BLSA Membership Handbook - Penn State Law

BLSAHANDBOOK 2011-12
DICKINSON CHAPTER
OF THE
BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
DICKINSON SCHOOL OF LAW

BLSAHANDBOOK
Greetings!
On behalf of the entire Dickinson Chapter of the Black Law Students Association (“BLSA”), I would
like to thank you for your interest and participation in this wonderful organization. At Penn State
Law, BLSA has a long tradition of fostering academic excellence, leadership, and social awareness. As
a result, many of our alumni have gone on to excel in the legal profession in a wide variety of fields.
With the continued support of Penn State Law’s dedicated faculty and staff, the Dickinson Chapter of
BLSA has developed a reputation for being the most active student organization in the law school. Our
annual programs range from academic workshops to dynamic speaking engagements to unparalleled
cultural and social events. We strive to present programs that help cultivate a well-rounded student
body.
The Dickinson Chapter is part of the nation’s largest student-run organization, the National Black
Law Students Association (“NBLSA”), which has over 6000 members in every state and in several
foreign countries. This affiliation allows our members to gain national exposure in the legal
community by attending and participating in national and regional NBLSA events. Last year,
Dickinson Chapter members traveled to Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Houston, TX and Dallas,
TX to participate in job fairs, conventions, and community service events; as well as to compete in
NBLSA’s moot court & mock trial competitions. It was quite an exciting year!
This year, we plan to take our annual programs to new heights. We will be hosting several academic
and career development workshops which will focus on strategic study methods and improving
professional networking skills. Our cultural programs will include movie nights, panel discussions,
and our flagship “Poetry Cipher” event. Our community service programs will focus on community
uplift and outreach. Through these community service programs we will be partnering with Habitat
for Humanity in Harrisburg, PA and a pro-bono initiative sponsored by Philadelphia Volunteers for
Indigent Persons in Philadelphia, PA. And last but not least, our social programs will include social
mixers, a welcome back party, a bowling night and a football tailgate. We invite you to attend,
participate, and most importantly, GET INVOLVED!
Membership in the Dickinson Chapter is open to all matriculated Penn State Law students and we do
not discriminate on any basis. We encourage students from all backgrounds to join us on our mission
to help diversify the legal community. Don’t be shy!
Lastly, I hope you have an excellent year and I look forward to seeing you at many of our events.
Sincerely,
Dave Dambreville
President
Black Law Students Association | Dickinson Chapter
dpd166@dsl.psu.edu

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BLSAHANDBOOK
About NBLSA
NBLSA Vision
NBLSA Mission
National Programs
Academic & Professional Development
Advocacy Programs
Service Programs
Membership
National Convention
About the Dickinson Chapter
Chapter Mission
Chapter Vision
Chapter Logo
Executive Board
Contact Information
Organizational Chart
Schedule of Events
Chapter Resources
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
1
2
4
5
6
7
8

BLSAHANDBOOK
About NBLSA
The National Black Law Students Association
(NBLSA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation and the
nation’s largest student-run organization
representing nearly 6,000 minority law
students.
Founded in 1968 at New York University
School of Law by Algernon Johnson Cooper,
NBLSA today has approximately 200 chapters
at law schools throughout the country. These
chapters represent almost every ABA
accredited law school, plus several nonaccredited
law schools. Chapters are
organized into six regions-Western, Mid-
Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, Rocky Mountain,
and Southern that encompass 49 states as
well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Recently, NBLSA has established an
international connection with Black law
students in Canada, England, South Africa,
and the Bahamas who have decided to model
their student organizations after NBLSA.
NBLSA Vision
NBLSA is a global catalyst for the respect,
acceptance, and engagement of Black law
students in law schools, communities, and the
legal profession.
NBLSA Mission
NBLSA develops talented, involved diverse
attorneys and serves as the leading national
advocate for Black law students.
COMPETITIONS
Frederick Douglass Moot Court
Competition
Since its inception in 1975, the National
Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition
(FDMCC) has been a cornerstone of NBLSA
programming, offering high caliber competition
to showcase oral advocacy and brief writing
talents among law students nationwide. Each
year, law students compete at our six regional
competitions. The top three teams from each
region advance to the national competition,
which is held during the NBLSA National
Convention.
Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
The National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial
Competition (TMMTC) provides law students
with a platform to improve their oral advocacy
skills, legal research and writing ability, and
enhance their knowledge of substantive and
procedural law. Participants have the
opportunity to compete against teams within
their respective NBLSA regions. The winning
teams from each of NBLSA’s six regions are
invited to compete at the national competition,
held during the NBLSA National Convention.
International Negotiations Competition
The International Negotiations Competition
(INC) provides NBLSA members with realistic
exposure to alternative dispute resolution. The
competition is also designed to promote
NBLSA international relations and foster
positive relationships between NBLSA
members and other law students around the
world. The competition, held during the
National Convention, requires participants to
demonstrate oral advocacy and bargaining
skills in a competitive environment.

