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Runs of Show

Plenary Sessions & Panel Discussions

Read every minute-by-minute program online — call times, cues, speakers, and production notes — or download the PDF for your session. Organized Thursday, Friday, then Saturday.

Thursday0Friday4Saturday7

Internal Participant Run of Show Documents for the 2026 Summit. These replace all earlier versions — all timings are subject to change prior to the event, so always check this page for the latest version before your session.

Meeting before the Summit?

Panels meet on Zoom one to two weeks out to walk through the flow and questions. Organizers will announce the date and time for your panel and post the Zoom details on the Panel Prep Calls page.

Panel prep calls

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Export the 11 programs currently shown — print-ready PDF, a spreadsheet you can open in Google Sheets or Excel, or an editable Word document.

01

Friday

September 25, 2026 · 4 programs

Plenary SessionDay 2 · Friday

Welcome Ceremony & Opening Keynote Session

Combined & Revised Official Run of Show — Print Ready

Friday, September 25, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:42 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Continuous front-loaded opening program: featured speakers, two video greetings, and student leader moments · All registered attendees · 162 minutes
View Friday Opening Session Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Friday Opening Session Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Consolidates the university's Welcome Ceremony and Opening Keynote program into a 162-minute run of show within the scheduled 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. event block, leaving an 18-minute operating cushion for a delayed start, transitions, or speaker overages.
Pre-program
David Green, Esq., Professor of Law, NCCU School of Law, leads a mock law school class prior to the 10:00 a.m. start. Time TBD by the registration team — not included in the timed run of show.

Featured speakers

  • Dr. Karrie G. DixonSpecial Guest Speaker — 13th Chancellor & CEO, North Carolina Central University
  • Joseph Karl Grant, Esq.Dean, North Carolina Central University School of Law
  • Leonardo (Leo) WilliamsSpecial Guest Speaker — Mayor, City of Durham
  • Barbara J. Howard, Esq.Special Guest Speaker (Video) — President, American Bar Association
  • The Honorable Janet CowellSpecial Guest Speaker (Video) — Mayor, City of Raleigh
  • Kimberly A. Moore, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — President, North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers
  • Alison Ashe-Card, Esq.Keynote Speaker — Associate Dean for Inclusive Engagement and Culture, Duke University School of Law
  • Nathan G. Alexander III, J.D.Keynote Speaker — 13th Mayor, City of Prairie View
  • Tracy L. Simmons, J.D., M.A.Keynote Speaker — Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, Howard University School of Law
  • Mawuli Davis, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — Founding Partner & Civil Rights Attorney, Davis Bozeman Johnson Law (Atlanta, GA)
  • Titichia Mitchell Jackson, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — Assistant Professor of Law & Director of Academic Success and Bar Passage, Penn State Dickinson Law
  • Caleb MartinStudent Welcome — Sophomore, NCCU; Assistant Manager, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit
  • Torren BarrettStudent Leader Remarks — Vice President, NCCU Student Government Association
  • Bakari JacksonStudent Leader Remarks — SBA President, NCCU School of Law
  • Ivan WilliamsStudent Leader Remarks — SBA Vice President, NCCU School of Law
  • Keshia GuerrierStudent Leader Remarks — Southern Region Chair, NBLSA
  • Jasmine Daniel & Hannah RavenellStudent Leader Remarks — Co-Presidents, Duke University BLSA
  • Awa MbaiStudent Leader Remarks — Co-President, Campbell University BLSA
  • Akram AbbadiStudent Leader Remarks — Southwest Regional Chair, NBLSA
  • Xavier ChatmanStudent Leader Remarks — Third-Year Law Student, Southern University Law Center; Immediate Past National Director of Pre-Law Affairs, NBLSA; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Closing Remarks — Founder, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit and Law Expo
Panel DiscussionDay 2 · Friday

