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Diversity Outreach to Students

The LSBA is pleased to offer outreach to middle school, high school, and college students to expose them to positive attorney role models and make them aware of the advantages of a law degree.

Additionally, the LSBA offers unique opportunities for diverse law students of all levels to gain knowledge about the professional and employment side of the noble practice of law. As such, the LSBA will host a variety of professional development programs and job/internship fairs for law students.

If you are interested in participating in or sponsoring programs such as these, please contact Kelly Legier.

Latest News and Events
  • MINORITY INVOLVEMENT SECTION'S THIRD ANNUAL MINORITY LEGAL INTERNSHIP FAIR CONVERTED TO "VIRTUAL" FAIR
    For the first time ever, the Louisiana State Bar Association Minority Involvement Section hosted its third annual Minority Legal Internship Fair "virtually" rather than "in person". Nevertheless, no other FREE venue in Louisiana offered employers such a large pool of talented students with diverse backgrounds who were offering themselves for free or modestly-paid internships during all or part of the summer.

    For more information about the Fall Job Fair, scheduled for October 1st at Tulane University Law School, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier at 504-619-0129 or kelly.legier@lsba.org.
     Employer Brochure

   

  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED -- BECOME AN LSBA STUDENT AMBASSADOR OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
    Remember when you were a kid and aspired to be a lawyer? Remember the people along the way who helped inspire and shape your career decisions? You too can be a source of inspiration for students in Louisiana.

    We are excited about inspiring more students in 2011-12, and we need you! We are looking for professionals to serve on the LSBA special youth outreach projects.

    The LSBA is committed to creating a richer and more effective Association because of diversity, as it increases our strengths, capabilities and adaptability. A diverse group of talented legal professionals is important to the success of law firms, law departments, public service organizations and other organizations that include attorneys.

    If you're interested, please complete the Interest Form at the link below.

    This is a great opportunity to help out our youth, and to give back to your community.
     Student Ambassador Interest Form

   

  • A.P. Tureaud Chapter of the Black Law Student Association hosted its Annual 1L Workshop and Mixer in Judge Lemelle's Court
    On October 13, 2011, BLSA Social Chairperson, Ashley Jones spearheaded the Annual Judge Ivan Lemelle Mixer which was held in Judge Lemelle's courtroom (United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana). Judge Lemelle, a Loyola Law graduate, has been hosting the event for several years. The event's focus is on networking as twenty law students (1Ls, 2Ls & 3Ls) and members of several legal organizations were able to partake in the comfortable atmosphere provided. All in all, over 80 people were in attendance and enjoyed food, friends, music and fun. This is only the beginning to a great year for the chapter. First Year Law Student Ashley Dunn had this to say about her experience:
    "As a 1L evening student at Loyola University, it can be hard to
    network since most of my classmates have busy work schedules. However, as a member of BLSA I have had some amazing opportunities to meet new people. The students are extremely helpful with any questions I have and make me feel like family. Recently, at the Judge Lemelle mixer I was able to meet with local Judges and attorneys in a relaxed atmosphere. I was able to gain some networking contacts and was even later offered a part time clerkship. I would have not been able to do that on my own so quickly. I look forward to attending more BLSA events in the future."

    To view pictures on Facebook, CLICK HERE

    Special thank you to our BLSA alumni and school faculty:
    The Honorable Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle
    The Honorable Judge June Darensburg
    Professor Andrea Armstrong
    Professor Bobby Harges
    Kelly McNeil Legier, Esq. (LSBA)
    If you have any questions, please contact Kenneth R. O'Rourke, Jr. at krorourk@loyno.edu or (404)934-0733
     Flyer

   

  • Loyola BLSA Hosted Annual Dean Louis Westerfield BBQ on Saturday, October 29th
    The A.P. Tureaud Chapter Black Law Students Association hosted its Dean Louis Westerfield BBQ on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 1-4 pm. This annual event celebrates Dean Westerfield's contribution to Loyola College of Law and the legal community as the first African-American Dean of Loyola's College of Law. Westerfield, who died in 1996, served as Loyola's College of Law Dean from 1990 to 1994. During his tenure, he strove to increase diversity among the college's students,faculty and staff, and helped Loyola expand its services and raise record amounts of funds for endowed professorships, scholarships and school operations. For his steadfast dedication to serving others, the A.P. Tureaud Chapter of BLSA honors Dean Louis Westerfield. For more information regarding future BLSA events, please contact Ashley R. Jones (985-381-1023; ashleyreneejones@gmail.com).

