Black law students gather at St. Thomas Law for an academic retreat centered on mentorship and leadership
Participants from over 20 law schools across the Southern Region gathered at St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami for SRBLSA’s 2024 Sub-Region 4 Academic Retreat, a weekend of professional development, mentorship, and community impact.
More than 100 Black law students from over 20 law schools across the South gathered at St. Thomas University College of Law on September 19–20 for the Sub-Region 4 Academic Retreat, hosted by the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA).
The two-day event combined legal mentorship, professional development, and direct community service — bringing together future attorneys, practicing lawyers, and local students in a show of collective purpose and leadership.
The retreat opened with a community service event at Miami Carol City Senior High School, where SRBLSA members worked alongside students in the school’s law magnet program. Activities included career development sessions, oral argument practice, and a mini mock trial. The initiative provided high school students with direct exposure to the legal profession, while allowing law students to engage with the next generation of aspiring attorneys.
On Saturday, September 20, programming continued, featuring community-building activities, a panel discussion, and a speed networking session designed to connect students with experienced attorneys. The panel included Jessica Turner, Sherria Williams, Marlin K. Green, Brendalyn Edwards, Anika R. Hardmon, 15th Circuit Judge Bradley Harper, and Courtney S. Jones. Each speaker shared insights on resilience, leadership, and navigating diverse legal careers.
"This year’s retreat was a true regional gathering, with law students traveling from 20+ schools across the Southern Region to take part," said Kaylah Clark, a Florida A&M University College of Law student and Sub-IV regional director. "SRBLSA especially thanks Florida A&M University College of Law for its continued support of Sub-Region 4 programming and student leadership within the organization."
The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association sponsored the retreat.
Clark said attorneys and community members can support SRBLSA students by:
-
Donating to or sponsoring SRBLSA as an individual or company
-
Joining the SRBLSA Alumni Database to connect with pre-law students and law students in the region
-
Keeping up with programming and emailing [email protected] to help host an event
-
Registering to attend the 55th Annual Regional Convention in Birmingham, AL
The Academic Retreat embodied SRBLSA’s mission to advance educational, professional, and advocacy opportunities for Black law students across Florida and the greater southern region. For more information about SRBLSA, visit srblsa.org or email [email protected].
