Alumni Relations

The alumni relations committee is charged with fostering meaningful relationships with UT Law Alumni through social and service related programming.  Our alumni events include the annual Austin Black Lawyers Association (ABLA) Volleyball game, happy hours and dinners.  Our Alumni relations committee also puts on panels to educate the membership on the various opportunities in the legal field.  These panels include a Student Activities Panel, Career Services Panel, Large and Mid Size Law Firm Panel, Judicial Clerkship Panel, Public Service Career Panel, and an Alternative Legal Careers Panel.   

Banquet

Each school year is brought to a close on a high note in April as we gather for our Annual Awards Banquet. Students, faculty, law school staff, alumni, and members of the legal community come together to recognize the achievements of our members, bid farewell to our graduating members, honor special friends and usher in the new officers.  Prospective students are also invited to the Banquet so that they get a glimpse into what TMLS has to offer not only them as prospective students, but current students, as well as UT alumni.  TMLS is a highly supportive network and the Banquet is an opportunity for those within the network to reconnect and recharge their relationships.  The Banquet hosts over 200 attendees including many influential leaders in the legal community.    

Black History Month

February is our opportunity to truly celebrate Black History Month.  Our Black History Celebration commences with a law school wide kick-off, this event includes live music as well as a prominent keynote speaker.  The month long celebration continues by putting together programs commemorating the accomplishments of African-Americans through programs such as debates, dinners, and a celebration of the arts.  

Community Service and Involvement

Recognizing that we as future attorneys have a moral obligation to give back to our community, we have been extensively involved in a number of community service efforts. Mentoring elementary school students, providing gifts to needy families during the holidays, and organizing clothing drives are just a few of events that TMLS participates with throughout the school year.  We also participate with Street Law, the NBLSA International Day of Service, the Sickle Cell Association of Austin, Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Austin Independent School District, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Dress for Success, National Campaign for Fair Elections and Meals on Wheels. 

Mentorship

The goal of the mentorship committee is to help first-year students transition to law school and to be successful lawyers.  The mentorship committee develops mentor relationships with current students, alumni, and local attorneys, providing students with a multifaceted view of the law school and the legal profession.  We currently have firm sponsored mentorship programs with law firms such as Fulbright & Jaworski, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.  The mentorship committee also facilitates various workshops for students including a Resume and Cover-Letter Workshop, a NALP Employer Mail-Out Session Work Day, class tips workshop, Outlining and Exam Tips Workshop, and providing snacks for students during finals.  

Social

A large part of TMLS is the relationships that we share with each other, we truly are a family.  Every year TMLS hosts a variety of social activities for its members as well as the UT Law Community.  These activities include mixers with the Asian Law Students Association (ALSA) and the Chicano/Hispanic Law Students Association (CHLSA), a Welcome Here/Welcome Back, back to school party, tailgates, happy hours, and potluck dinners.   

NBLSA Regional and National Conferences

As the UT chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, TMLS sends numerous delegates to the Rocky Mountain Regional Conference as well as the NBLSA National Convention.  In addition, we also send teams to compete in both the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition.  We hold National Championships, as well as various regional honors. 

Admitted Students Weekend

TMLS plays a large role in the recruitment efforts of admitted students.  Admitted Students Weekend is an opportunity for current TMLS members to share their experiences with admitted students of color. We participate in tours and open our homes to house prospective students. We are always excited to share our love of UT and our personal experiences with prospective students.