Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Legal Field: Resources & More
Applying to law school can be a very expensive and time-consuming process, which may pose challenging barriers for some students, especially from an inclusivity and socioeconomic standpoint. Here is a list of compiled resources that students from underserved communities might find helpful.
The LSAT is expensive and preparing for it can be even more so. This in itself presents immense challenges that should not be the student’s responsibility to overcome. While these inequities were always present, the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on some issues that needed to change in the law admissions landscape. Since the pandemic, more and more schools are shifting to an LSAT-optional policy, meaning that they will not require applicants to take or submit an LSAT score as a part of their application. Visit this page for a full list of these schools.
Please visit the following websites for a centralized list of scholarships that are exclusively available to diverse applicants.
AccessLex is a nonprofit organization available to all students that provides free financial aid counseling, a Lex Scholars pipeline and scholarship program, as well as several webinars and events dedicated to educating students about how to finance their legal future.
The PLUS Program is aimed at undergraduate students from minoritized groups who are underrepresented in the legal profession and one year away from applying to law school. There is no cost to apply or to attend the program if selected. All PLUS participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 stipend and an LSAC fee waiver.
In addition to gaining insights on the law school admission process, future career options, and more, participants build confidence and community through supportive networking and mentoring relationships as they immerse in a program that intentionally addresses the challenges faced by minoritized students on their prelaw through practice journey.
Please browse this section of LSAC’s website that discusses several identity groups, stories from successful lawyers and their intersectionality within the legal community.
Subscribe to the biweekly pre-law newsletter here at Villanova that includes a section entirely devoted to equity. This section keeps readers informed of upcoming programs and opportunities for interested students, as well as success stories from the diverse community within the legal field.
