Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization

Congrats to Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.), Of Counsel Jones Day, who has been honored by The American Lawyer with a Lifetime Achievement Award! As a trailblazer in the legal profession, Judge Williams became the first woman of color to serve on the district court in the 7th Circuit (nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1985), the first judge of color to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, and the third Black woman to serve on any federal circuit court (nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1999). In the true spirit of this award, Judge Williams has "left an indelible mark on the legal profession" in many ways including founding the Jumpstart pre-law school preparation orientation for first generation law students from all 9 Illinois law schools. While getting to work with Judge Williams in coordination of Jumpstart the past two years, I have witnessed first-hand how inspired our incoming 1Ls are to hear from Judge Williams her sage advice on how to be successful in law school and in the legal profession. We are all so fortunate to have her continuing to lead by example for all lawyers to adhere to professionalism to the highest degree. Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism https://lnkd.in/g-By3bmz

🌟 You're Invited! 🌟 The countdown is on—Just The Beginning's Light the Spark Celebration is just six weeks away! ✨ Join us on Thursday, October 10th at United Airlines for an inspiring evening that celebrates diversity in the legal profession. This special event will: ⚖️Highlight JTB's impactful work! ⚖️Provide opportunities to connect with our staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters! ⚖️Celebrate over 30 years of igniting passion in the next generation of diverse lawyers and leaders! There's still time to be part of this exciting event! Don’t miss your chance to support our mission and enjoy a fantastic evening with us. For tickets and more information, visit jtb.org/celebration. We look forward to celebrating with you! 🎉 #JTB #LightTheSpark #Celebration #FutureLeaders #DiversityInLaw

Are you a high school student in the Nashville area? Are you interested in pursuing a career in the legal field? Are you looking to connect with professional mentors and other students just like you? Join us, October 25, for the Nashville iLead Law & Leadership Conference✨ This FREE one-day workshop will allow you to work with #judges, #lawyers, and #leaders in the Nashville legal community committed to supporting your academic growth and legal career aspirations. ⚖️ Apply today at https://lnkd.in/gQKRuyaa

JTB's 2024 fall program lineup is finally here🎉 Be sure to mark your calendars and visit our website at jtb.org/programs for full details. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of these transformative events. We can't wait to see you there and continue our mission of shaping the next generation of diverse leaders. Spread the word and make this fall unforgettable with Just The Beginning! 🌟

That's a wrap on ConnectED 2024 - a fun and educational virtual program designed to introduce high school students to the legal field. 🌟 We kicked off with inspiring Judge Spotlights featuring Judge Edmond Chang, Judge Gonzalo Curiel, and Judge Roger L. Gregory, who shared their remarkable insights and experiences. Our Rise Up series tackled vital issues from LGBTQ social change with CB Baga, to criminal civil rights with Agustin D. Orozco, climate justice with Afaaf Amatullah, and voter rights with Jesse Dagen-Tillman. 🧑⚖️ In addition, our pre-recorded sessions offered valuable guidance on business etiquette with Brianna Golden, law school admissions with Mike Chavez, Esq., financial literacy with Evan Davis, and overcoming imposter syndrome with Eric Lee and Amir El-Aswad. We also delved into law topics through engaging panels on IP Law, change, and labor law with experts like Cedric Delacruz, Kelly Pace Mensinger, Nancy Hubbard-Lassen, Jolianne Alexander, and Christina Wernick. 🏛️ Throughout the week, they worked in groups to create Rise Up – social justice awareness campaigns. These campaigns aim to highlight laws, policies, or legislation that inhibit or promote a social movement. In the process, they met with attorneys who dedicate their careers to social issues, worked with peers across the country, and learned about the legal advocacy that propels social justice. You can check out all of those impressive projects at jtb.org/rise-up/. 🤝 With contributions from experienced professionals across various fields, the program provided valuable knowledge and practical advice for advancing in the legal profession and understanding key societal issues. Thank you to all of our incredible volunteer presenters for making this program possible and helping our Scholars get #ConnectED⚖️

🌟 Yesterday marked the third and final day of our Seattle iLead Law & Leadership Conference 🌟 We were thrilled to welcome 65 vibrant students eager to learn and grow. We started the morning with an engaging panel, "From the Weekend to TikTok, A Primer on the Coolest Areas of Law," moderated by Caesar Kalinowski IV. The panelists, including Xiang Li, Peter Anderson, and Alli Condra, explored the intersections of media, music, and food and beverage law. Following this, a panel of legal professionals shared invaluable advice in "Top 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Law School When I Was in HS," moderated by Hiroko Peraza. 📣 Lunch featured a dynamic panel on working “In-House,” moderated by Yusuf Zakir and featuring representatives from top companies. The discussion offered a deep dive into the world of corporate law, giving scholars a glimpse into the diverse career paths available within the legal profession. 🙋♂️ The afternoon was spent at the U.S. District Court, where scholars were treated to an informative presentation by the U.S. Marshals and FBI, moderated by Judge John Chun. They also had the unique opportunity to witness a live court proceeding and participate in a Mock Detention Hearing, led by Judge Kate Vaughan and a stellar team of legal professionals. 🧑⚖️ The day concluded with a Courthouse Panel, moderated by Judge Tana Lin, where scholars heard from a diverse group of court staff, including a court reporter, an interpreter, and attorneys from both the prosecution and defense. The day wrapped up with closing remarks by Missy Jeje and Judge Richard A. Jones, leaving our scholars inspired and ready to take on the world of law. What an incredible day of learning and growth!⚖️ A huge shoutout to the incredible Seattle legal communinity - law students, attorneys, and judges alike - who wholeheartedly shared their knowledge and expertise with our eager scholars! Your energy and wisdom left everyone feeling empowered and inspired. We cannot wait to come back! 😁 None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you! Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Miller Nash LLP PACIFICA LAW GROUP LLP Perkins Coie Skellenger Bender, PS Starbucks