Mock Law School Admissions Committee Exercise

Inside the Admissions Room: See How Admissions Decisions Are Really Made

Friday, September 25, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Live educational simulation using seven fictional applicant files; no slides · All registered attendees · 60 minutes
View Mock Admissions Committee Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Mock Admissions Committee Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026View Panelist, Moderator & Reviewer PacketUpdated Aug 31, 2026View Panelist, Moderator & Reviewer Packet (Word)Updated Aug 31, 2026View Student Audience ExerciseUpdated Aug 31, 2026View Student Audience Exercise (Word)Updated Aug 31, 2026

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Session purpose
Experienced admissions and student-affairs professionals review fictional applicant files, test assumptions, debate competing strengths and concerns, and reach decisions in real time — a practical view of holistic review without disclosing any school's confidential process.
Preparation
Moderators preassign two or three lead reviewers for each fictional file. Reviewers should study the common framework and be ready to explain how evidence across the full file affects judgment.

Featured speakers

  • Bianca Mack, J.D., M.B.A.Featured Panelist — Associate Dean for Student Affairs, University of North Carolina School of Law
  • Jeremy Whatley, MLSFeatured Panelist — Associate Director of Admissions, Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • Kelsey Holland, Ed.D., JM, MPAFeatured Panelist — Admissions and Recruitment, Florida A&M University College of Law
  • Mark Hill, MSEdFeatured Panelist — Assistant Dean for Admissions, Duke University School of Law
  • Tyonna (Ty) Brent, J.D.Featured Panelist — Director of Admissions, Loyola Law School (Los Angeles)
  • Katrina AlleyneFeatured Panelist — Director of Admissions Operations, Albany Law School
  • Caprice Wright, M.A.Featured Panelist — Interim Associate Dean of Admissions, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University
  • Sharon N. Gaskin, Esq.Co-Moderator — Associate Dean of Admissions & Financial Assistance, NCCU School of Law
  • Rishawnda Archie, M.S.Co-Moderator — Assistant Director for J.D. Admissions and Recruitment, Wayne State University Law School
Plenary SessionDay 2 · Friday

HBCU Law School Deans Showcase

Legacy, Leadership, and Your Future in Law

Friday, September 25, 2026
6:45 – 7:45 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Student-centered, co-moderated conversation with equal-time institutional spotlights; no slides · All registered attendees · 60 minutes
View HBCU Law School Deans Showcase Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View HBCU Law School Deans Showcase Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Six HBCU law schools are represented: five leaders join live and Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. of Howard University School of Law appears via pre-recorded message. Together they discuss institutional mission, culture, academic opportunity, student support, bar preparation, affordability, career pathways, leadership, technology, and the future of HBCU legal education. The title intentionally does not imply participation by all six HBCU law schools.
Format note
Institutional spotlights give every participating institution comparable time and visibility; Dean Fairfax's pre-recorded message is presented in place of a live spotlight. In the rapid-fire round, each live leader answers only one of the two prompt options.

Featured speakers

  • Angela Gilmore, J.D.Featured Leader — Dean, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
  • Joseph Karl Grant, Esq.Featured Leader — Dean, North Carolina Central University School of Law
  • Marla Dickerson, M.S., J.D., Ph.D.Featured Leader — Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, Southern University Law Center
  • McKen V. Carrington, Esq.Featured Leader — Acting Dean and Professor of Law, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University
  • Simone Marstiller, J.D.Featured Leader — Dean, Florida A&M University College of Law
  • Roger A. Fairfax, Jr., Esq.Featured Leader (Pre-Recorded Message) — Dean, Howard University School of Law
  • Bakari JacksonCo-Moderator — SBA President, North Carolina Central University School of Law
  • Brandy Owens Domengeaux, Esq.Co-Moderator — Principal Senior Lecturer of Law, Georgia State University College of Law; Founder & CEO, The Bar Writing Coach, LLC; Atlanta, Georgia
Plenary SessionDay 2 · Friday

