"There have been so few black lawyers in these years that black students at the Harvard Law School have not had role models ... or an opportunity to meet people in the law with whom they could identify," he added.

"This (symposium) would give black and white students alike the opportunity to meet, hear, and talk with black lawyers from across the country."

Derek C. Bok, dean of the Law School, echoed Leonard's comments concerning the doubts which many black law students feel about their legal education.

"There was last year, and has always been, a particular amount of questioning among black law students asking 'What am I in law school for,' 'What do I use my law degree for?'" he said.

"The alternatives are posed in a very sharp way for black students, given the kind questions they have about their role in society," he said.

Invitations

Leonard said yesterday that he had sent some 300 invitations to lawyers across the country, about half of whom he said he was sure would attend the symposium.

The panel discussions will be open and free, although visitors will have to pay for tickets to attend the scheduled luncheons, dinner and reception.

The conference, which will begin at 9 a.m. Friday and run through Saturday afternoon, is being sponsored by several foundations, including the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and the Fuchsberg Family Foundation.