AUWCL rising 3L, Jayla Meeks, was recently honored as a 2026 J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association Scholarship Award recipient. The recognition came during the organization’s 19th Annual Women’s Committee Scholarship Tea at MGM National Harbor, which brought together nearly 400 attendees to celebrate achievement, leadership, and the next generation of legal professionals.

"I am honored to be one of the recipients of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association Scholarship, and to carry forward a legacy shaped by past recipients like Senator Angela Alsobrooks," Meeks said. "This scholarship represents a commitment to community, mentorship, and the collective advancement of women in the legal profession."

Meeks, an active and accomplished member of the AUWCL community, was honored for her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing equity through the law. She serves as the outgoing director of programming for the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Student Association (MABLSA) and is the incoming vice president. She is also a teaching assistant for administrative law and a senior staffer for the Administrative Law Review.

Her work reflects a strong dedication to civil rights, consumer protection, and economic justice. Meeks plans to pursue a legal career at the intersection of litigation and tax law, with the goal of protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation, expanding economic opportunity, and advancing systemic equity. Her recognition at the Scholarship Tea highlights both her achievements to date and her promise as a future leader in the legal profession.

“I am incredibly proud of Jayla and all she has accomplished as she prepares to enter her 3L year,” said Meeks’ mentor and legal rhetoric instructor, Professor Elizabeth Keith. “From the moment I met her, I saw a passion, drive, and commitment to service that continue to guide her success. She is deeply committed to excellence, and her optimism and confidence positively impact everyone around her. It has been a privilege to mentor her and celebrate milestones like this well-deserved recognition.”

The event also underscored AUWCL’s strong alumni presence and continued impact across the legal community. Among those in attendance were several distinguished graduates, including the Honorable Judge Dolores Dorsainvil ’00, who serves as Vice President of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association. and co-chair of its Women’s Committee. Judge Dorsainvil played a prominent role in the program, helping to lead the event and celebrate this year’s honorees.

Also in attendance were the Honorable Tanya M. Jones Bosier ’00; Thomas DeGonia of the Maryland Bar Counsel; Nefretete Smith ’10, who serves on the executive board of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association; and numerous other AUWCL alumni. Their presence reflected the depth of the law school’s network and its enduring connection to organizations that promote diversity, mentorship, and professional advancement within the legal field.

The Scholarship Tea, themed “Her Honor, Our Future,” featured a full program of speakers, presentations, and recognitions, including the announcement of scholarship recipients and judicial honorees. It served not only as a celebration of individual accomplishment, but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, representation, and investment in future legal leaders.

Meeks’ recognition—alongside the strong showing of alumni—demonstrates AUWCL’s continued commitment to preparing students who lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.