HBCU Film Night: Lawyers Behind the Lens

Official Run of Show — film screenings and filmmaker conversations

On the schedule as: HBCU Film Premiere Night: Lawyers Behind the Lens Screening

Friday, September 25, 2026
8:30 – 10:45 PM EDT
The Varsity Theatre · 123 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Evening film premiere night: three screenings with filmmaker introductions and conversations · Doors 8:30 PM, program 8:45 PM, hard conclusion 10:45 PM
View HBCU Film Night Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View HBCU Film Night Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Featured filmmakers
Evangeline M. Mitchell and Stacie McClam — filmmakers who also produced Bar Daddy. Director Jay Gerren is unable to attend; the producers present the excerpt. Moderator: to be determined — the program works with or without a moderator.
Film runtimes
Mr. Advocate: 30 minutes · Becoming Black Lawyers: 25 minutes · Bar Daddy: 10-minute excerpt.
Hard end
10:45 PM sharp. All introductions and conversations stay within their assigned times to protect the ending.

Featured speakers

  • Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Filmmaker — Becoming Black Lawyers; Producer — Bar Daddy; Event Director
  • Stacie McClamFilmmaker — Mr. Advocate; Producer — Bar Daddy
  • Theatre Manager / ProjectionistScreenings — The Varsity Theatre
02

Saturday

September 26, 2026 · 7 programs

Panel DiscussionDay 3 · Saturday

Admission Strategy Lab

Live Q&A and Application Hot Seats

Saturday, September 26, 2026
8:00 – 8:45 AM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Limited-access, 45-minute working session with live Q&A and voluntary application hot seats · VIP, Platinum, and By Invitation Only
View Admission Strategy Lab Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Admission Strategy Lab Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
This limited-access, 45-minute working session helps attendees turn general admissions advice into practical application strategies. Through live questions and voluntary application “hot seats,” prospective applicants can share their LSAT/GPA ranges, backgrounds, and schools of interest. Panelists will help them identify strengths to emphasize, areas to improve, and questions to explore as they develop their applications.
What the conversation covers
School selection, application timelines, personal statements, résumés, addenda, recommendations, and presenting a compelling, authentic application. Drawing on their firsthand experiences, panelists help attendees leave with concrete next steps and greater confidence.
Privacy boundary
Participation is voluntary and attendees may stop a hot seat at any time. No private, sensitive, medical, financial, disciplinary, or personally identifying information should be disclosed, and no individual admission outcome will be predicted.

Featured speakers

  • Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Moderator — Founder and Director, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo
  • Akram AbbadiFeatured Panelist — Southwest Regional Chair, National Black Law Students Association; Third-Year Law Student, The University of Texas School of Law; Austin, Texas
  • Jayla Simone MeeksFeatured Panelist — Regional Vice Chair, Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association; Third-Year Law Student, American University Washington College of Law; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Jordyn K. AllenFeatured Panelist — J.D. Admissions Fellow; Third-Year Law Student, Harvard Law School; Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Tyia BurnsFeatured Panelist — Third-Year Law Student, Harvard Law School; Spelman College alumna; Cambridge, Massachusetts
Plenary SessionDay 3 · Saturday

Saturday Plenary Session

Revised Official Run of Show — Print Ready

Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 – 11:00 AM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Special Guest address, Featured Keynote, and a 45-minute moderated co-keynote conversation with four sitting judges · All registered attendees · 120 minutes
View Saturday Opening Session Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Saturday Opening Session Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Carries the summit's momentum from Friday into a focused Saturday morning: a Special Guest address, a Featured Keynote, and a 45-minute moderated conversation with four sitting judges, each introduced by name and framed with a personal, student-led introduction.
Sisters Who Rule format
10:13–10:15 moderator's welcome and opening question · 10:15–10:31 opening reflections (~4 min per judge) · 10:31–10:50 moderated conversation and follow-ups · 10:50–10:58 final charge to aspiring lawyers (~2 min per judge).

