The Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee recently hosted its annual Attorney-Student Networking Social on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Historically, this social is hosted by one of the North Carolina law schools and serves as MIP’s kickoff reception for the 2020-2021 bar year. The goal is to connect MIP members with one another and introduce diverse, future member law students to the Committee. This year’s event presented a unique challenge to organizers. How do you foster an organic, in-person networking event in a virtual setting? Fortunately, MIP Co-Chairs and event organizers, Jasmine McGhee and LaToya Powell, were up for the challenge!

Nearly 45 attorneys, law students, and legal professionals attended this year’s virtual social. Utilizing Zoom, attendees participated in three 20-minute breakout sessions with 8 virtual rooms of 5 to 6 people per session. During each round, participants were randomly assigned to a room to allow them to network with as many people as possible, as if the event were held in-person. MIP Co-Chairs Jasmine McGhee and LaToya Powell provided opening and closing remarks and served as facilitators for the breakout sessions, along with six other MIP members. NCBA President, Mark Holt, also attended the event.

The MIP Committee thanks all attendees for participating. A few law student attendees shared their thoughts about the event:

Attending my first event hosted by the Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee was an energizing experience! Although the social event was virtual, it was facilitated in a manner that created space to have meaningful and insightful interactions. The social was a great balance of networking and community-building, with conversations ranging from law school tips to racial justice. I’m appreciative of the opportunity that MIP has created to build a community in North Carolina! Join the next event and build community with us!
– Genesis Torres, 1L, Campbell University School of Law

This was my first MIP Networking Social, and I was not sure of what to expect. When I joined the call, I received the warmest greeting, which eased my anxiety. The call was very well organized, and the facilitators were well prepared and knew exactly how to engage with us. Despite the virtual environment, I left feeling empowered, charged up and armed with valuable insight and information. I am so looking forward to the next event!
– Terris Riley, 2L, NC Central University School of Law

There is no cookie cutter for the conduct of an attorney. Being a part of the social event, sponsored by the Minorities in the Profession Committee, speakers (attorneys) embraced who they were and demonstrated what a community looks like. They exuded the traits of empathy, charisma, joy, and peace. They gave me confidence on how to maintain professionalism while simultaneously being true to my identity. The event taught me that it is okay to have a healthy mix of compassion and laughter, while circumnavigating the antiquated perception of what being a professional looks like — as it was taught to me. Professionalism is whatever one makes of it. Own it. Practice civility and bring your own idiosyncratic approach. Instead of trying to limit my superpower, MIP sought to enhance it. People learn better and are receptive when they are comfortable. MIP made me feel at home, at a time where I felt like a visitor in other spaces prior to entering that one. It was a great event, filled with great people. I highly recommend, five stars.
– Tiqeece Brown, 1L, Campbell University School of Law

November 23, 2020/by NCBA MIP