The 2023 National Association of Muslim Lawyers Conference: Monumental Moments for Muslim Lawyers
By: Tubah Ahmad
The National Association of Muslim Lawyers (NAML) Conference is an annual event that underscores Muslim legal professionals' unique and historic contributions across various legal areas. More than a platform for networking and mentorship, it consistently unites a diverse community of legal experts to address pressing issues and challenges in the legal field. The 2023 NAML Conference—whose theme this year was “Monumental Moments for Muslim Lawyers— proved to be exceptionally significant, blending historical reflection, spiritual connection, and in-depth discussions on pressing legal matters.The conference had separate panels and networking sessions for practitioners and students in Big Law, Criminal Law, Public Service, and other fields; group prayer breaks; and many large and small panels with foremost legal minds.
A group of conference attendees at the Supreme Court of the United States.
Day 1
The Library of Congress Field Trip: A Historic Prelude
The conference commenced with a historic visit to the Library of Congress, offering attendees the privilege of viewing Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Quran, preserved in the Rare Books collection. This exhibit served as a tangible reminder of the profound connection between Islamic knowledge and the founding principles of the United States, underscoring the historical contributions of Muslim thought and culture to the nation.
Spiritual Connection and Reflection
Following the Library of Congress visit, attendees gathered for Jumu'ah Prayer, led by Yahya Hendi, the Chaplain at Georgetown University. This spiritual pause set the tone for the rest of the conference, providing participants with a moment of reflection and unity amidst their professional pursuits.
Inside Capitol Hill: Muslims Supporting the Legislative Branch
The conference transitioned into an insightful discussion with Muslims working within Capitol Hill, highlighting the increasing presence of Muslims in this significant political arena over the past 30 years. This discussion underscored the value of being a Muslim on Capitol Hill, emphasizing the importance of being in the right place at the right time. Attendees also learned about the establishment of Jumu'ah prayer at Capitol Hill, a testament to the growing inclusivity and diversity within the heart of American democracy.
Manifesting Black Lives Matter: The Latest in Criminal Law Reform
One of the most impactful segments of the conference was the discussion on the "Latest in Criminal Law Reform." The panel addressed pressing issues, including the case of Imam Jamil Al Amin, mass violations of prisoners' rights, the challenging issue of mentioning race in the courtroom, and the controversial concept of qualified immunity. The speakers stressed the need for Muslims to be engaged in these issues, as they align with principles of justice and equality at the core of Islamic teachings. Understanding the broader context of what occurs in prisons is the first step toward effecting meaningful change in the legal system.
Day 2
A Day of In-Depth Exploration
The second day of the conference offered an array of parallel panels, allowing attendees to explore various legal topics in-depth. These sessions covered various subjects, such as Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Immigration Law Trends and Challenges, the Law and Rapidly Changing AI Technologies, the Global Fight Against Islamophobia, and Muslims in Academia. Each panel was moderated with insightful questions, further enhancing the overall experience.
Inspiring Encounters with Legal Luminaries
During the lunch break, attendees were treated to a unique "Meet the Judges" panel featuring a group of esteemed judges who have broken barriers and offer guidance to diverse lawyers aspiring to enter the judiciary. Among them was the Honorable Zahid N. Quraishi, U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey, the first Muslim American to serve as an Article III judge in U.S. history. The panel also featured Judge Zia M. Faruqui, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia, the Honorable Fatima El-Amin, Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Juvenile Court in Georgia, and the Honorable Dania Ayoubi, Administrative Law Judge for the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. These encounters with legal luminaries were genuinely inspiring, providing insights into their journeys to the Judiciary, their obstacles, and their ongoing experiences as Muslim judges.
Diverse Insights into Legal Practice
After the lunch program, attendees had the privilege of choosing from another diverse range of parallel panel sessions, each offering unique insights into legal issues and the significant contributions of Muslim lawyers. These panels covered a wide spectrum of topics, from the role of Muslim lawyers in the executive branch to reentry and reintegration, Supreme Court developments, and the vital roles of Muslim lawyers as defenders, prosecutors, corporate law practitioners, and advocates for vulnerable populations.
The second day of the conference, a tapestry of enlightening discussions, featured the insights and experiences of leaders in their respective legal fields. It was a day that reinvigorated attendees and left them eager for the future.
Rounding Off a Well-Organized Event
The conference concluded with a closing dinner. The dinner began with a heartfelt dua (prayer) for Hammad Alam, a highly respected civil rights lawyer who recently passed away. May Allah SWT reward Hammad for his good deeds, forgive him, grant him the highest rank of Paradise, comfort his family, and guide all of us to draw closer to Him as a result of this unexpected loss. You can read more about Hammad here.
We also offered a dua for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, who are enduring hardship under occupation. May Allah SWT protect the people of Palestine and alleviate their suffering.
Following the dua, a public service award was presented to Mazen Basrawi, the White House liaison to the American Muslim community. Basrawi previously served as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, as special counsel to then-Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, and as an Equal Justice Works Fellow for Disability Rights Advocates.
A compelling keynote speech was delivered by Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Ambassador At-Large for Religious Freedom at the Office of International Religious Freedom.
The closing remarks were made by Edward Mitchell, President of NAML, and the driving force behind this conference, heightened anticipation for the next conference under the leadership of President-elect Rahmah Abdulaleem.
Reflecting on this conference, we find ourselves inspired and deeply connected within a community, refreshed spiritually and invigorated as we prepare for another year of unwavering dedication to our principles, no matter where our paths lead. We sincerely thank Edward Mitchell and the NAML leaders and board of directors for their exceptional leadership in organizing this well-structured conference, and we eagerly await the next.
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As one participant, Suha Fasih (Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, 2L) summarized: “As a law student, it was inspiring to hear from and to network with people from similar backgrounds who represent us in the government or have reached the highest levels in private practice. It was amazing to see how diverse everyone’s journey was at the conference, and they encouraged us to understand that nothing is impossible, as long as we stick to our values.”
Another attendee, Anisa M. Rodriguez (J.D. Candidate at Vermont Law and Graduate School '24), shared her experience at the conference, stating: “Engaging with Muslim Legal professionals hailing from a vast array of practice areas and backgrounds was truly an eye-opening and invaluable experience. Out of the many profound topics discussed, the panel centering Muslims as Defenders and Prosecutors was especially illuminating. As a law student presently studying the practical and constitutional implications of the Fourth Amendment, listening to the experienced perspectives of the panelists demonstrated how balancing the interests of the State and the accused can be supported by and run afoul of the teachings of the Holy Quran. This notion is something I would not have considered in the context of Islam but for attending this wonderful Conference, Masha 'Allah."
Thank you for all those who attended and made this year’s conference a resounding success Alhumdulillah, and we look forward to seeing you next year InshaAllah.