Hofstra Black Law Students Association’s Post

"Law school can teach you theory and possibly the ability to 'think like a lawyer.' However, law school cannot prepare you for practice and the politics of being in spaces traditionally reserved for the privileged. A great mentor can help you navigate tricky waters." In today's Meet a Member Wednesday profile and our first Black History Month profile, meet Marcia McCree, General Attorney at the Office of General Counsel in the Real Property Law Group of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Head to our website (linked in comments) to see why Marcia joined the WBA, what motivated her to attend law school, and what Black History Month means to her, but enjoy one excerpt now: Q: What advice would you give to a Black law student who aspires to be where you are now? A: Find mentorship as quickly as possible. Law school can teach you theory and possibly the ability to 'think like a lawyer.' However, law school cannot prepare you for practice and the politics of being in spaces traditionally reserved for the privileged. A great mentor can help you navigate tricky waters. #promotingwomenlawyers #BlackHistoryMonth #leadership #MentoringMatters #representationmatters

This Black History Month, we're looking back at our discussion on the experience of black law students and the attainment gap with legal professionals Isaac Eloi and Maab Saifeldin. Since the launch of the SQE, we've had a total of four SQE1 reports to date. Looking at the data, we can see that there is a consistent trend of a low pass rate for Black/ Black British candidates, with a mean pass rate of just 31% for Black/ Black British candidates when taking into account the cohort sizes of each sitting. In this webinar recording, our speakers discuss aspects of their and other black students' experiences that could contribute to the attainment gap. Watch the webinar recording here https://ow.ly/8UT250PZCo1 #BlackHistoryMonth2023 #AspiringSolicitors #SQE #LegalTrends

Happy Black History Month! 👏🏾 This month, it's important to recognize that despite the amazing history that Black lawyers have made, the playing field is still not level. These two statistics show just how little Black people are represented in the legal field. 👉🏾 At Barrier Breakers®, we put a strong emphasis on helping BIPOC students break into higher education and legal fields. It's so important to start seeing ourselves represented in our law. #barrierbreakersinc #barrierbreakerslaw #smontgomeryconsulting #admissionsconsulting #lawschool #lawschoolbound #lawschooladmissions #prelaw #futureattorney #lawschoolapplications #blacklawyers #blackattorneys

Transforming the Landscape for Black Men in Law Yesterday I attended my second Birmingham Black Lawyers CIC (BBL) event this was held in Barclays 1 snow hill. The theme was of black men in law. The program consisted of a panel discussion and then some networking and drinks. The panel discussion was very insightful finding out the different perspectives of the lawyers in all stages of their journey and with different specialities from family law to corporate law. My key takeaways from listening to the panel section is that there is a lack of black men in the legal profession. To remedy this we need institutions to do more by throwing events like this, there needs to be more understanding from managers and partners. The environmental differences, lack of diversity and representation can lead to imposter syndrome for a lot of black lawyers. The event left me thinking of these 3 questions: How can we champion black men in law so the profession is more inviting? How can we get firms to invest more in exposure in black communities? How can we promote the legal profession to men at an earlier stage? For example GCSE because by the time they have got to university there is a likelihood they have given up on law.

#testimonial Understand how you can better help young Black lawyers advance their careers - reverse mentoring is key! Are you interested to know about the Black Lawyers Matter programmes? Contact the team - diversitypartnerships@thesjp.co.uk #blacklawyersmatter #blacklawyers #diversityequityinclusion #blacklawyersmattermentoring #diversityinlaw #mentoringmatters #mentoringworks #learninganddevelopment

#DYK Only 5% of lawyers in the U.S. are Black Americans. That’s why accomplishments like Matthew K. Graham are vital to creating a sense of belonging and boosting representation. https://lnkd.in/et-CtUdt #hiring #legalrecruiting #techrecruiting #DEIB #diversityequityinclusionbelonging #diversityrecruiting #hersishiring #recruitmentredefined

The legal profession has long been seen as a bastion of influence and power. However, the path to success has often been fraught with unique challenges. Despite these challenges, black lawyers have made significant strides in the legal field, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Achieving success as a black lawyer involves learning and continuous education. This includes staying updated on recent legal developments and seeking degrees if necessary. It is important to build a network of mentors and peers, particularly within legal associations, for support and guidance.  Advocate for diversity and inclusion actively within your organization and the legal community. Be a voice of change by supporting initiatives that promote equity and representation. As you progress, become a role model and mentor for aspiring black lawyers. Leading by example can help create a more inclusive legal profession. As we collectively strive for an inclusive legal industry, we must recognize and celebrate the achievements of black lawyers and their ongoing journeys toward success. The National Black Lawyers is dedicated to elevating the voices of black lawyers. We want to hear about your successes! Submit your settlements, verdicts, announcements, and other legal news at https://nbltop100.org/! ⚖ #TheNationalBlackLawyers #NBLTop100 #NBLTop40Under40 #BlackLawyers #BlackExcellence #Success #LegalProfessionals #LegalIndustry #Lawyers #Verdicts #Results #LegalNews #Settlements

✨Cumberland School of Law alumnus Judge Houston Brown, JD '73, was recently celebrated by AP News for his role as a judge, mentor and community leader. 👏After becoming one of the first Black students to receive a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Brown's career has been committed to positive change and community involvement, serving as a source of inspiration and leadership for other lawyers. ➡️Read more about his journey in this great feature by AP News: https://lnkd.in/gd-hCDYu

The May 2024 class of Be The First Progression for Black Lawyers is open for enrolment for one more day. You have until tomorrow (12 April 2024) to apply. Accept that your career is something you CAN control. Stop getting frustrated with the way things are. Put an end to getting stuck in how you think things should be. Let's have no more treading water and waiting for your firm or company to become more diverse and for colleagues to be more inclusive. No more struggling with being your true self at work. Don't wait to see if they'll give you the result you want. Join Be The First Progression for Black Lawyers and CREATE the result you want. Enrolment for the May 2024 class closes tomorrow. Let's go. Apply here now: https://lnkd.in/e68gU8WH #bethefirst #impostersyndrome #blacklawyers #lawyers #attorneys  #blacklawyers #coachingforlawyers #careerprogression  #careercoaching  #diversityandinclusion  #legalimposters

Black History Month is a time to honour black individuals and their rich varied cultural history. This month is particularly significant for aspiring black lawyers because it not only honours past accomplishments but also serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial part you may play in determining the direction of the legal industry. The legal profession is strengthened by diversity. Black solicitors have distinctive viewpoints and experiences that help create a legal system that is more just and equitable. Accept your identity and use it to your advantage. Your experience in law school and your upcoming profession can serve as an example for others and advance diversity in the industry. Black History Month serves as a reminder of the legacy you inherit and the potential you carry for aspiring black lawyers. Your transition from secondary school to law school and into the legal field is evidence of the advancements made by those who came before you. Accept the chance to promote justice, diversity, and equality inside the judicial system and make history in your own right. Your commitment and enthusiasm will not only pay tribute to the past but also open the door to a more promising future. Saluting the pioneering black British lawyers who have broken down barriers and fought for justice in the legal field. Your commitment opens the door to a future with greater equity. Dr. Inez Brown (Hon. Causa) Jadesola Sodipo Kishma Bolaji Daniel Cash Yetunde Dania Marissa L. Jacquet Dion Calder Oluwapelumi Amanda A. Just to mention a few of the incredible black/mixed-race individuals who have made a huge impact in the legal sector we salute you all!!! "#LegalPioneers #BlackHistoryMonth #blachhistorymonth2023 # BHM