Each spring semester, several University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law affinity groups host events bringing together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to celebrate community. Notable occasions held in Westminster Hall in February and March include the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) spring reception, the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) banquet (above), and the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) annual dinner. Additionally, one of Maryland Carey Law’s newest affinity groups, the Middle Eastern and North African Law Students Association (MENALSA), hosted its inaugural dinner in March.
This season began with the Jewish Law Students Association’s third annual dinner on February 17. The theme was “Light over Darkness” and included a program featuring two prominent alumni who shared words of wisdom with the students assembled.
The Hon. Matthew H. Solomson ’02, chief judge, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, offered advice around maintaining Jewish identity in professional life through excellence, preparation, and building strong relationships.
The Hon. Karen Friedman ’97, senior judge with the Maryland Judiciary and the first female Orthodox Jewish judge in Maryland, discussed the benefits of “therapeutic jurisprudence,” which centers empathy. “Every interaction,” she warned, “can either wound or heal.”
The dinner wrapped up with an awards presentation. Maryland Carey Law Vice Dean and Professor Deborah Eisenberg received the Excellence in Legal Leadership Award. Melissa Spirn ’26, JLSA president, was this year’s recipient of the Rekindled Light Award, and Haley Berkowitz ’26, JLSA community engagement chair, was honored with the Soul of our Community Award.
Following two days later on February 19, was the Black Law Students Association annual banquet, a tradition for more than 50 years.
The banquet theme was Paving the Way: Legacy, Leadership, and the Law. BLSA selected the Hon. Chelsea Crawford ’13 (left), a magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland, as the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award recipient.
The 2013 Maryland Carey Law graduate offered the keynote address in which she shared insights on the value of mentorship, authenticity, courage, relationship building, and reputation. “Paving the way is as much about looking back as looking ahead,” said Judge Crawford before exhorting students to “commit to helping someone else along.”
BLSA also recognized Shayon Smith ’02 as Practitioner of the Year. Associate Dean of Student Services Erica Smith was named Administrator of the Year, and Professor Chaz Arnett received this year’s Larry S. Gibson Professor of the Year honor.
The 2025 Diversity Award, which is presented to an organization in the greater Baltimore-Washington, DC area that advances diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and promotes social justice, was presented to the Public Justice Center.
Rasul Wright ’26 was named the A.J. Cooper Student of the Year. The Hon. William H. and Madeline W. Murphy BLSA Scholarship went to Juliet Ihediohanma ’27. BLSA’s 2026 Unsung Hero is Dana Wallace ’26, and Jovawn McNeil ’28 received the 1L Book Scholarship.
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On March 6, the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association held its 17th annual Spring Reception with the theme “The Art of Resilience: Painting a Future of Legal Equity.”
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A highlight of the evening was when APALSA executive board members briefly introduced themselves and shared their favorite cultural dishes from dim sum to sashimi and seaweed soup.
The program featured a keynote address from Reena K. Shah ’07 (left), who shared the story of her journey from her childhood in India to her career in public service. Discussing the gap in access to justice for many, Shah urged students to “keep working for people in a way that matters.”
The group also introduced this year’s 1L scholarship recipients, Ritika Hutchinson and Ethan Lee.
Maryland Carey Law Dean Renée Laurent offered welcome remarks at each event, focused on the high value Maryland Carey Law places on affinity groups, especially during this divisive time in our country’s history. She, and the students, thanked the various law firms and other organizations that supported the groups and enabled them to host these important community gatherings.
“Building a supportive community with safe spaces to share experiences and exchange ideas is an essential way to stand up to ignorance and hatred,” Laurent told attendees. “It is also how we create a sense of belonging that enables our students to thrive both academically and in life.”