PRESS
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO), the longest-serving national organization committed to diversity in the legal profession, recently launched the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Civil Rights Scholarship to assist first-year law students who are passionate about protecting the civil rights of all Americans.
Photos from the 2019 CLEO EDGE Honors Reception featuring Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Heritage Award recipient Deval L. Patrick presented by Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) announced the 25 recipients of its CLEO EDGE Pre-Law Scholarship Award. The award was made possible by a generous $100,000 grant from the Walmart Legal Department to help students attend the CLEO 2019 Pre-Law Summer Institute. Students were chosen based on financial need, academic achievements, and video essay.“We are elated that so many of our students could take advantage of this opportunity to get a head start on their legal education,” said Cassandra Sneed Ogden, CLEO’s Chief Executive Officer. “Expanding opportunities for underserved communities is a part of our core mission.”
Son of Civil Rights Leader to Host Gathering of Social Justice Leaders,
Legal Scholars, and Legal Organizations Dedicated to Diversity and Inclusion
Largo, MD — November 1, 2018 — CNN Political Commentator and Attorney Bakari Sellers will host the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.’s (CLEO) 50th Anniversary Awards Gala on November 15, 2018, at The Ritz Carlton Washington, DC. The event will feature the inaugural CLEO EDGE Heritage Award given to Presidential adviser, attorney, and businessman Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. for his more than 50 years of service to the legal profession and his outstanding commitment to Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the legal profession and society. The event’s theme is “The CLEO EDGE: 50 Years of Championing Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the Legal Profession.” The fete will also celebrate 50 individuals, law schools, and legal organizations in each of the three categories.
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) are pleased to announce a new collaboration in support of their shared goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. NCBE has provided funding to bolster CLEO’s programs that help individuals from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and disadvantaged communities achieve success in law school and prepare to take and pass the bar exam. For over 50 years, CLEO has successfully contributed to increasing the number of lawyers from diverse backgrounds in all sectors of law.
Honorees for the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.’s CLEO EDGE Award for Greater Equality were announced today. This is CLEO’s final honor in three categories of accolades. The first two categories were Education and Diversity. The 50-year old organization will shine a spotlight on these individuals, law schools, and organizations that have impacted legal education, the legal profession, and society at its Awards Gala on November 15, 2018, at The Ritz Carlton Washington, DC, where Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. will receive CLEO’s inaugural CLEO EDGE Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Heritage Award.
Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., advisor to presidents, noted civil rights leader/activist, attorney, businessman, and a board member to several Fortune 500 companies has been named the inaugural recipient of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.’s CLEO EDGE Heritage Award. Hereafter, the award will be named the “CLEO EDGE Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Heritage Award” to commemorate his lifetime achievements. The Award will honor a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in Education, Diversity, and Greater Equality in the legal profession and society.
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) announced that 25 persons have volunteered to serve on the Gala Committee for its 50th Anniversary to be held November 15, 2018, at The Ritz Carlton, Washington, DC. The Gala Committee plans and implements the major fundraiser that benefits CLEO’s programs. Phyllis P. Harris, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Legal Operations at Walmart, Inc. and a CLEO alumna, is the chairperson.