News
Celebrating Our 2025 Top Choice Recipients
Celebrating Our 2025 Top Choice Recipients
We are happy to introduce the third class of Top Choice Recipients for the 2025 Affiliates Scholarship Award. These future leaders of the legal profession have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, resilience, and a deep commitment to service.
In addition to receiving a $5,000 scholarship, each Top Choice recipient will participate in our Bar Passage Success Program, an initiative designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary for success. Through this program, scholars will benefit from expert-led training, personalized guidance, and a strong network of peers and mentors devoted to their growth.
By providing access to vital tools, proven strategies, and a supportive community, the program prepares them not only to excel on the bar exam but also to make lasting, positive impacts in their legal careers.
The 2025 Affiliates Scholarship Award Recipients (Top Choice):
- Jasmine Hardin – University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, MD (Region IV)
- Donovan Bailey – Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA (Region V)
- Sheraya Benard – Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, Carbondale, IL (Region VII)
- Joshua C. Johnson – University of San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), San Francisco, CA (Region IX)
- Vernon Jamison – University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM (Region X)
- Jalah Falcher – Georgia State University College of Law, Lithonia, GA (Region XI)
- Nile Blass – American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC (Region XII)
Also Invited to Participate in the Bar Passage Success Program:
The following students, while not receiving a monetary award, have also been selected to participate in the Bar Passage Success Program. They will join our third cohort Law Scholars, Top Choice recipients, and the HBCU Law School–nominated student in this important initiative:
- Jasmine Felder – Region XI
- Ebony R. James – Region X
- Saleshia Ellis Shoecraft – Region IX
- Alvin Oliver II – Region VII
- Starmanda Ducker – Region IV
Congratulations to the Class of 2025–2026 Affiliates Scholarship and Bar Passage Success Program!
We are excited to support these outstanding students as they embark on the next phase of their legal education.
Honoring Outstanding Commitment to Justice: Sonya Hoskins, Esq.
Honoring Outstanding Commitment to Justice: Sonya Hoskins, Esq.
At the National Bar Association’s Centennial Convention on July 29, 2025, in Chicago, Sonya D. Hoskins, Esq., one of our valued Board Members, was awarded the 2025 Gertrude E. Rush Exceptional Commitment to Pro Bono Award by the NBA Women Lawyers Division.
This prestigious award recognizes her extraordinary dedication to delivering legal services to those most in need and her lasting contributions to the community. Please join us in congratulating Sonya on this phenomenal accomplishment!
Celebrating Our 2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame Honorees
Celebrating Our 2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame Honorees
The National Bar Institute proudly recognizes five of our distinguished Life Members who were inducted into the Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame in 2025: Vickie Turner, Harold Pope, Robert L. Bell, Honorable Steve Brister, and Honorable Monte Watkins. Their induction reflects extraordinary dedication, leadership, and contributions to the legal profession.
Celebrating the Next Generation: NBI Law Scholars Welcome Third Cohort for 2024-2026
Celebrating the Next Generation: NBI Law Scholars Welcome Third Cohort for 2024-2026
Meet the 2024-2026 NBI Law Scholars:
The National Bar Institute (NBI) is proud to announce the selection of its third cohort for the Law Scholars Program for the 2024-2026 academic years. This prestigious program continues to support outstanding law students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), providing financial assistance and professional development opportunities to help them excel in their legal careers.
The NBI Law Scholars Program was designed to assist students at the beginning of their second year of law school. When students complete their third year, the NBI will provide support as they prepare to take the bar exam. Each student will receive a grant to help cover the cost of a bar review course and the bar application fees.
Each of the top scholars selected from participating law schools demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Deans of the participating schools and the Committee Members, who, through their dedication and support, made this program possible.
This year’s Law Scholars represent schools located in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. These Scholars have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to pursuing the legal profession and a desire to serve their communities. They will complete their studies in 2024.
Adriana Griffin (Orlando, FL)
Florida A&M University College of Law
Ama Fosu (Washington, D.C.)
Howard University School of Law
Marim Habib Istafanos (Durham, NC)
North Carolina Central University School of Law
LeShea Thomas (Baton Rouge, LA)
Southern University Law Center
Willie Butler (Houston, TX)
Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Texas Southern University)
In addition to the top scholars, six students were honored with a one-time scholarship award of $1,000 each in recognition of their outstanding efforts and achievements. These recipients are:
Kayla Clark (Orlando, FL)
Florida A&M University College of Law
Cameran Hyde (Washington, D.C.)
Howard University School of Law
El-Joshua Allen (Durham, NC)
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Maya Jones (Baton Rouge, LA)
Southern University Law Center
Kaylyn Steen (Houston, TX)
Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Texas Southern University)
The Board extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful law school year! We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions these scholars will make to the legal profession.