By the Juris Education Interview Team
Sierra Robertson is the President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Campbell University School of Law.
What makes our Black Law Students Association (“BLSA”) chapter unique is that we are deeply rooted in both advocacy and community-building. In addition to hosting meaningful events, we create space for law students and aspiring law students to be seen, heard, and supported in an environment where we are often underrepresented and overlooked. My role involved setting the vision, ensuring our programming is intentional and impactful, building bridges between members and legal professionals, and being a voice for our members in conversations with faculty and administration.
I wanted to effectuate change and continue the legacy of BLSA leaders who came before me by creating a sense of belonging and promoting equity, even if doing so leads to discomfort. I have seen firsthand how powerful BLSA can be in shaping confidence, leadership, and professional growth. Stepping into this role felt like both a responsibility and a calling to give back and create lasting change.
One of the most important things we stress is that LSAT prep is a sprint, not a marathon, so it is essential to start early, create a study schedule, and stay consistent. We encourage students to reach out to peers or alumni who have already taken the test to learn what strategies were most effective for them.
Many of us used a combination of resources, including free resources like Khan Academy, LSAC’s official prep materials, 7Sage logic game explanations, and online tutorials, to build a solid foundation. That said, it is essential to use a full prep course, if possible, since seeing and practicing a wide range of questions and explanations can make a substantial difference in performance. For students who may be tight on money, we encourage checking with your school to see if they offer scholarships or funding for LSAT course prep; many pre-professional programs do. We also like to highlight that LSAC offers fee waivers that cover the test itself, CAS registration, and sometimes prep resources for those who could benefit from the financial relief. Ultimately, the goal is to build confidence, gain exposure to a wide range of materials, and stay disciplined throughout the process.
We recently partnered with one of our resolute alumnae to launch a mentorship program that connects current BLSA members with practicing legal professionals in their specific areas of interest. The goal is to give our members direct access to attorneys who can help them navigate law school, internships, and career paths with clarity and support. It has been incredibly impactful, especially for students who may not already have a built-in legal network.
Joining a pre-law association is crucial because it creates access to information, mentorship, community, and opportunities that prepare students to navigate law school and the legal profession. Law school and the profession as a whole can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible, especially for first-generation students or those with little to no connection to the legal world. Pre-law societies and organizations like BLSA help demystify the process, offer guidance early and throughout each stage, and foster a sense of belonging that is invaluable when pursuing a legal career.
Whether it is LSAT advice, networking events, or leadership opportunities, being part of a community early on builds the confidence, preparation, and connections necessary to succeed. Members gain skills in leadership, public speaking, event planning, and advocacy. But beyond that, they learn how to navigate the legal profession as their authentic selves. The network, the mentorship, and the cultural solidarity fostered in these spaces cultivate a level of confidence and resilience that cannot be taught in a classroom. That foundation empowers our members to navigate life, law school, and the legal field with courage, authenticity, and strength.
I have learned that advocacy is more than just a skill I can apply professionally. It is an essential part of who I am. It informs how I lead, communicate, and navigate both personal and professional spaces. Through this role, I have come to recognize that my commitment to advocacy is constant, and rather than suppress it, I have learned to embrace it and channel it with purpose because doing so will inspire other aspiring law professionals to do the same.
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