Featured speakers

  • Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Welcome & Closing — Founder, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit and Law Expo
  • Chance D. Lynch, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — Senior Attorney, Ben Crump Law PLLC (Charlotte, NC)
  • Nana Asante-Smith, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — Associate Attorney, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP (Raleigh, NC) — reassigned from the discontinued Thursday evening session
  • Salisu “Sal” A. Richardson, Esq., CLMPFeatured Keynote Speaker — Managing Partner for Workers' Compensation, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
  • Joseph Karl Grant, Esq.Moderator — Dean, NCCU School of Law
  • Hon. Shamieka LaCher RhinehartCo-Keynote Speaker — Sisters Who Rule
  • Hon. Camille Banks-PrinceCo-Keynote Speaker — Sisters Who Rule
  • Hon. Keisha Wright HillCo-Keynote Speaker — Sisters Who Rule
  • Hon. Teresa Raquel Robinson FreemanCo-Keynote Speaker — Sisters Who Rule
  • Omiete WilliamsStudent Leader Remarks — Vice-Chair, National BLSA; University of Mississippi School of Law
  • Joy KibobiStudent Leader Remarks — Third-Year Law Student, NCCU School of Law
  • Lauren GrahamStudent Leader Remarks — President, BLSA, University of North Carolina School of Law
  • Maya F. ConnorStudent Leader Remarks — President, BLSA; Second-Year Law Student, University of Virginia School of Law
  • Aaliyah LeCompteStudent Leader Remarks — President, BLSA, NCCU School of Law
Panel DiscussionDay 3 · Saturday

Legal Education Pipeline Programs Panel Discussion

Pathways and Promise: How Pipeline Programs Help You Get Into and Succeed in Law School

Saturday, September 26, 2026
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Co-moderated program showcase with individual spotlights, comparative guidance, and curated audience questions · All registered attendees · 60 minutes
View Legal Education Pipeline Programs Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Legal Education Pipeline Programs Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Increase awareness of specific pipeline programs while teaching attendees how to find, evaluate, and pursue additional opportunities — purpose, eligibility, timing, benefits, expectations, and next steps.
Spotlight round
Every featured panelist receives up to two uninterrupted minutes, with brief co-moderator transitions between spotlights.

Featured speakers

  • Aminta Moses Sharps, J.D., Ph.D.Featured Panelist — Pathway & Education Programs Manager, Law School Admission Council
  • Bianca D. Evans, Ph.D., M.B.A.Featured Panelist — Director of Community Outreach, Samford University Cumberland School of Law
  • Glenda Thornton, Esq.Featured Panelist — Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Florida State University College of Law
  • Heather Noman, Esq.Featured Panelist — Regional Admissions Officer, Appalachian School of Law
  • Jesse McCoy, Esq.Featured Panelist — Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Civil Justice Clinic; Faculty Director, Duke Pre-Law Fellowship Program, Duke University School of Law
  • Kerimal Suriel Guerrero, Esq.Featured Panelist — Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs, Suffolk University Law School
  • Michelle Gunter, Esq.Featured Panelist — Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment Management, University of Baltimore School of Law
  • Lindsay V. Chuang, J.D.Featured Panelist — Assistant Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, UC Davis School of Law | King Hall
  • Mary Ann Ferguson, Esq.Featured Panelist — Assistant Dean for Access and Community Engagement, Michigan State University College of Law; East Lansing, Michigan
  • Jessica CodyCo-Moderator — Law Student, North Carolina Central University School of Law; Durham, North Carolina
  • Cindy JeanCo-Moderator — Director of Pre-Law, Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association; Second-Year Law Student, George Washington University Law School; Washington, DC
Panel DiscussionDay 3 · Saturday

Getting In and Paying for It: Admissions Testing, Scholarships, and the Real Cost of Law School

Admissions and financial aid professionals join current law students for a practical conversation about how testing, admissions decisions, scholarships, and affordability intersect.

Saturday, September 26, 2026
12:30 – 1:30 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Moderated panel with curated audience questions; general education only — no individualized financial, legal, tax, credit, or investment advice · All registered attendees · 60 minutes
View Getting In and Paying for It Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Getting In and Paying for It Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Connects two major concerns for aspiring law students: preparing for the LSAT and financing a legal education. Professional panelists address admissions testing, financial aid offers, scholarship conditions, funding options, and the costs applicants should consider. Student participants share firsthand experience with LSAT preparation, study approaches, navigating setbacks, comparing financial awards, choosing a school, and planning for the expenses of legal education.

