National Conference of Black Lawyers

The National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit legal advocacy organization based in New York, NY, dedicated to providing specialized legal services and professional development for attorneys committed to advancing civil rights and social justice. Since 1968, NCBL has served as a comprehensive resource for lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and law students seeking to leverage the law as a vehicle for combating systemic racism and inequality.

NCBL operates the Law Enforcement Accountability Project (LEAP), a nationally recognized program that trains attorneys to file civil rights litigation under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Civil Rights Attorney's Fee Act of 1976. Through LEAP, the organization provides comprehensive litigation manuals, strategic guidance, and continuing legal education (CLE) courses that equip practitioners with the skills necessary to successfully litigate complex cases against police departments, municipal entities, and individual officers accused of misconduct. The program addresses constitutional deprivation claims, identifies liable parties at multiple organizational levels, and seeks both accountability and compensation for victims of police abuse.

NCBL's membership comprises a diverse network of progressive legal professionals who contribute their expertise across multiple practice areas and geographic regions. The organization maintains active chapters throughout the United States, including in New York, Washington D.C., Detroit, Georgia, and North Carolina. Through its LEAP CLE Master Classes offering four continuing legal education credits, NCBL ensures that attorneys remain equipped with current legal analyses, practical guidelines, and tactical strategies essential for effective civil rights litigation. The organization's work extends beyond police accountability to encompass broader social justice issues, reparations advocacy, and international human rights concerns, making it an invaluable resource for lawyers dedicated to systemic change through legal practice.