   

  • Martinet: Volunteer Opportunity
    5/10/2012
    Orleans Parish Juvenile Court (OPJC) is excited to introduce a new community outreach program, Enhancing Alternatives to Suspensions and Expulsions (EASE), which is designed to address minor school-based infractions/offenses in three selected schools within the Louisiana Recovery School District, Independent Charter and Orleans Public School Systems. The EASE program consists of two components: (1) a classroom-based educational component, and (2) the school-based youth court component, coupled with implementation of the Restorative Justice Model. The goals of this new program are to improve student school-based behavior,serve as an early intervention tool,increase levels of self-esteem,interrupt the beginning stages of possible delinquent behavior, andreduce the rate of student suspensions and expulsions. At this time, OPJC is recruiting volunteers to assist with implementing the EASE program. Volunteers are needed to speak to High School students on topics including the legal system, conflict resolution, peer mediation, positive behavior support, and mock trial strategies. Volunteers are also needed to assist students with Youth Court. The EASE program offers a unique opportunity to help broaden the perspectives of high school students as it pertains to the law while giving them hands-on experience with court room procedures. Offering your gifts of time and talent will expose the youth to positive practices as they prepare to enter adulthood.
    If you are interested in working with the EASE program, please contact Lori Boissiere at lboissiere@opjc.com or (504) 658-9554 by May 10, 2012 for more information.

   

  • SUIT UP FOR THE FUTURE: The LSBA High School Legal Internship Program Was A Success!
    The Louisiana State Bar Association in partnership with the Just the Beginning Foundation presented its inaugural "Suit Up for the Future" High School Summer Legal Internship Program. This program was available to rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the legal profession. Students participated in a five week legal internship from June 20, 2011 to July 25, 2011, at the Louisiana Bar Center (601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA) as well as participating New Orleans area firms, agencies, and courts. The program consisted of one week of lecture with law school professors, practicing lawyers, and law students as well as four weeks of shadowing with attorneys and judges in local law firms, agencies, and courts. Students also had the opportunity to meet attorneys and judges during field trips to New Orleans area courts and other legal venues. Student participants earned a stipend valued at up to $250.

    Students interested in the 2012 program should contact Kelly McNeil Legier, Esq., Director of Member Outreach and Diversity, Louisiana State Bar Association (Kelly.Legier@lsba.org or 504.566.1600).

     "Suit Up for the Future" Program Article

   

  • Tulane Law School Shadowing Program
    Tulane BLSA invites you to participate in our Shadowing Program by either allowing current students to shadow you on the job, or by being available to discuss career opportunities and responsibilities in your field. A few hours could help inspire a law student! If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to TulaneBLSA@gmail.com, subject: Shadowing Program. Include your name, current occupation and brief description of your position, law school, undergraduate school/hometown, email address and/or phone number. Interested students will contact you to set up a time to meet or shadow.
    Interested in mentoring a law student?

   

  • Teen Court Needs Additional Attorney Volunteers to Serve as Judges and Coaches
    Please volunteer to be a teen court judge or coach. Orleans Parish Teen Court is a first-time offenders program that is part of the New Orleans juvenile court system. The program is held twice a month on Wednesday nights in two juvenile judges' courtrooms in the Civil District Court building at 421 Loyola Avenue in New Orleans. The defendants have all admitted guilt and your role, as judge, is to wear the robe, sit on the bench and preside over the sentencing phase. You do not need any litigation experience and are given a written "script" to work from. The defendants, prosecution, defense attorneys, and the jury are all teenagers and will be assisted by Tulane and Loyola law students. Attorney volunteers also are needed to help coach the teens who will serve as the attorneys for the proceedings. This will involve reviewing the Teen Attorneys' questions before the hearing begins; assisting the Teen Attorneys with questioning while speaking to defendants and/or witnesses; and sitting next to the Teen Attorneys during hearing for guidance. Please contact Aeisha Kelly at (504) 658-9554 and akelly@opjc.com
    for more information or to receive calendar dates for 2011.
    Teen Court . . . An Easy Way to Make a Difference in the lives of our Children.

