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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.
Honoring the 2024-2025 Affiliates Scholarship and Bar Passage Success Program Participants
Honoring the 2024-2025 Affiliates Scholarship and Bar Passage Success Program Participants
The National Bar Institute proudly celebrates the students who participated in the 2024-2025 Affiliates Scholarship Award and Bar Passage Success Program. Each Scholar was selected by one of the twelve (12) National Bar Association Regional Directors, who designated one student to receive a scholarship ( $2,500 and $5,000) and participate in the Bar Passage Success Program (lecture and proctored examinations). A second student from each region was selected to participate in the Bar Passage Success Program.
Honoring Vickie Turner: Recipient of the Cora T. Walker Award
Honoring Vickie Turner: Recipient of the Cora T. Walker Award
Congratulations to Vickie Turner, who has been selected as a recipient of the esteemed Cora T. Walker Award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to members of the National Bar Association (NBA) who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting the NBA’s Commercial Law Section and have made significant contributions to the legal profession.
About the Cora T. Walker Award
The award is named in honor of Cora T. Walker, a pioneering attorney who was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1947, during a time when African American women were vastly underrepresented in the legal field. Her extraordinary career spanned over five decades, during which she became a champion for diversity, inclusion, and legal excellence.
Vickie Turner upholds the legacy of Cora T. Walker, reinforcing the importance of service, mentorship, and leadership in the legal profession. Her recognition serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of advocacy, dedication, and the profound impact legal professionals can have on their communities.
Congratulations once again to Vickie Turner on this well-deserved honor!
Vickie Turner and Frank Seales Jr. Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award
Vickie Turner and Frank Seales Jr. Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award
The National Bar Institute proudly celebrates Vickie Turner and Frank Seales Jr. as distinguished recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a national recognition presented to individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to volunteer service and civic engagement. This honor, awarded under President Joe Biden’s administration, continues a long-standing tradition of acknowledging those who dedicate their time and skills to strengthening their communities.
Established by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the PVSA reflects the administration’s emphasis on community service, social justice, and civic responsibility. During President Biden’s tenure, the importance of volunteerism has been highlighted through national initiatives aimed at addressing economic disparities, expanding access to legal representation, and fostering inclusive opportunities.
As award recipients, Vickie and Frank have received an official President’s Volunteer Service Award package, which includes:
- A Personalized Certificate – Officially signed by President Joe Biden, recognizing their outstanding dedication to service.
- A Medallion or Lapel Pin – A symbol of their achievement and commitment to making a difference.
- A Congratulatory Letter from the President – Acknowledging their service and the positive impact of their contributions.
Both Vickie Turner and Frank Seales Jr. have dedicated their careers to legal advocacy, mentorship, and service, advancing opportunities within the legal profession while championing equity and justice. Their efforts align with the Biden administration’s broader focus on volunteerism as a tool for national unity, support for underserved communities, and the empowerment of the next generation of leaders.
By receiving this prestigious award, They join a distinguished group of individuals nationwide who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to service. Their work continues to inspire others to engage in meaningful contributions that drive positive change.