Front row, left to right: Dream Carlos, Jada Owens, Jataya Carr, Alyssa Dominguez, Maddison Rhodes, Kaleigh Oliver, Deannah White, Alexandria Clark, Makiya Bailey, Markeema Cranston. Back row, left to right: Imani Moreland, Nyla Jackson, Pedro Chao, Layla Ballard, Micah Williams, Princesse Pierre, Jaiden Howard. Savannah State University’s (SSU) Association of Pre-Law Education Students (APLES) recently participated in the LSAC Forum and HBCU Pre-Law Summit held in Atlanta. More than 150 universities from around the U.S. were present at this year’s summit.
During the two-day event, students engaged in discussions with admission specialists from participating law schools, networked with peers from other universities, and explored various programs and options offered by these institutions.
Damon Elmore, a graduate of Savannah State University and the Executive Director of the State Bar of Georgia, delivered a motivational message to the students about the importance of representation, resilience, and responsibility within the legal field. He emphasized that the journey to becoming a lawyer starts with preparation and purpose.
The Savannah State delegation included Makiya Bailey, Layla Ballard, Alyssa Dominguez, Imani Moreland, Deannah White, and Janiah Wilson (all majors of Criminal Justice); Dream Carlos, Alexandria Clark, Markeema Cranston, Jada Owens, Jaiden Howard, Kaleigh Oliver, Maddison Rhodes (APLES President and Summit Panelist), Micah Williams, and Pedro Chao (all studying Political Science); and Jataya Carr and Princesse Pierre (both in Sociology).
Dr. Otilia Iancu, a faculty member of the Master of Public Administration and co-advisor of APLES, lead the SSU team.
“Attending the LSAC Forum and HBCU Pre-Law Summit in Atlanta with 17 of our APLES students was truly inspiring,” said Iancu. “Their enthusiasm for exploring diverse law programs from schools across the United States and meeting successful lawyers showcased the many opportunities available to them in the legal field. Our next project is to begin offering prep sessions for the LSAT and to organize an internship palooza focused on law-related internships and fellowships.”
For two days, SSU students attended panels led by distinguished Black lawyers, fellow students, and law faculty from prestigious universities, gaining valuable insights, encouragement and inspiration for their future in the legal field. The event was funded through a grant secured by Mr. Shed Dawson, director of the SSU Career Services & Leadership Development Center and APLES advisor.
Cranston, one of the SSU students, said, “Attending the LSAC Forum and the Annual HBCU Pre-Law Summit motivated me to continue my journey and endeavors in law school and future legal career. It was an amazing, well-coordinated and vibrant program that gave many students like myself the opportunity to learn and network with schools, law school students, professionals in the legal field, and my colleagues.”
At the conclusion of the workshop presentation, four Savannah State University students received $250 stipends to cover expenses associated with taking the law school admissions exam. The money to cover the expenses were donated by local Savannah attorneys.
The Association of Pre-Law Education Students (APLES) at Savannah State University has 51 members this fall, all aspiring to become lawyers, attorneys, and prosecutors one day. This vibrant group of young minds is focused on collaboration, networking and empowering its members to pursue their dreams in the field of law.
