National Bar Institute Inc

The National Bar Institute Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1982 by members of the National Bar Association (NBA). It functions as the NBA's philanthropic arm, focusing on advancing legal education and promoting diversity in the legal profession, particularly among African Americans and other minority groups.

Mission and Objectives

The National Bar Institute (NBI) aims to serve and empower the African American community and legal profession through philanthropy, education, advocacy, and action. Its mission includes supporting students and legal educational programs, enhancing the public's understanding of contemporary legal issues, and improving the administration of justice. The NBI emphasizes promoting high ethical standards for lawyers and judges and supports initiatives that contribute to human and civil rights advancements.

Programs and Activities

The NBI implements several programs to fulfill its mission:

• Law Student Fellowships: Awards scholarships to academically promising second-year law students committed to social justice. These fellowships support students intending to practice law in historically underserved communities and range from $1,000 to $10,000.
• Grants for High School Students: Provides grants for regional high school seniors and their chaperones to attend the National Bar Association convention. This includes participation in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition.
• Financial Support for Legal Organizations: Offers financial support to organizations like the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), NBA Women's Lawyers and Young Lawyers Divisions, and the Council for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO).
• Annual Golf Tournament: The Clyde E. Bailey, Sr. and Rapheal M. Prevot, Jr. Annual Golf Tournament is a significant fundraiser that recognizes competitive golfers' achievements. It also includes a Youth Golf Clinic, providing personalized instruction to local youth.

Funding and Support

The NBI is a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organization, making contributions tax-deductible. It receives donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Notable supporters include Walmart, State Farm, FedEx, and General Motors.

Impact and Leadership

Under the leadership of Dr. Walter L. Sutton, Jr., the NBI continues to expand its initiatives to enhance the pipeline of diverse students in the legal profession. It works closely with the NBA, which is the nation's oldest and largest network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges, founded in 1925.