Firm Hosts Midwest Region of National Black Law Students Association Retreat
Berkowitz Oliver hosted the annual Academic and Leadership Retreat of the Midwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association (MWBLSA), held October 4-6, 2019. In addition, attorneys Tony Durone, Stacey Gilman, Shazzie Naseem, John Shaw, and Jennifer Wieland were among the featured speakers at the event. Founded in 1968, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) is a national organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of black law students to effectuate change in the legal community. MWBLSA is the largest region of NBLSA, comprised of chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For the annual retreat, MWBLSA members from throughout the region gathered together to meet one another and hear from speakers on a variety of topics selected by the students. This year, more than 50 law students registered for the retreat, with attendees coming from more than 15 different law schools. Partner Stacey Gilman, who helped MWBLSA plan this year’s event, reported that it was the first time it had been held in Kansas City: “The MWBLSA students and leadership did a phenomenal job putting together the event,” said Gilman. “Berkowitz Oliver was very excited to help them bring it to Kansas City, and we look forward to continuing to partner with NBLSA, MWBLSA, and their members.”