Raising Ourselves Up
The Objective of YLD’s Raising the Bar Mentorship Program
By Armand M. Hill
While each individual bar applicant is different, there are some aspects of bar study that are common for all. Exceedingly long hours spent reviewing arcane concepts and principles, days where it seems that another moment spent studying is impossible, along with yet other days where it seems another day of study on a particular topic would finally let us master it. Common as well is the frustration and the fear that despite our best efforts, we may fall short of our goal. The bar examination for each respective state represents the barrier between the academic and the professional, law student and attorney. The rigors of the bar examination process are a crucible through which all who wish to practice law must past.
The bar exam, however, can be a greater barrier for some. According to a 2003 National Black Law Journal article the first time bar passage rates for African Americans is roughly 30 percent less than that of their white counterparts. First-time bar passage rates are estimated at 61.4% for African Americans and 91.93% for their white counterparts. As accurately stated in that same article, bar passage rates at these levels for prospective African American attorneys is a “substantially greater barrier to entry into the legal profession” than for their colleagues, and is similarly a “barrier to the proportionate representation of black lawyers in the legal profession”. 2 Those of us who have been unfortunate enough to retake a bar examination can personally attest to the increased financial pressures and other difficulties stemming from achieving a Juris Doctorate, but failing to obtain our professional licenses.
The YLD believes guidance from attorneys who have been successful in passing a state bar can be invaluable when paired with the dedication and determination on the part of bar applicants, in transcending the barrier of the bar. By providing exam skills, strategies, suggestions, and mentorship to bar applicants, the hope is to provide mentees with the best possible chance to pass the bar the first time. Having already experienced the trials of the bar, mentors understand the level of commitment and resolve to pass the bar and are ultimately an invaluable resource to bar applicants.
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We are seeking attorneys who are willing to commit to providing bar applicants with their experience, exam tips, advice, and the understanding that comes from those who have endured the same trials and overcome them. Please visit our website for more information on the Bar Mentorship Program and to complete a mentor application. http://www.washingtonbar.org/lsd_mentors.php
1. Jane Ellen Cross “The Bar Examination in Black and White: The Black-White Bar Passage Gap and the Implications for Minority Admissions to the Legal Profession” pg. 9.
2. Id. at pg. 2
SPECIAL INVITATION TO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE WASHINGTON BAR ASSOCIATION
MARCH 16, 2010 6:00 P.M.
Ten years ago the African-American judges of the District of Columbia established the Judicial Council of the Washington Bar Association. The Council is comprised of judges from the federal and local courts, as well as federal and local administrative law judges in the Washington metropolitan area.
To celebrate a successful decade of community service, professional development, and public awareness programs on vital legal issues, we invite you to join us for our Tenth Anniversary Celebration on March 16, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The Historic Courthouse is located at 430 E Street, N.W. in the District of Columbia. In the tradition of our annual, public symposium, we have prepared a unique program describing the development of the African-American judiciary in the District of Columbia. The theme is “African-American Judges – Then and Now.” Our moderator is William R. (Billy) Martin, Esq., and the participants will be the Hon. Eugene N. Hamilton, the Hon. Reggie Walton, the Hon. Constance O’Bryant, and the Hon. Inez S. Reid. The founders of the Judicial Council will be honored, and a reception will follow the program.
You have an important connection to the legal system in the District of Columbia, and we would be especially pleased for you to enjoy this occasion with us. We look forward to seeing you.
Hon. Anita Josey-Herring, Chairperson
WBA Judicial Council |