    Minimal time commitment -- one evening per month from 5:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.!
     2011 Hearing Dates
     Attorney Judge Volunteer Description
     Attorney Coach for Teen Attorney Description

   

  • Internship for US House of Representatives
    If you know of a 16 year old student with a 3.5 GPA, who would like the honor of serving as a page during the Obama Administration please recommend and refer them to
    http://pageprogram.house.gov

    Internship as a Page for Obama Administration - US House of Representatives

   

  • Internship Opportunities at the American Bar Association Washington, D.C. Office
    3/21/2011
    Attention students: The American Bar Association's Washington D.C. office has created an Internship Guide in which you will find internship titles, responsibilities, contacts, application deadlines, and more information. Please view the attached ABA internship brochure.
     ABA Internship Guide

   

  • LSBA Minority Involvement Section Launched its Law Student Mentoring Program
    The LSBA Minority Involvement Section (MIS) launched its new law student mentoring program during a reception on September 17 at the Louisiana Supreme Court. The reception also served as an opportunity to congratulate LSBA President Kim M. Boyle.

    MIS Treasurer and Mentoring Program Co-Chair Claudia P. Santoyo reflected, "I think my favorite part of the function, above and beyond the apt and charismatic words of wisdom from President Boyle, was being afforded the opportunity to meet so many obviously talented and driven law students from across the state." To view pictures from the event, click HERE.

    To receive more information about the mentoring program, please contact Co-Chairs Dominique Bright-Wheeler or Claudia Santoyo. To sign up as a mentor or request a mentor, please complete and return the applications available at the links below.
     Law Student's Request for Mentor Application
     Attorney Mentor Application
     Mentor Information Flyer

   

  • Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. partnered with Baton Rouge firms to host a successful pre-law reception for incoming 1L students
    The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., along with Judge Wilson Fields and the law firm of McGlynn, Glisson, and Mouton Law Firm, hosted a reception at the Buzz Cafe' in downtown Baton Rouge. The reception was held for students participating in the Southern University Law Center's 2009 Pre-Law Program. Over 50 incoming 1Ls attended this event.

    The event allowed Pre-Law Program participants to meet many of the current Martinet Society members and pose questions ranging from first year law school expectations to the actual practice of law after graduation and bar passage.

    The attorneys of McGlynn, Glisson, and Mouton were hospitable hosts. They provided tours of their law firm to the participants, as well as, an explanation of their practice.

   

  • The LSBA Minority Involvement Section hosted its 2nd Annual Minority Internship Fair at Tulane
    The Louisiana State Bar Association Minority Involvement Section hosted its annual internship fair for approximately 30 employers and 50 students on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Tulane University Law School. The purpose of the Fair was to assist diverse law students find free or modestly-paid legal internships regardless of their ranking in their classes. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE. If you did not register but are interested in having an intern, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier at Kelly.Legier@lsba.org.

   

  • LSBA hosted Professional Development Workshop for Law Students in Partnership with the Loyola BLSA Students
    The LSBA hosted a Professional Development Workshop in partnership with the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law BLSA Students on March 23, 2010, at the Loyola College of Law from 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m., with a brief networking reception immediately after. Jaimme Collins, Kelly McNeil Legier, Sharrolyn Miles, and Sheila Wilkinson discussed their experiences and advice regarding the following topics: (1) How to get the most from your summer associate/law clerk position; and (2) job search tips for those not ranked first in the class.
     Flyer

   

