Membership
National Director of Membership
Janea Raines
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
membership@nblsa.org
The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) articulates and promotes the needs of the Black legal community. Since its founding in 1968, NBLSA has continuously been at the forefronts of legal change and activism. NBLSA is proud to be the largest student run organization in the United States and is proud to serve its nearly 6,000 law student members. NBLSA has a presence abroad in six countries including but not limited to the Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa through chapters and affiliates. NBLSA encourages the development of talented and social conscious lawyers.
For more information about the history of NBLSA or the mission of NBLSA please click here.
Why Join NBLSA
NBLSA members are personally and professionally enhanced through their NBLSA experiences. There is truly something for any law student, such as but not limited to:
Unparalleled Network
Members of NBLSA are not just members of the esteemed national organization but they are members of one of the respective six regions: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, Rocky Mountain, Southern and Western. Members also belong to one of the 200 chapters at their respective ABA accredited law schools. Thus, the NBLSA network is not only national but tailored by the regional and the local communities too. NBLSA is thankful that it's network includes experiences such as top legal organizations interviewing NBLSA members at NBLSA job fairs, top Fortune 500 companies sharing their legal experiences with NBLSA members at conventions, and illustrious legal servants mentoring NBLSA members.
Unparalleled Networkhide |
 |
Practical Legal Experience
Many opportunities are provided for members to hone their legal skills through our prestigious annual competitions: Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and the International Negotiations Competition. NBLSA also provides students with the opportunity to write actual amicus briefs and publish their works in legal journals.
Practical Legal Experiencehide |
|
Community Service in the Black Legal Community
As legal professionals it is especially important for us to give back to the communities that helped raise us through community service. This year the community service team will continue their Founder's Day of Service, MLK Day of Service, and Youth Empowerment. Additionally, this year, the community service team has launched the Innocence Project.
Community Service in the Black Legal Communityhide |
|
Academic and Career Support
Education and scholastic achievement are part of the core of the NBLSA mission. Each year Academic Retreats are held on the regional level, and scholarships are given to both pre-law and law students. NBLSA also hosts job fairs throughout the United States.
Academic and Career Supporthide |
|
Participating in Tomorrow's History
NBLSA strives to effectuate legal change in the community. Through sincere advocacy and social action, NBLSA continues to be at the forefront of legal activism. NBLSA participates in grassroots work, voter protection, legislative outreach, environmental justice, and judicial advocacy.
Participating in Tomorrow's Historyhide |
|
Leadership Development
Considering NBLSA is the largest student-run organization, NBLSA offers individuals an opportunity to professionally serve their peers on the local, regional, and national level. Regional and National elections are held at their respective conventions in the spring academic semester. Apportionments to leadership positions are generally made after the regional and national conventions. As of July 2011, NBLSA had 181 regional and national servant leaders (this number does not include local servant leaders) and this number may grow.
Leadership Developmenthide |
|
Recognition
Individuals may be recognized for their achievements, for example, scholarships are rewarded to those that succeed academically and those exhibiting the theme of NBLSA may be granted the esteemed title of "NBLSA Member of the Month."
Individual and team rewards are also given in the annual competitions. Chapters may be recognized as the Regional or National Chapter of the Year for their commitment to the NBLSA mission. Additionally, each year one of the six regions is also granted the title of region of the year due to their accomplishments and dedication to NBLSA that term.
Recognitionhide |
|
Significant Discounts
NBLSA members have the pleasure of receiving discounts on a plethora of products and services. Currently members may receive discounts with the following companies:
Financially active NBLSA law student members may retrieve their exclusive offers from K&G, Moores Clothing, and/or Men's Wearhouse by clicking here.
In addition, the following companies are exclusive service providers to NBLSA members:
More discounts will be added throughout the year. If you have a particular suggestion about a new membership discount please fill out this form.
If you have any questions about how to receive a discount please contact the National Director of Membership at membership@nblsa.org.
Significant Discountshide |
|
Connect with NBLSA