BLSA Reflects On Trip to U.S. Supreme Court

On March 30, 2015, members of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Associate Justices Clarence Thomas ’74 and Sonia Sotomayor ’79 at the U.S. Supreme Court.

During the trip, students also had the opportunity to speak with Yale Law alumni and former members of BLSA who are currently clerking for the Justices, which included Elizabeth Wilkins ’13, Michael Gervais ’11, and Kathryn Cherry ’13.

The trip was a unique opportunity for students to hear Justice Thomas and Justice Sotomayor speak candidly about their professional careers and the path to the nation’s highest court. The two Justices also stressed the importance of the clerkship experience.

“It was such a privilege to be able to be in such an intimate setting with Supreme Court Justices,” said Tashiana Hudson ’17. “It was an amazing opportunity to get a sense of who the Justices are as people and ask them burning questions I had wondered about while reading cases for class. This was a priceless opportunity.”

The idea for the trip came from Rakim Brooks ’16, who took the lead in organizing it. Amber Koonce ’17, who helped Brooks organize the trip, said it was the highlight of her first year at Yale Law School.

“As a member of BLSA, I recognize that it is not only important that we support each other as we navigate the legal profession, but that we also celebrate each other when history is made,” said Koonce. “My heart swelled with pride when I met the three African American clerks from YLS — a first for our institution. I am proud of the legacy YLS is shaping in our nation’s highest court.”

Students said it was also helpful to meet with three alumni that are currently clerking to get a better understanding of the process and the work they are doing. Wilkins is clerking for Justice Elena Kagan, Gervais clerks for Justice Breyer, and Cherry clerks for Chief Justice John Roberts.

“It was great to speak with BLSA alumni who have more than successfully navigated the clerkship process,” said Tiffany Bailey ’17. “Moreover, I found their advice especially helpful as I enter the clerkship process.”

William Stone ’17 said that having the opportunity to meet with the Justices and clerks, who all walked the same halls at Yale Law School, illustrated that students can attain success without sacrificing their passions. Through the conversations, Stone said he learned that “despite the demands of those positions, we can continue to support our community; we just have to make doing so a priority.”

The trip was also a great way for students of different class years to get to know one another.

“It was a great experience to go to the Supreme Court at the end of my final year of law school,” said Veronica Jordan-Davis ’15. “I also enjoyed getting to know BLSA members from other classes better during our trip.”

For more information on BLSA, visit their website.