Black Law Students Association
Welcome to Stanford BLSA! We are a student-run organization that strives to provide career and academic support for students of African descent and forge alliances among BLSA members, alumni, faculty of color, and other law students in the Bay Area. We provide a space for students to engage with issues impacting black communities on-campus and externally through discussion and community service.
In 1970, Leroy Bobbit (’69), Sallyanne Peyton (’68), and Vaughn Williams (’70) founded the Stanford Black Law Student Association (BLSA). Vaughn Williams (’70) was the first Black president of the Stanford Law Review, making Stanford the first top law school to break that barrier. BLSA was founded on the belief that Stanford could do more to help its black students. Indeed, the first SLS BLSA class wrote, “The history of Stanford University shows a categorical exclusion of Black students from the educational process and the law school.” For 50 years, BLSA has tried to better that reality.
In 2013, Stanford BLSA hosted the first annual Black History Month Gala to celebrate Stanford’s Black community. The Gala routinely attracts 350+ professors, alumni, and students, and features a speaker committed to the liberation of the black community and a three-course meal. It is sponsored by a host of law firms across the country.
Stanford BLSA is a chapter of the National BLSA organization that includes more than 200 member law schools. Our BLSA has been featured in the Washington Post, The Guardian, Verge, Stanford Daily, Above the Law, and Law.com. All members of the Stanford community are encouraged to participate in our events.
Some of the incredible individuals among our Alumni who have made a substantial impact in their communities and the country include: Michelle Alexander, Jasmine Guillory, The Honorable Judge Casey Cooper, The Honorable Judge Haywood Gilliam, Maya Harris, Cheryl Robinson, and Tony West.
11th Annual BLSA Gala
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Arrillaga Alumni Center
Keynote Address: The Honorable Judge Trina Thompson of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and first Black female judge elected to the Alameda County Superior Court
Strength in Unity
Stanford Law community in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and all peaceful protests to end systematic racial violence and policing against black and brown bodies.
Building Community
BLSA is not just a student group.
It's a family.
Faculty Connection.
BLSA works very closely with the Law School administration on minority student recruiting and retention, financial aid, and minority faculty hiring.
Academic Support
One of Stanford BLSA’s top priorities is to support its members’ academic achievement. In recent years, we have held an introductory study skills session to assist 1Ls with their transition to law school, along with exam prep sessions for the 1L curriculum.
Community Engagement
BLSA is committed to identifying and articulating the needs and viewpoints of the nation’s black communities by hosting forums for discussion with visiting speakers throughout the academic year. BLSA also hosts community service events that allow our members to engage with underserved populations throughout the Bay Area.
Career Guidance
Stanford BLSA holds events with various law firms and public interest organizations throughout the year in order to help our students become familiar with a wide range of career options. In the past BLSA has hosted panels discussing the legal hiring process, unique issues facing Black lawyers, the culture of large law firms, and career opportunities in government, private, and public sectors. Stanford BLSA members have access to successful alumni from large law firms, state and federal government, and public interest organizations. These alumni support Stanford BLSA by taking the time to network with members and discuss their careers in small group settings.
Social Networking
Stanford BLSA coordinates and participates in a number of social activities to encourage closer ties between its members and connect to the broader black community at Stanford. BLSA “families” connect 1L, 2L, and 3L students to share experiences and provide guidance. We also co-host social and academic events with other minority groups at the law school and throughout the University. BLSA connects members to alumni, fellow students, and other attorneys.
