News

The National Bar Institute is honored to recognize the retirement of Alfreda Robinson, a leader whose career reflects unwavering dedication to legal education, advocacy, and service. Over more than 30 years, Dean Robinson has shaped institutions, elevated students, and strengthened the profession through her steady leadership and commitment to excellence.

At George Washington University School of Law, Dean Robinson’s impact has been both broad and deeply personal. She served in senior leadership roles across student affairs, strategic planning, and trial advocacy, while remaining a constant presence in the classroom. Her work helped build and sustain advocacy and skills training programs that prepared students not only to practice law, but to lead with confidence, ethics, and purpose. Generations of graduates carry forward the lessons she instilled through teaching, mentorship, and example.

Dean Robinson’s influence has also reached the national stage through her historic leadership within the National Bar Association. As President, she guided meaningful initiatives centered on justice, equity, and civic responsibility, earning widespread respect and recognition across the legal community. Her service has been acknowledged through numerous honors, including induction into the Hall of Fame and national appointments, underscoring the trust placed in her voice and leadership.

To the National Bar Institute, Dean Robinson’s service as a Board Member has been invaluable. Her insight, guidance, and commitment to opportunity and access have helped shape NBI’s work and strengthen its mission. As we mark her retirement, we extend our sincere appreciation for her years of service and celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire the NBI community for years to come.

The National Bar Institute is proud to celebrate the achievements of Jasmine Felder, a distinguished participant in NBI’s Bar Passage Success Program. Jasmine recently announced that she has accepted an offer to serve as an Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida, marking a remarkable milestone at the start of her legal career.

For Jasmine, becoming a prosecutor has long been a dream and this new opportunity represents a powerful full-circle moment. She will launch her career in Orlando, the very city where she began her post-secondary education. From her first classroom to her first courtroom, Jasmine’s journey reflects hard work, resilience, and a sincere commitment to justice.

As she steps into this critical role serving the communities of Orange and Osceola County, Jasmine embraces this next chapter with purpose, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public service. Her accomplishment represents the very spirit of the Bar Passage Success Program, empowering aspiring attorneys with the tools, confidence, and support needed to thrive in the legal profession.

The National Bar Institute congratulates Jasmine on this extraordinary achievement. We are honored to have supported her along her journey and look forward to witnessing the impact she will undoubtedly make in the courtroom and beyond.

Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and stepping boldly into what she has worked so hard for.

We are proud to highlight the grants awarded during Spring and Summer 2025. These awards showcase our commitment to supporting programs, sections, and divisions that embody leadership, advocacy, and service across the legal community.

Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, NBI was able to provide the following grants:

• The National Association of Bench and Bar Spouses (NABBS) – $5,000, April 2025
• NBA Veterans Affairs & Military Law Section – $1,500, June 2025
• NBA Women’s Law Division – $3,000, July 2025
• NBA History Committee – $1,000, July 2025
• Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) – [Insert amount, Spring/Summer 2025]

These grants reflect the direct impact of sponsorships and contributions, ensuring NBI continues to support initiatives that educate, empower, and inspire.

A new update on our website now features a dedicated link to follow our grantmaking activity, so members and supporters can see firsthand how contributions are being put into action.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at info@nationalbarinstitute.org.

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.