Minority Bar Foundation’s Legal Commencement Award

A member in good standing of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York (MBAWNY), a law student attending University at Buffalo School of Law and/or any faculty member of the Law School may nominate a graduating law student for the Minority Bar Foundation, Inc. (MBF) Commencement Award.  A graduating student may also nominate himself or herself.

The monetary award will be presented to a member of the graduating class who, in the judgment of the MBF and the UB School of Law, has demonstrated a significant commitment to effectuating changes within the legal system that address the needs of the minority community and who has exemplified high standards of the profession by virtue of scholastic achievement and leadership.

In order to insure that your nominee receives due consideration, it is essential that you provide the Awards Committee with a brief background statement about the nominee and his or her resume.  Your nominee will not be considered if a background statement and a resume are not provided.  You may wish to include additional information about the nominee, such as relevant work (legal and non-legal), his or her job offers, aspirations upon graduation from law school, family background and challenges he or she may have overcome while undertaking the study of law.

The MBF may, at its discretion, interview nominees prior to its selection.

The deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2024.  Please complete this online form and provide any necessary attachments. Please direct any questions to the President of the Minority Bar Foundation, Inc.:

Jamila A. Lee, Esq., Vice Dean of Student Affairs
University at Buffalo School of Law
313 O’Brian Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260
jamilale@buffalo.edu