Featured speakers

  • Zaria CameronCo-Moderator — Co-National Director of Pre-Law Affairs, National Black Law Students Association; Third-Year Law Student, University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Columbia, South Carolina
  • Chandler McGruderCo-Moderator — Vice President, Black Law Students Association; University of Pittsburgh School of Law; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Korey J. Mercer, J.D., M.B.A.Admissions & Financial Aid Professional — Assistant Dean for J.D. Admissions and Financial Aid, Cleveland State University College of Law; Cleveland, Ohio
  • Cassandra B. Jeter-Bailey, J.D., LL.M.Admissions & Financial Aid Professional — Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid and Strategic Marketing Initiatives, University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law; Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Awa MbaiStudent Panelist — Co-President, Black Law Students Association; Leary and Joy Davis Leadership Scholar; Third-Year Law Student, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law; Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Nia AndersonStudent Panelist — Third-Year Law Student (3L)
  • Cierra BakerStudent Panelist — President, Black Law Students Association; High Point University Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law; High Point, North Carolina
Panel DiscussionDay 3 · Saturday

The Law Student Experience Panel Discussion

From HBCU to J.D.: What No One Tells You About Starting and Succeeding in Law School

Saturday, September 26, 2026
2:30 – 3:45 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
One 75-minute session with two clearly separated panels — Part I: seven students; Part II: seven students · All registered attendees
View Law Student Experience Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Law Student Experience Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Part I
Transitions and culture, with an intentional mix of HBCU-to-PWI and PWI-to-HBCU experiences.
Part II
The hidden curriculum, academic success, student life, leadership, well-being, and help-seeking.
Midpoint transition
Part I exits promptly at 3:03 PM while the moderators synthesize one takeaway; Part II takes assigned seats immediately.

Featured speakers

  • Clinton N. Jones, MBAPart I | HBCU-to-PWI — Campbell University School of Law; Norfolk State and NCCU affiliations
  • Ian NixPart I | HBCU-to-PWI — Creighton University School of Law; UDC and Clark Atlanta affiliations
  • Kayla S. CooperPart I | HBCU-to-PWI — Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law; Albany State University alumna
  • T. Rahmaad SmithPart I | HBCU-to-PWI — UNC School of Law; North Carolina A&T State University alumnus
  • Deralyn SwilleyPart I | PWI-to-HBCU — Florida A&M University College of Law; Georgia State University alumna
  • Nia-Grace SharpPart I | PWI-to-HBCU — Howard University School of Law; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alumna
  • Xavier ChatmanPart I | HBCU Law School — Third-Year Law Student, Southern University Law Center; former NBLSA National Director of Pre-Law Affairs; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Brikitta Hairston, M.Sc.Part II | Academic Success — Part-Time J.D. Candidate, New England Law | Boston
  • Chandler McGruderPart II | Student Life — University of Pittsburgh School of Law; BLSA Vice President
  • Jaleel GilmorePart II | Academic Success — 3L, North Carolina Central University School of Law
  • Jasmon StuartPart II | Leadership & Resilience — 2L and BLSA President, Stetson University College of Law
  • Katrina SparksLavan, MBAPart II | Nontraditional Student — 2L, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law; veteran
  • Tyia BurnsPart II | Academic Success & Student Life — 3L, Harvard Law School; Spelman College alumna
  • Ivan WilliamsPart II | Student Life & Leadership — Vice President, Student Bar Association, North Carolina Central University School of Law; Durham, North Carolina
  • Kameron M. SmithFull-Session Co-Moderator — 3L, North Carolina Central University School of Law
  • Paige Snelgro, Esq.Full-Session Co-Moderator — Founder and CEO, The Law School Advantage
Panel DiscussionDay 3 · Saturday

Career Plans and Success Strategies Panel Discussion

The Future of Legal Work: Finding Jobs, Creating Opportunities, and Lawyering in the Age of AI

Saturday, September 26, 2026
3:55 – 4:55 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Co-moderated, slide-free career discussion with cross-sector perspectives and curated audience questions · All registered attendees · 60 minutes
View Career Plans, Success Strategies & AI Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Career Plans, Success Strategies & AI Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Session purpose
Help attendees separate genuine change from hype and prepare for legal careers grounded in judgment, ethics, advocacy, trust, cultural competency, and leadership.
Sectors represented
Private practice, state government, healthcare law, corporate legal leadership, and law school career services.
Come prepared with
One concrete example of how technology is changing the work in your sector, and one 90-day action that would improve an aspiring lawyer's readiness.

