Welcome to the George Mason University BLSA web page. George Mason School of law was founded in 1979 when the International school of law merged with George Mason University. The newly formed George Mason University School of Law was located in Arlington, Virginia nestled right along the border of Washington D.C. and northern Virginia, providing the metropolitan D.C. area with an institution of legal excellence while simultaneously serving the Arlington community’s needs through community service programs and initiatives.
George Mason’s Black Law Students Association was chartered in 1986 by approximately 20 law students under the guidance of faculty advisor Professor Veryl Miles. From its founding, BLSA had a twofold purpose: to support the growing population of Black students at the law school and to serve the surrounding Arlington community.
Then-President Tonya Robinson recognized the importance of creating an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of Black law students. Her vision included building community among students, holding regular meetings, and bringing notable speakers to campus to discuss issues affecting minority students in the legal profession.
Forty years later, that vision continues to guide our chapter. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2026, Scalia Law BLSA remains committed to academic and professional development, service, mentorship, and community. Our chapter continues to build connections among current students, alumni, faculty, legal professionals, and fellow BLSA chapters throughout the greater DMV area.
We are proud of the community built by the students and alumni who came before us and look forward to carrying their legacy forward. We invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about our programming and become part of the Scalia Law BLSA community.
Please check out our list of current and past officers.