Law Center News
Fifty high school students participate in 2016 Minority Law and Research Institute at SULC
SULC welcomed 50 high school students from Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland for the 16th Annual Minority Law and Research Institute, June 19-July 1, 2016.
Chancellor John Pierre introduced the group and its executive director Joseph Haden Sr. at the June 24 Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting.
“The students are outstanding young people that we were proud to host,” Chancellor Pierre said. “Hosting them is part of our effort to increase the pipeline of young minority students who will want to enter college, law school, and the legal profession in the near future.”
The institute, which began its association with SULC in 2000, owes its existence to Aunt Berta’s Kids-In-Need Education Foundation, founded by Haden. The foundation seeks to provide under-represented students exposure to careers in the legal profession and research.
“The ultimate goal of the institute is to motivate and encourage minority students to consider careers in the field of law,” Haden says. “It is also designed to inspire them to set high expectations for academic achievement.”
Following Friday’s introduction to the SU Board, the group attended “My Life as A Lawyer—Strengthening the Pipeline of Future Lawyers,” a panel discussion held at the Law Center sponsored by Corporate Counsel Women of Color. The panel members discussed paths to their current careers in law, and provided the students with advice and insight on navigating their progression from students to professionals. The panel was followed by a networking luncheon, where the students had the opportunity to continue conversations with the panelists.
Throughout the institute, participants attended sessions on law and case studies, guest lectures, campus tours, and goal-setting and career awareness workshops conducted by SULC law professors, students, and alumni, as well as other legal professionals.
Lecture topics included “Legal Issues Regarding Band Membership Hazing,” “Criminal Procedures: Search and Seizure,” “Teen Court,” “Restorative Justice and Executive Action for the Black Panther Party,” “Depression and Suicide,” and “Money Matters.”
The program concluded with mock trials and a recognition ceremony. Institute participants Yamiri Mants of Alabama and Sergio Chavez Orellana of Virginia presided over the ceremony. Tamysinae Brown and Nylla Carter, both of Virginia, were winners of best mock trial team. Serenity Muse of Baton Rouge and Kaylah Paras of Virginia won best closing argument.
Chancellor Pierre, Dr. Haden, and Prof. Donald North presented certificates and special awards.
Law students who served as Pro-bono Legal Fellows for this year’s institute were Carroll Akins, Lynzee Cannon, Kenneesha Johnson, David Points, and Denevia Thomas. Other student volunteers were Gilbert Bayonne, Lebra Bias, Shayla Cockerm, Jordan Franklin, Lamar Gardner, Kalyn Garner, Franchester Gipson, Burgundy Hammond, Johnnie King, Amanda Myles, Raymond Wilkes, and Gary Williams.
Dr. Hayden (far right) and high school students participating in the 2016 Minority Law and Research Institute are pictured with members of the Corporate Counsel Women of Color, who presented the panel discussion, “My Life As a Lawyer—Strengthen the Pipeline of Future Lawyers.” Panelists are pictured beginning fourth from left, Vanessa Caston LaFleur, ’93; Monique Edwards, ’86; Michelle Jackson, interim executive assistant to the Chancellor; Jennipher Williams, ’13; Brittany Bryant, ’14; and Iriane Lee, ’15.
Pictured back row, from left: Pro-bono Legal Fellows Lynzee Cannon and David Points, Prof. Donald North, law student volunteer Gary Williams, staff volunteer Carol Septs of the Southern University Law Review office, Pro-bono Legal Fellow Denevia Thomas, and student volunteer Johnnie King; and front row, from left: staff volunteer Carolyn Stephens of Career Services, student volunteer Shayla Cockerm, Pro-bono Legal Fellows Kenneesha Johnson and Carroll Akins, and student volunteer Kalyn Garner.
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