  • Loyola Black Law Student Association Hosted Successful and Well Attended Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction
    Following a successful and eventful academic year, the A.P. Tureaud Chapter of the Black Law Student Association of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (BLSA) held its 6th Annual Semora "Lola" Bartholomew Davis Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans. The chapter recognized Hon. June Berry Darensburg (24th Judicial District Court), Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman (Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office), Kelly McNeil Legier (Director of Member Outreach and Diversity, Louisiana State Bar Association), Professor Mitch F. Crusto (Loyola University New Orleans College of Law), and their own Dean Brian Bromberger for their active service to the chapter and the Greater New Orleans area. The following students received scholarships: Ms. English Pratt and Mr. Russell Jones.
    View the entire article at the link below.
     BLSA Gala Article

   

  • Loyola's Black Law Student Association hosted a workshop for law students: "WANTED: Job Opportunities in the Federal Government"
    On September 10, 2010, the LSBA co-hosted with the A.P. Tureaud Chapter of BLSA of Loyola University College of Law and Proskauer Rose LLP a workshop regarding job opportunities in the federal government. Approximately 25 law students received a wealth of information and advice from Moderator Hattie M. Broussard (ret.) (Former Supervisory Field Counsel, Transportation Security Administration Field, Counsel Office and Former Assistant United States Attorney) and the following panelist: Curtis L. Davis (Chief Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development); Duane A. Evans (Chief Counsel for Violent Crimes, United States Department of Justice); Sinthea M. Kelly (Director, Administration Management and HR Division, Office of General Counsel, US Department of Housing & Urban Development); Aimee Peralta (Special Agent, Office of Inspector General); and Currita C. Waddy (Assistant Chief Counsel, United States Customs and Border Protection). A networking reception immediately followed the afternoon program in the courtroom of the Hon. Ivan L.R. Lemelle. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE.

   

  • LSBA & Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education presents: Karen Chatman Edutainment
    To further their law day activities the LSBA in connection with the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education (LCLCE)and Karen Chatman Edutainment, conducted several instructive and entertaining presentations aimed at educating young people about President Abraham Lincoln during the bi-centennial of his birth date. The program, titled "Abraham Ride On." educated middle school students-- in a fun and interactive way-- about Lincoln as a lawyer, The Gettysburg Address, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Attorney volunteers presented the information in the context of a fun game of "Who Wants to Be a Lincoln Fan." They helped students gain an understanding of the significance of his presidential acts on their lives today and how they can contribute to our government "of the people, by the people, for the people." Some inspired students presented their own impromtu rap on Lincoln.

    TO view pictures of the May 11 assembly at the A.P. Turead Elementary School for approximately 75 4th-6th graders,
    CLICK HERE

    To view pictures of the May 22 assembly at the James Singleton Charter School for approximately 145 7th and 8th graders,
    CLICK HERE
    Learning in a fun and exciting way!

   

  • Loyola Black Law Student Association and Martinet hosted a Successful Networking Workshop and 1L Mixer in conjunction with the Martinet Officer Induction
    On October 1, 2009, the A.P. Tureaud Chapter of BLSA of Loyola University College of Law and the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. hosted a networking workshop and reception for approximately 40 law students as well as a reception for the induction of the new 2009-10 Martinet officers in the courtroom of the Hon. Ivan L.R. Lemelle. To view pictures, CLICK HERE. To read the entire article, please click on the link below.
    Networking . . . the key to meeting and greeting your future!
     Mixer and Induction Article

   

  • The Right Act: Vote!
    The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), in cooperation with the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education (LCLCE) and Karen Chatman Edutainment, is hosting a series of instructive and entertaining presentations aimed at educating young people about voting. The program, titled "The Right Act: Vote", combines the popular cultural element of rap music with social issues that are too big to ignore: the importance of exercising the right to vote and the long path it took for all citizens to gain that right. The goal is to educate middle school, high school, and college students in major cities in Louisiana -- in a fun and interactive way -- on the history of the right to vote, the importance of that right, how lawyers helped the process, and how the Voting Rights Act has helped our community recently.

    View pictures from the event: Click Here.
     View Entire Article

   

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