Greetings from Touro Law Center’s Chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA)!Our mission is to develop and involve our membership, and to advocate on their behalf. We are committed to excellence and service, giving law students an opportunity to develop their advocacy, writing, and business skills as they work to serve their communities and change the face of the legal profession. Our members receive many wonderful benefits to enhance their lives both personally and professionally. Touro BLSA is an organization that accepts and nurtures members from all walks of life who are interested in furthering the development and excellence of minorities in the legal profession.".

Touro BLSA exists to (1) empower the local communities by instilling in the Touro Law Center’s (TLC) student body a commitment to the needs of underserved communities in an effort to bring about meaningful legal and political change in these communities; (2) improve ourselves by articulating and promoting the needs and goals of our members, and to foster professional competence; (3) change our profession by improving the relationship between minority law students, attorneys of color, and the American legal structure, and by encouraging our members to pursue careers in the judiciary; and (4) ensure our lasting legacy by adopting and implementing policies of economic independence. Our programs are designed to give our members a well-balanced introduction to the diverse aspects of the legal profession.

During the 2009-10 academic year, Touro BLSA hosted speakers and sponsored panels on current events and topics of interest to our student body. We held networking events with Touro alumni and local legal firms and agencies. In addition, we held social events, including a Comedy Night, and an after mid-terms social gathering. Since we are affiliated with both the National (NBLSA) and Northeast Regional (NEBLSA) organizations, our members also participated in academic retreats, professional conferences, moot court, mock trial, and other competitions.

This year, we will continue to offer exciting and up-to-date programming, as well as implement a new mentoring program with local community middle school students. This new program comports with this year’s national (NBLSA) theme, “A Legacy of Empowerment” and the regional (NEBLSA) theme of “Building on Excellence.” Our members are training to work with young students who are at a vulnerable age in an effort to offer them both encouragement and guidance. We invite you to support us in our endeavors.

Touro BLSA has been a vital resource for TLC students, administration, staff, and alumni alike, and aims to carry on its mission of empowerment and excellence for students of color, as well as the greater TLC community. We invite you to join in our success. Should you have any questions, please email us at blsa@tourolaw.edu.

Best wishes,