Multi-cultural Judges & Lawyers (MJL) Section
Multi-cultural Judges & Lawyers Section Mission Statement
The general purposes of the Section, as set forth in its Bylaws, are to further the objectives of the Delaware State Bar Association (the “DSBA”), further the interests of attorneys, judges and members of the community of diverse ethnic backgrounds, foster communication and understanding among diverse groups within both the legal and greater community, encourage the public service rendered by its Members and promote the professional development and interests of its Members.
Important Resources & Links
MJL’s Statement to the Delaware Bar regarding Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter Resource Bulletin / August 2020 Resources and Events
MJL’s Statement in Support of the AAPI Community & Resources
Officers
Position |
Officer |
|---|---|
| Chair | Katelin Morales, Esq. |
| Executive Vice-Chair | Emily A. Bryant-Álvarez, Esq. |
| Vice-Chair, Legislative Affairs & Community Relations | Mari Boyle |
| Vice-Chair, Public Relations | Rochelle Libid Gumapac |
| Vice-Chair, Law School Outreach | Joshua B. Brooks |
| Vice-Chair, Special Events | Dorronda R. Bordley |
| Secretary | Juan E. Martinez |
| Financial Secretary | Vernon R. Vassallo |
| Advisory Board | The Honorable Aida Waserstein |
| Wilson A. Gualpa | |
| Loren Holland, Esq | |
| Alberto E. Chávez |
Schedule of Events & Meetings
2023 MINORITY SUPPLEMENTAL BAR REVIEW PROGRAM
- MJL Supplemental Bar Review Course: Sessions are held every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM between May 25, 2023 to July 13, 2023 and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Widener University Delaware Law School. Due to generous sponsorships from the Delaware legal community, the MJL is excited to announce financial need-based scholarships for the 2023 Program. The scholarships are for those who are experiencing financial hardships and will cover the cost of the course fee ($150). To apply, please submit a statement (no more than 500 words) addressing the following:
- Why you want to take the MJL Supplemental Bar Review Course;
- How participating in the course will impact you;
- Briefly share your financial hardships; and
- Your commitment to the MJL Section.
Please email all scholarship statements to suppbarreview.mjl@gmail.com by 5pm on May 17, 2023. Supporters of the MJL who wish to be volunteer graders, mentors, or lecturers should email Joshua B. Brooks, Esq. at jbrooks@ycst.com.
- Click here for the 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BAR PROGRAM PACKET.
Current Projects & Activities
- The Haile L. Alford Breakfast: On Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 8:30 am to 11:00 am at the DuPont Country Club, 1001 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware the Multicultural Judges & Lawyers Section of the Delaware State Bar Association (“MJL Section”) will host its annual Haile L. Alford Memorial Breakfast.
- The Alford Memorial Breakfast honors the life and legacy of Judge Haile L. Alford, the first African American woman appointed to serve on the Superior Court of Delaware. Judge Alford was an avid proponent of increased diversity in the Delaware Bar. This year, we are excited to have as our keynote speaker, The Honorable Tamika Montgomery-Reeves, of the Delaware Supreme Court.
- In honor of Judge Alford and her legacy, the MJL Section will present the Alford Excellence Award to deserving law school recipients who have indicated their intent to sit for the 2023 Delaware Bar Exam and practice law in the State of Delaware. The MJL Section will also present the MJL Community Service Award and the MJL Leadership Award to individuals or organizations who have exhibited outstanding service in these areas.
- SPONSOR THIS EVENT: The MJL needs support for sponsoring the breakfast which can be achieved at many different levels. To see more information about sponsorship, click HERE.
- The application deadline for the Alford Excellence Award Scholarship is April 28, 2023. The applications will be reviewed by a committee and the award recipients will be announced to the MJL Section and the rest of the Bar later this year in the Bar Journal. We will also be awarding both a Leadership Award and a Community Service Award. The Leadership Award will be awarded to a member of the Section who exhibits leadership and dedication to the MJL Section’s mission and goals. The Community Service Award will be awarded to an individual or organization who has demonstrated a strong commitment and has made outstanding contributions to serving the community. Please submit nominations to Emily Bryant-Alvarez, Esq. at emilybryantalvarez@quinnemanuel.com by April 28, 2023. Your submission should include the nominee’s name and a brief description of why the nominee should receive the award. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee and the award recipients will be announced to the MJL Section and the rest of the Bar later this year in the Bar Journal.
- Each scholarship recipient will be required to submit proof of a submitted application to sit for the 2023 Delaware Bar by May 5, 2023. Failure to do so will lead to forfeiture of the scholarship.
Haile Alford Excellence Award
Completed Projects & Past Events
- Upcoming Event: Diversity in the Bar and a Road to the Judiciary on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 5:30 – 7: 00 p.m via Zoom.
- General Body Meeting – February 21, 2019; Special Guest: Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester, U.S. House of Representative from Delaware
- September 29, 2016, 6:00 p.m.– MJL Kick-Off Meeting
Location: Merchant Bar
- October, 2016 – 2nd Annual Beginner’s Golf Outing
Location: TBA
- October 20, 2016, 6:00 p.m. – Annual New Admittee Bar Toast Event
Location: University & Whist Club
- December 2016, 6:00 p.m. – Holiday Networking Mixer/Toy Drive
Location: TBA
Membership
MJL welcomes new members. If you would like to join the MJL Section, please contact LaTonya Tucker, Director of Bar Services and Membership.