Featured speakers

  • Brandon E. Wallace, Esq.Featured Panelist — Associate Attorney, Davillier Law Group
  • J. Michelle Sawyer, J.D.Featured Panelist — Assistant Attorney General, Public Safety Section, North Carolina Department of Justice
  • Shekeira R. Ward, Esq.Featured Panelist — Senior Legal Officer and Managing Attorney, Healthcare Law Counsel
  • Tony R. Johnson, Esq.Featured Panelist — Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Bank of America
  • Savaun L. Perry, M.S., J.D.Lead Moderator — Assistant Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, NCCU School of Law
  • Jordyn K. AllenStudent Co-Moderator — 3L, Harvard Law School; Howard University alumna; former Google generative-AI policy specialist
Plenary SessionDay 3 · Saturday

2026 National HBCU Pre-Law Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Presentations and Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony

Honoring Legacy. Affirming Purpose. Inspiring the Next Generation.

On the schedule as: Hall of Fame Awards & Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony

Saturday, September 26, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 PM EDT
NCCU Student Center | Second Floor | Event Hall · 500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707
Hall of Fame induction ceremony, awards presentations, and aspiring lawyers ceremonial pinning · All registered attendees · 120 minutes
View Hall of Fame & Pinning Ceremony Run of ShowUpdated Sep 23, 2026View Hall of Fame & Pinning Ceremony Run of Show (Word)Updated Sep 23, 2026

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Ceremony at a glance
Special guest remarks by Ashley Weathers and Jennell Loper, six Hall of Fame inductees honored by aspiring lawyers, official group photograph, Legal Eagle reflection by Evangeline M. Mitchell, the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge, and attorney-led ceremonial pinning.
Hard end
8:30 PM Eastern Time.
Induction protocol
Each honoree receives a joint introduction, approximately three aspiring-lawyer tributes, a Hall of Fame medal, an award plaque, an official photograph, and acceptance remarks. The posthumous honoree is represented by a designated representative.

Featured speakers

  • Ashley Weathers, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — President-Elect, Young Lawyers Division, National Bar Association; Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Jennell Loper, Esq.Special Guest Speaker — Associate Attorney, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.
  • A. Scott Bolden, Esq.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Partner, Reed Smith LLP
  • Xavier R. Donaldson, Esq.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Criminal Defense Attorney
  • DeWarren K. Langley, J.D., M.P.A.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Posthumous Legacy Award; Founder of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation
  • S. Lee Merritt, Esq.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Civil Rights Attorney and Founder, Merritt Law Firm
  • Otto O. Meyers III, J.D., M.B.A.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Attorney, Senior Executive, Consultant and Advisor
  • L. Chris Stewart, Esq.2026 Hall of Fame Inductee — Managing Partner, Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys
  • Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.Legal Eagle Reflection & Pinning Ceremony — Founder, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo
  • Chelsi C. Edwards, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — Attorney | General Civil Practice | Durham
  • Dawn Baxton, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — Chief Public Defender, Durham County
  • Hon. Dorothy Hairston MitchellCeremonial Pinning Attorney — District Court Judge, Judicial District 16
  • Kehinde Watford, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — Attorney and Founder, Watford Law Firm
  • Myra Griffin, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — Vice-Chair and Commissioner, NC Industrial Commission
  • Hon. Rashad HauterCeremonial Pinning Attorney — District Court Judge, Wake County
  • Satana Deberry, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — District Attorney, Durham County Prosecutorial District 16
  • Hon. Shamieka LaCher RhinehartCeremonial Pinning Attorney — Superior Court Judge, NC Superior Court, District 16A, Durham
  • Tyler L. Williams, Esq.Ceremonial Pinning Attorney — Of Counsel, Martineau King PLLC, Charlotte