2010 Conference Sponsors

Thank you to the following
2010 Conference Sponsors

Premiere Sponsors

Gold Level
Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer, LLP

Friend Level
Osborn Maledon

Baker Donelson

Wilkinson Barker Knauer

Mandell, Schwartz & Boisclair, Ltd.

Xerox

Scherffius, Ballard, Still & Ayres LLP

Bird Law Group

Krist Law Firm, P.C.

Venable LLP

Official 2010 Conference
Transportation Provider

Just The Beginning Foundation (JTBF)

OUR HISTORY

"Just the Beginning" began as a celebration of the Integration of the Federal Judiciary on September 19, 1992, in Chicago, IL. The celebratory event entitled, "Just The Beginning - A Celebration of Integration of the Federal Judiciary" honored Judge James Parsons, the first African-American United States District Court Judge, on his retirement after devoting thirty-one years on the federal bench. At that celebration and for the first time in history, fifty-two African-American federal judges and hundreds of African American lawyers from across the country gathered to celebrate the history, struggles, and accomplishments of African-Americans in the law. Inspired by the events of that weekend, JTBF was founded as a not-for-profit organization of judges, lawyers, and other citizens who are dedicated to improving the legal system, preserving the history and honoring the legacy of African-Americans in the federal judiciary. Learn more about us.

Today, JTBF continues this mission by offering pipeline programs directly aimed at inspiring young students and increasing diversity in the legal profession and judiciary. Read More...

MISSION STATEMENT

JTBF is a multiracial, nonprofit organization comprised of lawyers, judges, and other citizens. It is dedicated to developing and nurturing interest in the law among young persons from various ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession and supporting their continued advancement. JTBF’s long-term goal is to increase racial diversity in the legal profession and on the bench.

NEWS

Just The Beginning Foundation is on the road with our Summer Legal Institutes!

We've been to Indianapolis, the Piney Woods School (MS), Seattle, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.: Check our Flickr page for more photos from all our summer sites!

Many, many thanks to all our sponsors across the country for making these Summer Legal Institutes possible!

JTBF is on Twitter and Facebook:
Become a Fan of JTBF on Facebook

www.twitter.com/jtbfoundation

Just The Beginning Foundation (JTBF) is coming to Atlanta, Georgia for its ninth conference. The conference brings together a diverse group of federal and state jusdges, lawyers, law professors, law students, college students, and high school and middle school students to enjoy the living stories of judges of diverse backgrounds and to participate in public panel discussions focused on contemporary legal issues. The 2010 conference is sponsored by firms, corporate organizations and Just The Beginning Foundation .

This year's Conference will feature:


Andrew Young            Eric Holder              Vernon Jordan         Kasim Reed


Erwin Chemerinsky          Charles Ogletree

Conference Schedule-At-A-Glance

To find out more about the conference and how to participate visit the 2010 Conference Page or contact JTBF at
(312) 258-5930 info@jtbf.org

Conference Chairs

Tommy Malone Ray Persons Lauren Larmer Barrett Curtis L. Mack

LAW STUDENT ALERT
The Georgia Conference Committee will be awarding several scholarships at the conference. If you are currently enrolled at a Georgia law school you are encouraged to apply.
The application and requirements can be found here.

Photos from our 2008 conference

JTBF Opportunities and Events

April 7th
Just The Beginning Foundation and
the Supreme Court Historical Society presented:

The Supreme Court Law Day and Networking Reception
with a Continuing Legal Education Panel

Hosted by: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P


Bill Coleman and John Payton address the students Justice Alito hosted the students for lunch


Attorneys from Fulbright and other DC area firms and corporations network with the students at the post program reception
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February 24th the Harvard Alumni Association Chicago Chapter sponsored
an evening of information and fun for over
60 Chicago area high schoolers interested in Harvard.

A special "Thank You" to the firm of
Jenner & Block for providing the fantastic program space.

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          JTBF Summer Legal Institute   - 2010
          Indianapolis, IN               Jackson, MS (Piney Woods School)
          Minneapolis, MN              Washington, DC
          Seattle, WA                       Chicago , IL

Thank you to the numerous people, corporations firms and individuals who so generously continue to give of their time, experiences and finances.

Last summer was a PHENOMENAL SUCCESS!
ChicagoTribune Article - Chicago SLI   Law Bulletin Article - Chicago Middle School

This summer is primed to be the same.

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Other JTBF Programs

Share the Wealth Clerkship               JTBF Externship Program
Robes In The Schools                                 School Year Programs
JTBF Advanced SLI                                Midde School Law Camp

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High Schoolers - Are you ready for the ACT? Prepare early! Prepare often! Check out this ACT prep resource site
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A special thanks also to Twin Cities SLI participant Thomas Grace for creating the first ever JTBF rap. To experience this wonderfully talented young man and hear from him about his SLI exposure CLICK HERE

Join the pipeline
Become a JTBF Scholar

The pipeline students, known as JTBF Scholars, come from a wide array of backgrounds but have a common interest in the law. Every student must apply and interview to enter the pipeline to ensure the scholars have the desire and aptitude to advance to the next stage of education and ultimately enter the legal profession.

JTBF does not simply look for the brightest students; more than anything, a JTBF scholar has the brazen desire to enter the legal profession and is not afraid of the hard work required to attain that goal.

If you are a student who fits this profile, we would love to hear from you. Please contact JTBF Program Director, Paraisia Winston, at pwinston@jtbf.org or download an application from the Programs page and either fax or mail it in to the JTBF offices.

Just The Beginning Foundation
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 6600
Chicago, IL. 60606
(312)258.5930 p
(312)258.5600 f
info@jtbf.org

JTBF is always looking for volunteer attorneys to serve as mentors and participate in its other programs. To donate your time to working with JTBF students, click on the following link: VOLUNTEER NOW.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact JTBF via email at plucas@jtbf.org or via phone at (312) 258.5930

Our Sponsors

Just The Beginning Foundation would not be able to accomplish any of its endeavors without the generous support of its sponsors.

If your organization is interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Dana Horst Director of Development and Marketing at (312)258-4574 dhorst@jtbf.org

JTBF extends extra special thanks to our Premier Sponsor...

Schiff Hardin maintains a deep commitment to diversity in the firm, the legal community and all of society. From supporting various law student organizations and providing scholarships to promising law students to mentoring and career development activities, Schiff Hardin attorneys continuously work to develop diverse legal talent within the Firm and are active in many minority, ethnic and women's organizations that enhance Schiff Hardin's ability to foster diversity in the legal and professional world.

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2010 Conference Sponsors

NEWS

JTBF is on Twitter and Facebook:Become a Fan of JTBF on Facebook

JTBF is on Twitter and Facebook:
Become a Fan of JTBF on Facebook