A Committee Publication
Pipeline Programs & Initiatives: Pathways into the Legal Profession
A public directory of National Bar Association sponsored programs - from youth camps and mock trial to fellowships, bar-passage support, and early-career mentorship.
A project of the Seeds of Justice: Black Law Student Pipeline & Retention Committee, an Ad Hoc Committee Created Under the Leadership of President Ashley Upkins.
About the Committee
Seeds of Justice: Black Law Student Pipeline & Retention Committee
This Committee is committed to cultivating the next generation of Black legal excellence. From early exposure through law school graduation and bar passage, this Committee builds intentional pathways to ensure that Black students not only enter the legal profession - but thrive in it.
This Committee works closely with HBCUs, NBLSA, the Law Students Division, and the Young Lawyers Division. Through mentorship, programming, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, this Committee invests in the success, retention, and advancement of aspiring Black lawyers, planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.
This Committee also confronts the growing challenges facing Black law students, including the erosion of DEI-related scholarships, shrinking institutional support, and the alarming decline in Black male college enrollment. In the face of these setbacks, this Committee stands as a force of action - committed to building resilient, equitable, and enduring pipelines to justice.
A project of the Seeds of Justice: Black Law Student Pipeline & Retention Committee, an Ad Hoc Committee Created Under the Leadership of President Ashley Upkins.
Inaugural Committee Co-Chairs & Appointed Members
- Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Co-Chair
- Cassandra Hill, Esq.Co-Chair
- Darryl C. Wilson, Esq.
- J. Francesca Gross, Esq.
- Hon. Denise Langford Morris
- Jasmine Felder, J.M., J.D.
- Kevin L. Jones, Esq.
- Melissa Smiley, Esq.
- Nequosha Anderson, Esq.
- Ngozi Ndulue, Esq.
- Princess M. Woodard, Esq.
- Roger L. Johnson, Esq.
- Sheraya Bernard, J.D.
- Shumika T. R. Sookdeo, Esq.
- Telsula Morgan, Esq.
- Valeria Obi, Esq.
- Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq.
Explore by section
The five parts
Part I
6 entriesNational Youth & Pipeline Programs
Introducing young people to the legal profession through camps, mock trial, advocacy competitions, and civic education.
Browse Part IPart II
8 entriesNational Bar Institute Programs
The charitable arm's fellowships, scholarships, and bar-passage support for law students and new lawyers.
Browse Part IIPart III
9 entriesSections, Divisions & National Initiatives
Section- and division-led conferences, scholarships, mentorship, and advancement work.
Browse Part IIIPart IV
34 entriesRegional & Affiliate Programs
Regions, chapters, and affiliates carrying the mission locally through scholarships, mentorship, and youth pipeline.
Browse Part IVPart V
4 entriesStrategic Partner Organizations
Independent organizations with documented NBA or NBI relationships advancing student engagement and pipeline-to-profession work.
Browse Part VWho it's for
Every stage of the journey.
Students & families
Find summer camps, mock trial teams, oratorical contests, scholarships, and college programs that open the door to the legal profession.
Law schools & advisors
A ready reference for pre-law advisors, career services, and DEI offices to point students toward NBA-connected opportunities.
Bar leaders & partners
See how sections, divisions, regions, affiliates, and strategic partners are advancing pipeline-to-profession work nationwide.
Help keep the directory current
Know a program we should add - or a detail that changed?
Submissions are reviewed by the Seeds of Justice Committee before being added to the public directory.