Letter from Harvard Law School chapter of the Black Law Students Association members
Members of the Harvard Law School chapter of the Black Law Students Association sent a letter Wednesday to the Senate Judiciary Committee
extolling the mentorship they received from Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh and
expressing support for his confirmation.
"Judge Kavanaugh reached out to the Harvard Law School chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) in 2017 to express interest in planning a clerkship event for our members," the letter reads. "On March 27, the Judge participated in a panel—jointly with Judge Paul Watford of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—to provide information to BLSA students about the clerkship hiring process. While the event was marketed for first year students, all three class years were represented."
The graduates and law student went on to talk about how
Kavanaugh told them one of his major priorities was encouraging more students of color to apply for judicial clerkships in response to multiple recent reports about minority law students being "underrepresented in clerkship positions in the Federal Judiciary."
"The Judge provided his insights and advice on how students should navigate the entire process,
including: developing a list of judges, handling interviews, and succeeding as a law clerk.
But most critically, he continually reiterated the value and importance of clerkships," they wrote.
"The Judge not only graciously offered his time for that panel, but also has continued to mentor numerous Harvard students whom he has taught or worked with in a number of capacities," they added.
The Harvard BLSA members concluded their letter by emphasizing it was not a statement from "BLSA as an organization," but said they were signing it to "express appreciation for the Judge’s enthusiasm on this issue and hope that his efforts will be taken into consideration."