NATIONAL PROGRAMS
INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
Six members, one from each NBLSA region,
are recognized for their implementation of the
national theme. Regional Directors of
Membership are asked to connect with their
chapters to encourage submissions for the
program.
Law Student Scholarships
NBLSA awards the following scholarships to its
members at the National Convention:
Rodney Pulliam Scholarship:
This scholarship is in honor of the late Rodney
Pulliam, who served as the 1998-1999 NBLSA
National Chair. The scholarship awards
deserving graduating law students with a
minimum $500 BARBRI Bar Preparation
Course scholarship.
Sandy Brown Scholarship:
This scholarship honors the late Sandy Brown,
a past NBLSA Western Regional Director.
Winning law students receive a minimum of
$500 for the best written essay discussing
social activism.
Outstanding Student/Student Leader
Scholarship:
This scholarship, named for its patron,
recognizes the accomplishments of a NBLSA
member who has excelled academically while
being active in their BLSA chapter and
community. Awardees receive a minimum
scholarship of $500.
BLSAHANDBOOK
ACADEMIC + PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
44 th Annual National Convention
Each year, NBLSA hosts an Annual National
Convention. The convention provides a
wonderful opportunity for delegates to connect
with other chapters, perform community
service, and participate in enriching workshops
as well as mock trial, moot court, and
international negotiations competitions.
NBLSA’s 44 th Annual National Convention will
take place in Alexandria, VA from March 7-11,
2012.
Regional Academic Retreats
NBLSA Academic Retreats are one-day
workshops designed to support NBLSA
members. Retreats cover a variety of topics
such as exam writing tips, the benefits of law
journal membership, and bar preparation
advice.
Regional Job Fairs
The regional job fairs are an opportunity for
NBLSA members to interview for summer
associate positions, federal and local
governments, pro bono, and in-house counsel
opportunities. National support includes
Symplicity (job bidding) administration and
membership verification.
Alumni Networking Events
NBLSA’s alumni networking initiative affords
members the opportunity to form meaningful
connections with NBLSA alumni. NBLSA hosts
an alumni networking event in each region
through either national or regional
programming.

Charles Hamilton Houston Chapter
President’s Retreat
Currently in its 6th year, the Charles Hamilton
Houston (CHH) Leadership Retreat brings
together national, regional, and chapter
leadership. While the retreat has traditionally
focused on sharing national and regional
programming initiatives, the event also
encompasses workshops on fundraising and
leadership. Chapter presidents will also have
an opportunity to share their feedback and
target areas for increased national and regional
support. The CHH retreat is held in conjunction
with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Weekend.
ADVOCACY PROGRAMS
BLSAHANDBOOK
SERVICE PROGRAMS
MLK Day of Service
The spring corollary to our week of service, the
MLK Day of Service, encourages chapters to
engage in a service activity of their choice to
commemorate the legacy of Dr. King.
Chapter of the Year Competition
Each year, NBLSA recognizes chapters for
their commitment to NBLSA’s purpose and the
programming goals. Chapters showcase their
programming at their regional convention. One
outstanding chapter in each region advances
to the national competition held during the
national convention.
CBC Weekend
NBLSA’s programming during the
Congressional Black Caucus’s Annual
Legislative Conference includes a networking
reception, the Annual CBC Reception, and a
CBC panel. A service opportunity,
Congressional Kids Day, and the Charles
Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat also
take place during this weekend.
Lobby Day
This national effort informs legislators about
necessary reforms in minority communities.
Participating members receive training before
the event. NBLSA’s 2011 Lobby Day will focus
on felony disenfranchisement (the Democracy
Restoration Act) and Immigration reform.

