Why We Serve
Given that many young, diverse students have never been exposed to lawyers and might not consider a career in the legal profession, society as a whole suffers when these talented individuals choose to pursue other opportunities. In response to this need, a number of pipeline programs have evolved at the high school and undergraduate level to increase awareness of, and build interest in, careers in the legal profession.
While there has been some increase in the diversity of law school populations, a number of academically talented and driven students from underrepresented demographics are frustrated by a lack of familiarity with law schools’ illusive pedagogical approach and common strategies for success. We are committed to equipping these students with the right advance knowledge to correctly define and achieve their legal ambitions. Because academic success in law school directly correlates to post-graduate employability, diverse students must fully prepare for the challenges they will face in law school; otherwise, the unintended consequence of early pipeline programs is a system that saddles many students with staggering law school debt and little hope of finding meaningful employment. Strong academic performance in law school is so crucial to having real career options, the legal profession has a moral obligation to ensure that the lives of the diverse students it attracts are improved by their decision to become lawyers, not worsened.
Enhancing diversity in the legal profession hinges on the success of students in the pipeline. The next generation of diverse students needs not only leaders who will continue to push for greater diversity, but also role models at various stages in their professional careers to call on for advice and mentorship, and demonstrate that a successful career in law is an achievable goal.
In order to truly move the needle in diversifying the legal profession, we need a long-term commitment to student success which provides tools for academic excellence, opportunities for meaningful employment and a network of diverse role models and mentors.