Spotlight on the National Black Law Students Association with Midwest Chair Jasmine Felder 

Last week I had the pleasure to speak with Jasmine Felder, a 3L at Michigan State University College of Law and the Midwest Regional Chair of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). We discussed what NBLSA is, what opportunities it provides its members, and how the Midwest Region operates, with a focus on events and community-building initiatives. 

Jasmine is a force of nature with big plans for the Midwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association (MWBLSA) and the broader association. Aside from learning about their signature events and opportunities for student members, I picked Jasmine’s brain about how she obtained her leadership role, how NBLSA supports its female members, and what a prospective law student should take away from our conversation.

The National Black Law Students Association: Building Community, Opportunity, and Leadership in Law

NBLSA’s mission is to cultivate Black law students into leaders in the legal industry, building a strong alumni network and professional community for its members through signature events, career and mentorship opportunities, advocacy, and community service. It is a national organization with six regions, each serving the unique needs of its members. The Midwest region, the largest, spans 14 states and is home to a diverse and dynamic membership with over 1,400 student members. While its focus is on building community for black law students, Jasmine stressed that membership is open to all who are interested.

Signature Events

National Convention

Every March, NBLSA hosts a national convention that unites members from all regions. This event is a culmination of the year’s work, featuring the finals of regional competitions in mock trial and moot court, the international negotiations competition, and the presentation of prestigious awards such as Chapter of the Year, Regional Chair of the Year, and Region of the Year. The convention also includes an annual gala with keynote speakers, alumni receptions, and panels covering a wide array of legal fields.

Congressional Black Caucus Events

Each September, NBLSA invites its Board of Directors, national executives, regional boards, and general pre-law and law student members to attend events at and related to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference to advance policy priorities impacting Black communities.

Regional Programming

The Midwest region exemplifies NBLSA’s commitment to tailored, personalized programming for its individual chapters. MWBLSA signature events span from pre-law to alumni events, including:

Regional Convention - MWBLSA hosts its own regional convention, where attendees can take part in a variety of opportunities:

• Pre-Law Symposium & Law School Fair
  The Symposium brings together law students, professors, and legal professionals for workshops that break down the admissions process, LSAT prep, personal statements, and even how to pay for law school.
  
  After the workshops, the Law School Fair offers a chance to speak directly with admissions representatives from schools across the country. Attendees can explore different programs, ask specific questions, and start building connections that may help them throughout the application process.

• Moot Court & Mock Trial Competitions
  The MWBLSA Moot Court & Mock Trial Competition brings together law students to compete in simulated court proceedings, showcasing their advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills. These events simulate real court settings, giving students a chance to practice their advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills. Competitors present arguments in both trial and appellate formats before practicing attorneys and judges, gaining practical exposure and plenty of opportunities to network in a professional environment.

• Alumni Reception
  The Alumni Reception is a chance for former and current MWBLSA members to gather, reconnect, and share experiences. Alumni use this space to reflect on the impact MWBLSA had on their paths while also engaging with current students who are building their own.

• Career Expo
  The Career Expo is a networking and recruiting event that brings together employers from law firms, corporations, government agencies, and public interest organizations. Students can explore different career paths, share their résumés, and have meaningful conversations with recruiters and attorneys. Whether someone is looking for a summer position, an internship, a clerkship, or a full-time role, the Career Expo serves as a valuable gateway to career opportunities in a wide range of legal fields.

• 58th Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony
  The Annual Gala is the signature celebration of the MWBLSA Convention. This black-tie event highlights the achievements of the year, including the announcement of Chapter of the Year and recognition of competition winners. Keynote speakers help set the tone for reflection and inspiration. Beyond the awards, the Gala creates a moment for members, alumni, and supporters to come together, honor the organization’s mission, and look ahead to the future of leadership within the legal community. It’s a fitting finale—bringing together achievement, community, and vision in one evening.