MEMBERSHIP
NBLSA Membership privileges included,
but are not limited to:
Participation in the Thurgood Marshall
Mock Trial Competition and the
Frederick Douglass Moot Court
Competition
Voting rights at NBLSA National
Convention, Regional Convention,
Committee meetings and Chapter
meetings
Serving as a national, regional, or
chapter officer
Participation in NBLSA Job Fairs
Discounted members-only registration at
National and Regional Conventions
Authoring or sponsoring legislation in
any of the policy committees on the
chapter level or regional level or in the
Board of Directors meeting.
Subscription to and publishing
opportunities in NBLSA’s magazine, The
Legal Pad
Corporate discounts available to NBLSA
members
Participation in NBLSA Academic
Retreats
Eligibility for NBLSA Scholarships
Membership Benefits
Members of NBLSA are part of an established
and esteemed organization that has numerous
benefits!
Unparalleled networking opportunities
with other law students, NBLSA’s
extensive alumni network and practicing
attorneys
Subscriptions to and publishing
opportunities with NBLSA’s newsletter
“The Legal Pad"”
Leadership positions on the National
and/or Regional Executive Boards
Significant discounts with:
o Bar Prep (Kaplan-pmbr, Themis,
BARbri)
o Car rental (Alamo. Avis, Budget)
o Clothing (Brooks Brothers, Jos,
A. Banks)
o And more…
Members are also entitled to participation in
all of our regional or national activities
including:
BLSAHANDBOOK
Regional Job Fairs
Regional Academic Retreats
Member-only pricing for National and
Regional Conventions
Opportunities to participate in
community service and international
service
Participation in prestigious the Thurgood
Marshall Mock Trial, Frederick Douglass
Moot Court, and International
Negotiations Competitions
NBLSA members are also eligible to
apply for NBLSA Scholarships

National Convention
BLSAHANDBOOK
Each Spring, the National Black Law Students
Association (NBLSA) holds an Annual
Convention. The convention rotates among
NBLSA’s six regions as follows:
Western Region
Northeast Region
Rocky Mountain Region
Mid-Atlantic Region
Southern Region
Midwest Region
The primary purpose of NBLSA’s National
Convention is to conduct the business of
NBLSA: electing officers, receiving reports,
appointing staff members, and committees.
Convention delegates will meet in efficient and
productive plenary sessions to obtain a report
on the current state of the organization and
determine its future direction.
The National Convention is also an opportunity
for self-enrichment. Members have an
opportunity to meet and interact with NBLSA
members from around the country; participate
in competitions and workshops; and network
with attorneys, legal employers, and other
dignitaries. In our workshops, we’ll discuss
recent legal developments and issues affecting
the black community and black attorneys.
Last, NBLSA’s National Convention is a time
for reflection and celebration. It is a time to
honor the organization’s accomplishment. We
recognize outstanding members, chapters,
regions, and national initiatives that best
exemplify NBLSA’s purpose - to strive for racial
equity and fairness throughout the legal
system. We also reflect on the achievements
and sacrifices of those that came before us
and pay tribute to their legacy of service and
excellence.

BLSAHANDBOOK
About the DICKINSON CHAPTER
The purpose of BLSA at Penn State Law is to promote the welfare of its members through
educational, professional, cultural and social programs; instill a greater awareness and commitment
to the needs of the community; provide a forum for the discussion of local and national issues
affecting both BLSA and the law school community as a whole; diversify the curriculum content to
reflect greater diversity of identities and perspectives among the student body and people who
comprise the market for legal services by working with the curriculum committee and professors; and
address interviewing and job placement concerns that may be specific to minorities by working with
Career Services.
Membership in BLSA at Penn State Law is open to all matriculating students. BLSA does not
discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship, color, disability, gender, race, religion, national origin,
political affiliation, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam eras.
Chapter Logo
Chapter Resources
Penn State Law's BLSA Webpage : http://law.psu.edu/current_students/student_organizations/blsa
Facebook Page : http://www.facebook.com/pennstateBLSA
Chapter's Constitution : http://law.psu.edu/current_students/student_organizations/blsa_constitution
BLSA TWEN (Westlaw) : http://lawschool.westlaw.com/twen
Chapter’s History : http://law.psu.edu/current_students/student_organizations/blsa_dsl_history
National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) : http://www.nblsa.org/

