Our History

Built on leadership, advocacy, and excellence, NALA’s history reflects its continued commitment to advancing the Nigerian American legal community and strengthening its impact across the United States

Brief History of the Organization

The Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Inc. (NALA) is an organization of licensed Nigerian American attorneys living and working in the United States of America. It was incorporated in Maryland, on February 3, 2015, by a group of visionary lawyers determined to cultivate a space for attorneys of the Nigerian Diaspora to grow in their craft and collectively make a lasting, positive impact on their communities.

Since its inception, NALA has held numerous community events and seminars around legal topics such as Family & Domestic Violence and Immigration, providing free attorney consultation at the end of each program. On October 19, 2015, NALA received its 501(c) non-profit organization status from the Internal Revenue Services. The organization was also presented with a 2015 “FACE Award” and recognized as the “Outstanding Organization of the Year”.

In 2016, NALA led the charge in advocacy against Boko Haram insurgencies and their sympathizers for the abduction of the Chibok Girls in Nigeria, which resulted in the safe return of multiple abductees. Through the efforts of NALA members, many of the girls have been enrolled in universities across the United States and are receiving assistance to navigate their immigration status.

NALA’s Inaugural Gala was held on April 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C., attracting several dignitaries and special guests, such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of 18th Congressional District, Texas. The event provided the opportunity for NALA members and the community to celebrate awardees for their exemplary contributions towards the advancement of the legal profession and society.

Within its seven years of establishment, NALA has exceeded all expectations and is highly esteemed within the legal community, among other organizations of similar objectives and mission. On August 23, 2019, NALA obtained its certificate of registration from the Government of the District of Columbia and in the same year, the Governor of Maryland, Gov. Harry Hogan, issued a citation to NALA in recognition of the organization’s efforts in educating, defending, protecting and promoting African and African-American communities through advocacy and legal representation.

History Timeline

Tracing our journey from inception to a leading professional body.

2015

INCORPORATION OF NALA

NALA was incorporated to unite Nigerian American legal professionals across the United States.

2015

501(c) NONPROFIT STATUS

Received official 501(c) nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service.

2015

FACE AWARD RECOGNITION

Honored with the FACE Award as Outstanding Organization of the Year.

2016

INAUGURAL GALA EVENT

Hosted the first NALA Gala in Washington, D.C., celebrating leadership and excellence.

2016

CHIBOK GIRLS ADVOCACY

Led advocacy efforts supporting victims of the Chibok Girls abduction crisis in Nigeria.

2019

DC REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Received Certificate of Registration from the Government of the District of Columbia.

2015

MARYLAND RECOGNITION

Recognized by the Governor of Maryland for community advocacy and legal impact.

TODAY

CONTINUED GROWTH AND IMPACT

NALA continues advancing legal excellence, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement across the United States.

What We Stand For

Join a community dedicated to excellence, mentorship, and justice. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a law student, there is a place for you in NALA.