National Conference of Black Lawyers
About National Conference of Black Lawyers
Founded in 1968 as the legal arm of the Movement for Black Liberation, the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) stands as a pioneering organization rooted in New York, NY, dedicated to advancing the full social, political, and economic rights of the Black community through legal advocacy and professional solidarity. NCBL exists to enhance the collective professional strength and skill of lawyers, scholars, judges, legal workers, law students, and legal activists who share a commitment to utilizing law as a transformative tool against systemic racism and the inequities it perpetuates.
What distinguishes NCBL is its unwavering focus on community-centered lawyering and the development of a cadre of "people's lawyers" equipped to serve those most impacted by institutional injustice. The organization has represented notable clients including Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, the Attica Brothers, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the Wilmington Ten, while also supporting liberation movements and human rights advocacy across the African diaspora and globally. NCBL's membership encompasses judges, law students, lawyers, legal activists, legal workers, and scholars whose diverse experiences and leadership create a rich network of support for progressive legal practice.
Beyond its flagship litigation and education initiatives, NCBL actively engages in policy advocacy, amicus curiae briefs, and public statements addressing civil rights violations, police militarization, reparations, and international human rights concerns. The organization's commitment extends to fostering intergenerational activism, ensuring that emerging legal professionals inherit both the skills and the vision necessary to continue the struggle for justice. By combining professional development with grassroots community engagement, NCBL remains a vital institution for lawyers committed to producing justice and advancing the liberation struggle from within their communities.