HBCU pre-law summit expands law school pathways in North Carolina

The 13th Annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo brought aspiring lawyers to North Carolina’s Research Triangle Sept. 24–27 for law school visits, admissions guidance, and mentorship. The event connected hundreds of participants with more than 115 law schools and organizations and highlighted HBCU law schools’ role in building the next generation of attorneys.

Why it matters: - The Summit is designed to move more HBCU students into legal education and the legal profession. - Participants gained direct access to law schools, judges, deans, attorneys, and admissions experts. - The event emphasized belonging, preparation, and practical support for students considering law school.

What happened: - The 13th Annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo ran Sept. 24–27, 2026, in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. - Core programming took place at North Carolina Central University’s Student Center. - The event connected aspiring lawyers with legal education resources, accomplished professionals, and mentors. - Attendees toured the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Duke University School of Law, and North Carolina Central University School of Law. - A Wake County Courthouse visit included a conversation with Judge Damion McCullers. - The Law School Recruitment & Resources Expo brought attendees together with representatives from more than 115 law schools and organizations. - The expo focused on admissions, financial assistance, and preparation resources.

The details: - The Summit was founded by attorney and pipeline advocate Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M. - Mitchell’s welcome message told aspiring lawyers, “you belong here, and your aspirations deserve to be taken seriously.” - Keynote speakers included Alison Ashe-Card, Esq., Nathan G. Alexander III, J.D., Tracy L. Simmons, J.D., M.A., and Salisu “Sal” A. Richardson, Esq., CLMP. - The “Sisters Who Rule” co-keynote conversation featured the Honorable Shamieka LaCher Rhinehart, the Honorable Camille Banks-Prince, the Honorable Keisha Wright Hill, and the Honorable Teresa Raquel Robinson Freeman. - NCCU Law Dean Joseph K. Grant moderated that conversation. - The HBCU Law School Deans Showcase included Joseph K. Grant; McKen Carrington of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Angela Gilmore of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; Simone Marstiller of Florida A&M University College of Law; and Marla Dickerson of Southern University Law Center. - Programming included a mock law class with NCCU Law Professor David A. Green, a mock admissions committee exercise, pre-law advising, and small-group career conversations. - Sessions covered pipeline programs, financing law school, LSAT preparation, law student experiences, and legal careers in the age of artificial intelligence. - The Varsity Theatre in Chapel Hill hosted the HBCU premieres of Becoming Black Lawyers and Mr. Advocate. - The films were by Evangeline M. Mitchell and Stacie McClam, respectively. - S. Lee Merritt, Esq.; Otto O. Meyers III, J.D., M.B.A.; and L. Chris Stewart, Esq. were inducted into the National HBCU Pre-Law Hall of Fame. - During the Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony, participants recited the Aspiring Lawyers Success Pledge and were pinned by attorneys and judges. - More than 300 speakers, moderators, advisors, application reviewers, law school representatives, student leaders, volunteers, and community partners contributed to the Summit. - Sponsors included Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., Balch & Bingham LLP, Chapman and Cutler LLP, AccessLex Institute, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, JD-Next, CREW, LSAC, LexisNexis, Davis Bozeman Law, Mawuli Davis, Esq., and Dr. Jana Johnson-Davis.

Between the lines: - The Summit positions HBCU law schools as a central pipeline for future advocates, public servants, and community leaders. - The law school visits and admissions programming suggest a focus on turning interest into action. - The film screenings and Hall of Fame honors added cultural recognition to the career-development agenda. - The large number of speakers and partners points to a broad network built around recruitment and retention.

What's next: - The Summit is expected to continue serving as a pathway event for aspiring lawyers from HBCUs and other institutions. - Participants left with law school contacts, admissions information, and mentoring connections to guide next steps. - Sponsor support will remain important to expanding access for future cohorts.

The bottom line: - The HBCU Pre-Law Summit is blending recruitment, mentorship, and institutional visibility to widen the legal pipeline for Black students and other aspiring lawyers.