🌟 Day Two of the Seattle iLead Law and Leadership Conference was another impactful day filled with learning and inspiration! Tuesday, we kicked off the day at the University of Washington School of Law, where scholars engaged in a thought-provoking mock law school class, "What is the Constitution?" led by Professor Jeremiah Chin. Next, Judge Lori K. Smith of the Washington Court of Appeals Division I delivered an inspiring keynote address during lunch, sharing her journey and insights into the judicial system. 🧑⚖️ Scholars then participated in a fun and educational Constitutional Cranium session with Professor Terry J. Price, diving deep into constitutional law concepts. The day continued with a session on Legal Career Pathways, presented by Jana Matthews, Director of the Gates Public Service Program, providing invaluable guidance on navigating various legal careers. ⚖️ We wrapped up the day with a campus tour and group photo, led by Professor Terry Price, capturing the enthusiasm and camaraderie of our scholars. A huge thank you to University of Washington School of Law for hosting us and making day two so memorable! ✨ #iLead #LawandLeadership #Seattle #JTB #LegalEducation #FutureLawyers #FutureJudges #FutureLeaders

🌟 Exciting Times in Seattle! 🌟 We're thrilled to kick off the Seattle iLead Law and Leadership Conference, marking our first-ever program in this vibrant city! Our journey began yesterday with a warm welcome from Missy Jeje, JTB Program Manager, and Dean Tony Varona from Seattle University School of Law. We broke the ice with a fun "Too Many Facts" session, setting the stage for an inspiring day ahead. 🏛️ Our scholars delved into the "Road Map to Law School" with insights from Kristin DiBiase, J.D. and Marya Cotten Gould, followed by an empowering keynote address from Judge Anita Crawford-Willis of Seattle Municipal Court. 🧑⚖️ Professor Steven Bender then led a thought-provoking mock law school class on the challenge of using law for equal justice. The day continued with an engaging alumni and current student panel featuring Theana A., Ricardo Franco, Sean Zeyou Dong, Larry Jefferson, and Fabiola Jimenez. ✍️ We wrapped up with a deep dive into legal career pathways, guided by Professors Deirdre Bowen, Mike Russo, and Zaida Rivera; and Directors Kelli Rodriguez, JD and Lily Su. A huge thank you to Seattle University School of Law for hosting us and making our Seattle debut so memorable! ✨ #iLead #LawandLeadership #Seattle #JTB #LegalEducation #FutureLawyers #FutureJudges #FutureLeaders

🌟 We're just one week away 🌟 Join us for an exciting evening of networking and celebration at the Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization's Associate Board Fundraiser! Connect with young professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are passionate about advancing diversity in the legal profession. Enjoy a fun night learning about JTB's impactful programs and engaging with like-minded individuals. 🤝 Your participation helps support JTB’s mission of providing educational and career opportunities to underrepresented youth, ensuring the next generation of legal professionals reflects the diverse society it serves. ⚖️ Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying a memorable night with friends and colleagues! 🎉 📅 Date: August 15th 📍 Location: Emporium, Fulton Market 🎟️ Purchase tickets at jtb.org/abfundraiser #JTB #AssociateBoard #SummerSendoff #Fundraiser #FutureLeaders #DiversityInLaw #Community #Networking

🌟 Wrapping Up the Chicago Middle School Law Camp! 📚✨ Last week, our middle school scholars had an extraordinary 3 days at the Chicago MSLC! Here’s a recap of the past few days filled with learning, exploration, and growth. On Wednesday, the scholars kicked off the day with an engaging session on "What is Law!" presented by Sean Suber from Winston & Strawn LLP. Afterward, they traveled to Sidley Austin LLP for lunch and received a warm welcome from Sidley volunteers. The day continued with a dynamic "Shark Tank: Intellectual Property" session led by Kiara Ortiz and Valérie Cambronne of LegallyBlack®️, followed by app development and presentation exercises with American Bar Association volunteers. ✍️ Thursday began with breakfast and a fun Kahoot game on legal lingo, hosted by Missy Jeje at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Judge Sunil Harjani then led an insightful session on the "Journey to the Judiciary." The scholars delved into various legal topics with Veronica Couzo-Kamenjarin from McDonald’s and participated in a mock law school class on case analysis led by Christina O. Alabi. Financial literacy was the focus of an informative session with Jamil Henderson and Jeremiah Williams from Northwestern Mutual. The day concluded with a lively "Jeopardy: The Road to Law School" game facilitated by Marissa Nugent, Alyssa Rudsinski, and Shruti N.. 🧑⚖️ Friday, the final day, began with another round of breakfast and Kahoot on legal lingo led by Missy Jeje. Shannon Harmon from Abbott presented "The Art of Negotiation," and the scholars engaged in negotiation exercises with JTB volunteers. They then visited Locke Lord LLP for lunch, where they were welcomed by Carlos Marin. The scholars learned about "The Pathway to Law" and networked with Locke Lord volunteers. the week concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony and group picture with JTB staff, parents, and scholars. ⚖️ A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic scholars, and generous host - Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology for making this week an unforgettable journey into the world of law! 🌟✨ #JTB #Chicago #MiddleSchoolLawCamp #FutureLawyers #FutureJudges #FutureLeaders