The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s LEAD Academy

Training LGBTQ+ and ally law students on Legal Equality And Diversity

The National LGBTQ+ Bar’s LEAD Academy is designed to provide LGBTQ+ and ally law students with career skills and the tools they need to create change in and through the legal profession. Ready to strengthen your career development skills, expand your professional network, and learn how to effectively advocate for the LGBTQ+ community no matter where your legal career takes you? This full-day, in-person program empowers law students with essential career and advocacy tools in a welcoming, affirming environment. Learn from an all–LGBTQ+ and ally faculty, connect with fellow students, and build meaningful relationships with the broader LGBTQ+ and ally legal community.

The National LGBTQ+ Bar’s next LEAD Academy will be held in-person at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas on October 23, 2026. For more information, please email Mari Nemec at mari@lgbtqbar.org.

Please note that LEAD Academy is only open to law student members of the National LGBTQ+ Bar who are current law students. 

LEAD Academy – Houston is co-sponsored by the Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment.

Tentative Program Agenda

Thursday, October 22

Evening event for local prospective law students.
Location and registration information TBA. 

Friday, October 23

All events will occur at South Texas College of Law Houston in Houston, Texas. Please register for room location. 

8:30 AM: Check In and Continental Breakfast 

9:00 AM: Welcome Remarks

9:15 AM: LGBTQ+ Legal History and Present Times

10:00 AM: How Does Your Law Degree Empower You & Your Communities?

11:00 AM: Break

11:15 AM: Student and Faculty Small Group Discussions

12:30 PM: Break

12:45 PM: Lunch & Fireside Chat

1:30 PM: Break

1:45 PM: Strategic Skills Bootcamp

3:30 PM: Break

3:45 PM: Career Mentoring with Faculty

4:30 PM: Wellbeing Conversation

5:30 PM: Conclusion

6:00 PM: Optional Social Gathering (location TBA)

Sponsors