire Woods and Ms. Charisse Lillie, Vice President of Community Investment of Comcast Corporation & President of the Comcast Foundation. In addition to her induction, Ms. Lillie served as the keynote speaker for the event. Friday attendees were welcomed to attend enlightening workshops such as the Environmental Justice Panel and the Brother to Brother/ Sister-to-Sister workshop. To cap the night off on Friday, Convention attendees were invited to attend MABLSA's Annual Moonlight Boat Cruise. Attendees danced the night away all while cruising in elegant style and grace.

MABLSA's robust programing continued on Saturday with a luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Zane D. Memeger, US Attorney, Eastern District of PA and the Personal Branding Workshop. On Saturday evening, MABLSA hosted its 44th Annual Convention Awards Celebration and Gala at the Westin Philadelphia Hotel. The keynote speaker for the event was the empowering Michael Tucker, President & General Counsel of Avis Budget Group. The 44th Annual MABLSA Convention came to a close on Sunday after the inspirational non-denominational prayer breakfast, transition meeting, and appointed interest meeting.

Competitions

Competitors for the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and Thurgood Marshal Mock Trial Competition began their preliminary rounds Thursday morning at the Radisson Plaza-Warwick hotel. Friday, the quarter-final and semi-final rounds were conducted. The final rounds for both competitions were held Saturday and both were graced with distinguished judges and practitioners as judges. Please join the

MABLSA board in congratulating the following winners!
Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
Team Awards
Champion: University of Pennsylvania, Ayana Boswell and Ginene Lewis
First Runner-up: Washington & Lee University, Kassandra Haynes and Curtis Wilson
Second Runner-up: University of Baltimore School of Law, Nicole Harris-Crest and Aasia Hux

Individual & Brief Awards
Best Petitioner Brief: Georgetown Law, Said Saba and Christopher Rawlins
Best Respondent Brief: University of Pennsylvania, Ayana Boswell and Ginene Lewis
Best Oral Advocate: Lisette Burton, The University of Maryland School of Law

Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Champion: Widener University School of Law
First Runner-up: Washington & Lee School of Law
Second Runner-up: William and Mary School of Law

Chapter Awards

Please join the MABLSA board in congratulating William & Mary School of Law, the 2011-2012 MABLSA Regional Chapter of the Year.

Please join the MABLSA board in congratulating Victoria Walker and Dave Dambreville as the 2011-2012 Board Members of the Year!