BLSAHANDBOOK
2011-12 EXECUTIVE BOARD | CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME POSITION EMAIL PHONE
Dave Dambreville President dpd166@dsl.psu.edu 917-930-0544
Teleicia Rose Vice President (UP) tjr231@dsl.psu.edu 734-545-3086
Laquan Austion Vice President (CA) lda125@dsl.psu.edu 732-322-1884
Heather Bennent Secretary hnb110@dsl.psu.edu 215-779-7632
Nabalee James Treasurer ntj110@dsl.psu.edu 941-799-0770
Wanika Fisher Parliamentarian wbf116@dsl.psu.edu 914-843-7451
Leah Silva Historian lfs131@dsl.psu.edu 617-605-3002
Sarah Tanyhill Financial Secretary sat224@dsl.psu.edu 407-580-9380
Gellaine Newton C&A Development Chair gtn111@dsl.psu.edu 768-382-1809
Cherrelle Douglas Community Service Chair cmd378@dsl.psu.edu 813-367-6164
Cara Sherman Social Programming Chair cbs178@dsl.psu.edu 912-660-4148
2011-12 EXECUTIVE BOARD | ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Dave Dambreville
President
Teleicia Rose
UP Vice President
Laquan Austion
CA Vice President
Executive
Board
Support
Team
Finance
(Fundraising)
Team
Speakers
Programming
Team
Intra-campus
Relations
Team
Cherelle
Douglas
Community
Service Chair
Cara
Sherman
Social
Programming
Chair
Gellaine
Newton
Career and
Academic
Development
Chair
Heather
Bennett
Secretary
Nabalee
James
Treasurer
Nabalee
James
Treasurer
Heather
Bennett
Secretary
Wanika Fisher
Parliamentarian
Sarah
Tanyhill
Financial
Secretary
Leah Silva
Historian

Schedule of Events 2011-12
BLSAHANDBOOK
FALL 2011
AUGUST
● 20 th – BLSA 1L Workshop
● 26 th to 28 th – MABLSA Job Fair [Bethesda, MD]
SEPTEMBER
● 7 th – BLSA Charity Fundaiser
● 10 th – BLSA Tailgate (Alabama v. Penn State)
● 19 th – BLSA Guest Speaker Discussion
● 23 rd to 25 th – CBC Weekend [Washington, DC]
OCTOBER
● 5 th – BLSA Movie Night
● 9 th – Habitat For Humanity [Harrisburg, PA]
● 17 th – BLSA Guest Speaker Discussion
● 22 nd – BLSA Bowling Night
NOVEMBER
● 1 st – BLSA Thanksgiving Food Drive – BEGINS
● 9 th – BLSA AIDS Awareness Day
● 14 th – BLSA Outlining 101 Workshop
● 18 th – BLSA Thanksgiving Food Drive – ENDS
● 30 th – BLSA “Did It On ‘Em” Social
SPRING 2012
JANUARY
● 13 th – BLSA Welcome Back Party
● 23 rd – BLSA Effective Networking Seminar
FEBUARY
● 1 st to 5 th – MABLSA Regional Convention
[Philadelphia, PA]
● 8 th – BLSA Movie Night
● 10 th , 13 th – BLSA Valentine’s Candy Gram
● 22 nd – BLSA African Diaspora Event
● 29 th – BLSA Crisis of the African American Male
Discussion
MARCH
● 7 th to 11 th – NBLSA National Convention [Washington,
DC]
● 14 th – BLSA Elections
● 24 th – BLSA Poetry Cipher | “Pumps & Poets” Event
APRIL
● 7 th – BLSA “Philly Volunteers for Indigent Persons”
[Philadelphia, PA]
● 20 th – BLSA Annual Donning of The Kente Clothe