BLSA E-Board

(She/Her/Hers)

Co-Chair

 

Sydney Palmer, a 2L from Staten Island, New York, is currently serving as co-Chair of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). She graduated from Cornell University in 2023, with a Bachelor of Science in development sociology. She is spending her first co-op as a summer associate at WilmerHale and an in-house legal intern at Rapid7 through the Law in Technology Program in Boston. During this academic year, Sydney will also be serving as a teaching assistant for civil procedure under Professor Lucy Williams. Sydney is interested in corporate litigation, with a focus on appellate-level work. Outside of school, she enjoys weightlifting, cooking, reading and thrifting.

(He/Him/His)

Vice Chair

 

Ezekiel Hopkins is a 2L from Washington, DC, currently serving as the vice chair of BLSA. In 2023, he graduated from Villanova University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in criminology and political science. During this academic year, he will serve as co-chair of the Criminal Law Association, participate in BLSA’s Moot Court competition, be an associate editor for the Northeastern University Law Review and a teaching assistant for the 1L Legal Skills in Social Context Course. Ezekiel is interested in both criminal and corporate litigation. Outside of law school he enjoys outdoor activities, collecting vinyl records and sneakers, following fashion trends and trying new food.

(She/Her/Hers)

Director of Academic Affairs

 

Autumn Barnes is a 2L from Annapolis, Maryland, currently serving as BLSA’s director of academic affairs. This summer, she is working at the Greater Boston Legal Service’s Children’s Disability Project, and she will pursue her Masters of Public Health degree at Tufts University in the fall and spring.  Prior to law school, Autumn received her Bachelor of Arts in public policy studies and global health from Duke University. During her undergraduate career, she focused her academic research on substance use and disease, and interned in areas related to harm reduction and public health initiatives. Post-graduation, she was a public health analyst and researcher for substance use, mental health and health programming. She has a primary interest in health law, alongside class actions, consumer protection and policy development. Outside of law school, she enjoys exploring the city and sharpening her cooking skills.

(She/Her/Hers)

Director of Communications

 

Camille Rivero is a 2L from Boston, currently serving as the director of communications of BLSA. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in legal studies. Prior to law school, Camille spent the majority of her career focused on youth development and community engagement in the public sector. Most recently, she worked for the City of Boston connecting young people to civic engagement and employment opportunities. She also did wrongful conviction work at the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. In addition to her role in BLSA, she serves as the development officer for the Latin American Law Student Association. Camille is exploring different areas of law, including criminal law and consumer protection. Outside of law school, she enjoys trying new restaurants, serving at her church, and having movie and game nights with friends and family.

(He/Him/His)

CAIR Representative

Jaylen Cavil is a 2L currently serving as the CAIR representative of BLSA. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2019, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science. Prior to coming to law school, Jaylen spent his time as a community organizer and activist, and worked as a special education associate in a middle school. At NUSL, Jaylen is involved in several student organizations such as the National Lawyers Guild, Abolitionist Learning Zone, Students for Justice in Palestine and is a co-chair of CISP. Jaylen is interested in pursuing a career in criminal defense and civil rights, with an emphasis on movement lawyering. Outside of law school, Jaylen enjoys socializing with friends, watching sports and going to concerts.