Academic Leadership Retreats

Divided into sub-regions (Great Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes), these retreats offer leadership panels, bar prep workshops, and job search guidance. They foster camaraderie and provide practical tools for success in law school and beyond.

Federal Judiciary Week

Unique to the Midwest, this week-long event features panels with federal prosecutors, defenders, U.S. attorneys, and judicial law clerks, giving students direct access to practitioners and insight into federal legal careers.

Distinguished Speaker Series

Monthly talks with high-profile legal professionals, such as Marcia Fudge (former Secretary of HUD), Krista Whitaker (EVP & Chief Legal Officer for the Chicago Bears), and Robin Ransom (Supreme Court of Missouri), expose members to diverse career paths and offer direct networking opportunities.

My Life as a Lawyer Series 

Webinar Panels featuring attorneys in civil rights, big law, government, and solo practice, allowing students to explore various legal careers and connect with alumni.

Community-Building: Advocacy, Service, and Belonging

Social Advocacy

MWBLSA’s mission extends beyond professional development to social justice and advocacy. This term, the region hosted a “Know Your Rights” webinar, Write to Your Legislators Days, and issued press releases on critical issues affecting the Black community, such as DEI Bans, local violence, and regional policies. These initiatives empower members to be agents of change within and beyond the legal field, cultivating awareness and resiliency.

Community Service

A strong emphasis on service is evident in initiatives like MWBLSA’s holiday card writing campaigns for children and seniors in hospitals, care facilities, and treatment centers, and partnerships with food banks. These projects foster a sense of purpose and solidarity among members, reinforcing MWBLSA’s commitment to giving back.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Jasmine and I discussed how law school and the legal profession as a whole can be isolating spaces, especially for students of color. NBLSA provides a community where members find support, mentorship, and lifelong friendships. Jasmine shared that reaching out to her local BLSA chapter before starting law school was pivotal in building her network and sense of belonging, especially as an out-of-state student at MSU.

Supporting Women in Law

When asked if NBLSA has any programs specifically catering to women, Jasmine paused before telling me that all six regional chairs are women, and that women make up more than half of the Midwest board. During Women’s History Month, MWBLSA plans to highlight the contributions of Black women leaders, and the region’s commitment to fostering an environment where women thrive. The high level of engagement of black women students in the organization demonstrates its welcoming, supportive atmosphere for women students and professionals.

Leadership Pathways

Impressed by her drive and achievements, I asked Jasmine how she got her role as Midwest Chair, and what advice she has for students who want a leadership role in the organization. Jasmine’s advice can be summarized in one sentence: make yourself known.

NBLSA offers clear pathways to leadership, starting with entry-level positions like Member-at-Large and culminating in regional and national board roles. Members are encouraged to get involved early, participate in events, and communicate regularly with chapter leadership. Leadership roles open doors to national networking, skill development, and recognition, as evidenced by Jasmine’s journey from chapter member to regional chair.

Financial Support and Accessibility

NBLSA is a nonprofit organization that strives to make participation accessible. Dues are kept low, especially for pre-law students, and the organization prioritizes programming and member support over administrative costs to ensure resources are directed where they matter most.

Why Join NBLSA?

NBLSA is open to all, regardless of race, color, or religion. The organization’s welcoming environment, robust programming, and commitment to advocacy and community make it a vital resource for law students and pre-law students seeking community, professional growth, and a platform for social change.

Conclusion

The National Black Law Students Association is more than a student organization—it is a movement, a network, and a community. Through its events, career opportunities, and unwavering commitment to community-building, NBLSA empowers to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. For Ms. JD readers and anyone seeking a sense of belonging and purpose in law, NBLSA offers a launchpad for success.

Su Aray is a first-generation Turkish-American and law student at Cardozo School of Law, where she serves as a Student Fellow at the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences at University College London where she participated in competitive debating, representing UCL at the 2020 World Universities Debating Championship. Born and raised in Turkey, then Germany, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Su identifies as a “third-culture kid,” relating to many different cultures and perspectives.