The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Elon Law held its annual reception for third-year law students on April 16. The reception allows BLSA members to show appreciation for the graduating students who have contributed to the growth of the organization and to congratulate them on their journey through law school.
“It is their dedication and ideas that remind us where BLSA began and where it can go in the future,” second-year student and current BLSA vice president Hasina Lewis said. “It is imperative that we honor our 3Ls to recognize their hard work both in and out of the classroom and more importantly, recognize all that they have done for the enhancement of the organization.”
“Our graduating 3Ls have contributed to the growth of BLSA by setting an example through their tremendous involvement in both the law school and legal communities,” current BLSA president Tiffany Gray ’12 commented. “They have conducted themselves with a level of professionalism, scholarship and commitment to civic involvement that is consistent with the law school’s development of lawyer-leaders.”
After the BLSA dinner, attendees heard from the events’ keynote speaker, Judge Camille Banks-Payne. Judge Banks-Payne, who was appointed by former North Carolina governor Michael Easley in January 2008, sits on the Tenth District Court in Forsyth County. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her juris doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Judge Banks-Payne worked in the Forsyth County Public Defender’s Office before she was appointed as a district court judge.
In keeping with BLSA’s yearlong theme, “Raising the Bar, Literally,” Judge Banks-Payne talked to the graduates about how to optimize their success after law school. She gave the 3Ls advice on how to tackle the bar exam and pass on the first time.
“You need to treat the bar exam like it’s a full time job,” Judge Banks-Payne told the students. She gave graduates a study plan to follow, including going to all bar preparation classes they can and taking full advantage of Project Pass, the program set up by Elon to help students focus on studying for the bar.
Judge Banks-Payne also gave students advice for their future law careers. She urged them to remain “professional, competent, and community-friendly” throughout their practice.
“Your reputation is all you have in this profession,” Judge Banks-Payne told the attendees.
Following Judge Banks-Payne’s presentation, third-year students were presented with personalized desk plates with their names and soon-to-be titles, Attorney at Law. The Black Law Students Association also honored Associate Dean for Admissions and BLSA advisor Sharon Newsome Gaskin for the support she has given the organization and its members.
By Ashley Smith, L’12