Association of Black Law Alumni
Building Community
The George Washington University Association of Black Law Alumni (ABLA) was established in 1988. Its mission is to support the law school's efforts in recruiting minority students and faculty and promote diversity within the law school. The ABLA sponsors alumni and student networking opportunities for minorities and provides year-long academic and mentoring support for the GW chapter of the Black Law Student Association. The ABLA encourages graduating students to become active members of the GW alumni community in order to maintain active participation and support for GW Law and to voice the ABLA's views on policies affecting the law school.
ABLA Board Members
- Olajumoke Obayanju, JD '16, President
- Antionette Carradine, JD '18, Vice President
- Willette Elder, JD '10, Treasurer
- Alexandra Dixon, JD '18, Secretary
- Melinda Momplaisir, JD '18, BLSA Liaison
- Mike Michel, JD '15, Immediate Past President
Join us on the ABLA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Annual Events
Spring Conference
The GW Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and the GW Association of Black Law Alumni (ABLA) host a yearly Spring Conference. The conference will include a breakfast, followed by several panels, a keynote address, and a luncheon. The day will end with a wine and dessert networking reception.
The Spring Conference brings together leaders in their respective fields to explore critical issues at the intersection of race, law, and politics. This forum will allow for intellectual exchange and the development of professional connections for more than just GW BLSA members, ABLA members, admitted students, faculty and alumni, but also for legal practitioners, scholars, judges, and community members.
For more information and to register, please contact [email protected]
Affinity Group Reception
In mid-to-late April, the George Washington Law Alumni Association hosts an evening to welcome our graduating 3L students as alumni and allowing them to learn about ways to join the Law School’s Alumni Affinity Groups.
This event will allow students to learn of opportunities to continue to stay engaged with their classmates and fellow alums through our Black Law Alumni, Lambda Law Alumni, Latino Law Alumni, and Asian Law Alumni associations.
For more information and to register, please email [email protected]
Annual Board Meeting
The GW Association of Black Law Alumni holds an annual board meeting in Fall and the board may call a second meeting as necessary in the Spring.
Jeanette Michael Scholarship Award Reception
In February each year, the GW Association of Black Law Alumni (ABLA) are proud to host fellow alumni for an unforgettable evening of networking, reconnecting, and building community
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Jeanette A. Michael Memorial Scholarship Award to a current student. We hope you’ll join us in witnessing history as the GW ABLA honors the legacy of Jeanette A. Michael, JD ’75.
ABLA Initiatives
Jeanette Michael Memorial Scholarship Fund
ABLA is committed to raising awareness of the Jeanette A. Michael Scholarship Fund. The fund establishes an endowment to support scholarships providing financial assistance to qualified African-American Juris Doctor Degree candidates enrolled at the law school.
Orientation
Since 1988, the ABLA has conducted an orientation program specially designed for entering African American first-year law students. The program is an intensive study skills training program that is held before the first week of school, generally the weekend before school begins. The Law School provides continental breakfast and lunch.
The orientation program is generally the students' first contact with the law school environment. The program provides useful tips and gives students a unique opportunity to begin fostering relationships with alumni that continue throughout the students' law school and professional careers. The ABLA forwards invitations to the orientation program to newly admitted students who have provided notice to GW Law of their intention to matriculate. Members of the ABLA also make telephone calls to all admitted students to encourage them to attend the orientation. This initial phone call also gives alumni an opportunity to answer any questions incoming students may have about GW Law or life in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.
Some of the topics covered during the orientation include matters such as
- How to read and brief a case
- Ethical considerations
- How to effectively use study groups
- Introduction to legal writing
- Introduction to first-year courses
- Explanations of what law professors generally expect
At the end of the program, the officers of BLSA talk to the first year students about student life at the Law School. GW Law professors and members of the ABLA, including law firm partners, judges, in-house counsel, corporate executives and law firm senior associates serve as presenters during the program.
Every year students and alumni are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at [email protected]
Practice Panel Series
The ABLA believes strongly in giving students the opportunity to explore different career paths. Throughout the year, the ABLA hosts a variety of panels and forums for alumni and students.