The New Jersey State Bar Association is proud to partner with the Garden State Bar Association (GSBA) and Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program (MSP) to host the Inclusive Excellence Law Student Summit: MLK Justice & Leadership Boot Camp, to be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 beginning at 9:30 AM, at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick.
This GSBA-led, statewide Summit brings together law students, attorneys, bar leaders who share a commitment to inclusive excellence, leadership development, and strengthening the pipeline to the legal profession. Inspired by the legacy and values associated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the program will focus on preparing the next generation of law student leaders through candid discussion, practical skill-building, and mentorship.
The Summit will feature substantive panels and workshops addressing:
- Leadership development and service as pathways to professional growth
- Navigating the legal profession amid evolving diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations
- Ethical and practical uses of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence
- Career readiness, including scholarships, interviewing, and professional branding
- The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and statewide professional networks
The Inclusive Excellence Law Student Summit provides a unique opportunity for law students from across New Jersey to engage directly with attorneys and bar leaders, gain practical insight into the profession, and build lasting connections with peers throughout the state.
Agenda
9:30 -10:00 a.m.
Registration & Breakfast
10:00 -11:00 a.m. | Workshop I: AI and the Future of Legal Practice
Practical discussion on how AI is reshaping legal research, hiring, and law firm workflows-and
how law students can responsibly prepare.
11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. | Panel II: Heart-to-Heart- Navigating the Profession Today
A candid conversation with attorneys from multiple affinity bar associations addressing:
- Microaggressions and professional identity
- DEI backlash and the “DEI hire” narrative
- The growing importance of mentorship and networks
12:30 -1:30 p.m.| Networking Lunch & MLK-Themed Trivia
Community-building lunch honoring Dr. King’s legacy, with student-only trivia and prizes.
1:30 -2:30 p.m. | Panel III: Winning on Paper and in Person
Scholarships, resumes, interviews, and professional branding-featuring GSBA and partner
organizations.
2:30 -3:00 p.m. | Networking Reception & Professional Headshots
Opportunities for students to connect directly with attorneys and affinity bar leaders.
(Certificate of Completion provided to participating students.)
Attendance is in person and capacity-limited. Registration is required, and invited guests are encouraged to register using the code provided.
Please note: When registering, you will be prompted to either log in or create an account. Accounts are free to create. For assistance, please call NJSBA customer service at (732) 214-8500.
To learn more about how you can be involved with the Inclusive Excellence Law Student Summit, please contact Paula Saha, Associate Executive Director for Member Engagement and Diversity at [email protected].