Pre-Law Advising

Law in a Diverse World

Students who are successful in law school, and who become accomplished professionals, come from many walks of life and educational backgrounds, but like many professions in the United States, law still has room for progress.

Law's Evolving Landscape

In recent years diversity has increased in law schools and the profession, but law is inherently conservative and change is slow. Women, ethnic, racial and religious minorities, and other historically underrepresented groups still face particular challenges; the profession is dedicated to improving but the “profession” doesn’t change, individual people and firms have to change.

Still the prospects for lawyers are good; although there may be stumbling blocks and obstacles, the profession is and can be rewarding for people from all backgrounds. Law schools welcome and value diversity. You will find, contribute to and benefit from the exchange of ideas and different points of view that your colleagues will bring to the classroom. Employers, though not always getting it right, are broadly committed to fostering the careers of all kinds of applicants. Affinity groups both within employers and across the business provide support, guidance and professional networks.

As a group of advisers, we are committed to working with and advising aspiring lawyers and law students from all backgrounds and identities, and do our best to address your concerns about diversity in admissions, education and the profession.

Resources

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has resources for racially/ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+, and applicants with disabilities. We encourage students who identify with any of these groups to research the resources that are available.

In addition the American Bar Association has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Center whose goal is to provide guidance, spearhead projects, and enhance collaboration and communication to eliminate bias and enhance diversity in the legal profession and justice system.