The past few weeks have been unprecedented as our communities, families, and profession adjusted to the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our colleagues and friends are transitioning their lives and law practices to accommodate what has become the new “normal”. In times like these, community support is essential as we live day to day with immeasurable uncertainty. The Capital City Lawyers Association (CCLA) has been closely monitoring the reports on COVID-19 and working on ways to stay connected to its membership.
Like many of you, members of our executive boards are caregivers, parents, spouses, or the main provider for their household. It is in this experience we recognize the importance of associations and organizations coming together to support one another. In continuing to uphold our mission, the CCLA Scholarship Committee has been working diligently to plan a process for providing local law school students with financial assistance this summer.
As law schools transitioned to all-online instruction, relocating students off-campus, and canceling or postponing graduation ceremonies, it has positioned our law students in a place of financial uncertainty. Several students have seen withdrawals of summer work offers and with the Summer Bar Exam questionable, the promise of future employment looks less attainable for many.
For that reason, CCLA will continue to offer scholarships to local law school students. The Scholarship Committee is reviewing the application process and making necessary adjustments in response to the current state of affairs. Although we are unable to host an in-person scholarship reception, we are working with a potential sponsor on an alternative method of thanking our members, donors, and supporters for their compassion in giving.
Our ability to assist local law school students comes from your support as members and highlights the importance of our Annual Scholarship Christmas Gala. Through your sponsoring of the gala with table and ticket purchases, CCLA raises money year after year to provide law school students with scholarships. We thank you for your willingness to be a part of the gala each year to help the community around you.
To not lose the momentum, our Events Committee is working with local venues in hopes we will be able to once again bring you the Premier Annual Christmas party of the year. We will not lose hope that we will be together again soon for a greater cause. Please stay tuned for more information on the 2020 Scholarship Application and opportunities for our community to connect again.
If you would like to make a donation to the CCLA Scholarship Fund, and assist local law school students during this unprecedented time, you may do so by emailing contact@capitalcitylawyersnc.com.
We pray you and your family continue to find hope and safety during this time. If you find yourself in need of encouragement or support please do not hesitate to reach out to us and the community around you.
Thank you from the CCLA Executive Board and Committee Chairs
President – Evin L. Grant
Vice President – Dorian Woolaston
Secretary – Kandace Watkins
Treasurer – Kendria Lewis
Parliamentarian – RaShawnda Murphy
Committee Chairs – Ashley Payne Ratliff, Amaka Madu, Aviance Brown, Ayeshinaye Smith, Candice Morales, Erika Jones, Jenny Bobbitt, Jonnell Carpenter