CLEO EDGE 2020

THE MAGAZINE FOR TOMORROW’S LAW STUDENTS

the 116th United States Congress

Freshman Class

the most diverse ever.

39

have

Law Degrees

42Women are

SINCE 1968: Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

of incoming House Democrats

as 1/ identify 3 people of color

WINTER/SPRING 2020 CLEOINC.ORG

COUNCIL ON LEGAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY, INC.

We proudly support the

Council on Legal Education Opportunity.

Law School Admission Council

The FUTURE of JUSTICE Starts With You

The legal profession and the future of our justice system should reflect all those it serves. We need people who care deeply about helping others, and who are passionate about ensuring FAIRNESS and EQUALITY … people like you.

There has never been a better time to study law, and LSAC is committed to supporting you on this journey.

Services available to support you:

aLSAC Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program aFree Official LSAT Prep through Khan Academy aFree LSAT Practice Tests aLSAC Law School Forums aAnd more law school admission resources to help you take the next step

Start your journey to Discover Law

Connect with Us

LSAC.org.



Contact Us LSACinfo@LSAC.org P: 215.968.1001

  

at

©2019 Law School Admission Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Law School Admission Council @LSAC_Official @official_lsac Law School Admission Council Law School Admission Council

Since 1968: Training Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Preparing Tomorrow’s

Staff Cassandra Sneed Ogden Chief Executive Officer Leigh R. Allen II Vice President, Marketing & Development Lynda Cevallos, Esq. Director, Prelaw Educational Activities Bernetta J. Hayes Director, Prelaw Program Operations Manika Heilig CLICKS DMV Coordinator

Leaders

Julie D. Long Director, Finance and Administration

CONNECT WITH

CLEO /_cleoscholars_ /cleo.scholars /in/cleo1968 /cleoscholars /cleoalumni cleoinc.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Lynda Cevallos

CREATIVE DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jewell Green

The CLEO Edge Magazine © 2019 by Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. The materials contained herein represent the opinions of the authors and editors and should not explicitly be construed to be those of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Nothing contained herein is to be considered as the rendering of legal advice for specific cases, and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. These materials and any forms and agreements herein are intended for educational and informational purposes only.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: CLEO, Inc. • 1101 Mercantile Lane, Suite 294 • Largo, MD 20774 • 240.582.8600 www.cleoinc.org PRINTED IN THE USA

We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.

We're proud to support CLEO as part of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at Google and beyond.

STORE

THE

AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE AT CLEOINC.ORG

- Show Your Support With Official CLEO, Inc Merch! -

In 2017, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) launched its alumni and friends networking site, CLEOConnection.com.

Since the platform’s release, over 700 individuals have “joined the connection” and reconnected with former classmates and friends. The site allows members to connect with a mentor, upload their work experience, post and learn about new job vacancies and industry news, register for events, and much more.

JOIN TODAY!

Joining the CLEOConnection.com is FREE and EASY. You can connect with your Facebook®, Google®, or LinkedIn® account or use your preferred email address.

With your support, we can easily make CLEOConnection.com the “go to” online diversity and inclusion network for prelaw students and legal professionals.

CLEOCONNECTION.COM

CONTENTS CLEO EDGE 2020

FEATURES 44

Spoon Feeding His Mentees

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

By Cassandra Sneed Ogden

13

CLEO at a Glance

52

Developing Youth Voices

14

1L Prep – Attitude Is Essential (AIE)

66

To Pass The Bar Exam, Become An Expert Learner

By Maryam Ahranjani

By Raul Ruiz

70

Your Voice Matters

By Renata E.B. Strause

SPOTLIGHTS 56

CLEO Law Student Scholar Spotlight: Monica Ontiveros

58

CLEO College Scholars Spotlight: Mickey A. Witchuwong

COLLEGE SCHOLARS 20

IN EVERY ISSUE

The Digital LSAT: Your Questions Answered

By Bernadette Chimner

26

PREPARING FOR Achieving Success in the LAW SCHOOL: Application Process (ASAP) College Freshman 30 Pre-Law Timeline

By RJ Holmes-Leopold

43

CLEO Programs & Services

49

CLICKS E-Mentor Café

18

By Kiara Williams

60

The CLIC Program Graduates Its First Class

62

CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute

82

2019-2020 CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education

By Bernetta J. Hayes

33

College Sophomore

36

Junior Year - Decision Time

11

Message from the CLEO Chair

81

Writing Resources

86

CLEO Supporters & Contributors

By Dr. Robert Webking

By Bill Chamberlain

38

College Senior

By Dr. Ana Alvarez

MONEY MATTERS 74

Financial Planning For Law School

By Mario Villa

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

7

CLEO EDGE 2020

MARYAM AHRANJANI is the Don L. & Mabel F. Dickason Professor and associate professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law. At UNM, she teaches and writes in the areas of criminal law and procedure, constitutional rights, and education policy and serves as faculty advisor to the UNM Marshall-Brennan chapter. Professor Ahranjani currently serves as the Reporter of the ABA Women in Criminal Justice Task Force, member of the Standing Committee of the ABA’s Division for Public Education, and Chair of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Children and the Law, and Chair-elect of the AALS Education Law Section.

ANA ALVAREZ was born in Mexico and earned her lawyer’s degree and master’s degree in Education in Mexico.

She moved to the U.S. in 2000 and worked as an English faculty member at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida. She achieved her Doctor of Education degree in the U.S and moved to San Antonio, TX in 2008. Since then, Dr. Alvarez has worked at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

As Assistant Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs, she serves as a prelaw advisor and organizes and coordinates the Summer Law School Preparation Academy and other prelaw events, including the law school fair. Since 2012, she has been an officer of the Executive Board of the Southwest Association of Prelaw Advisors.

WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN is the Program Director for UChicago Careers in Law, a fancy title for doing pre-law advising for undergrads at the University of Chicago. For twenty years he led the career services offices at four law schools: The John Marshall Law School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and DePaul University College of Law. Prior to working in law schools, Mr. Chamberlain practiced as an attorney at Schiff Hardin (Chicago) and at the Office of the City of Chicago’s Corporation Counsel. He graduated from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and is also a proud graduate of Cornell University. He has also taught legal writing.

8

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

BERNIE CHIMNER is co-founder of Griffon Prep. Bernadette Chimner has coached hundreds of students to achieve higher LSAT scores and has scored 180 on the LSAT herself.

When she’s not teaching LSAT classes at Griffon Prep, she can be found geocaching or prowling used book stores.

RJ HOLMES-LEOPOLD is the Director of the Career and Civic Engagement Center at Cornell College.

He is a 1999 graduate of the College with a degree in Politics and Communication Studies, and he also has a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park. Currently, he is pursuing his doctorate in higher education in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership studies at the University of Iowa. He is currently President of the Midwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors (MAPLA), and has served as coeditor of the MAPLA Briefs newsletter along with being the MAPLA webmaster. He is a member of the PreLaw Advisors National Council (PLANC) and is the conference chair for the 2016 PLANC National Conference.

CONTRIBUTORS

RAUL RUIZ is an Assistant Professor and Director of Bar Exam Preparation at Florida International University College of Law. Since his bar preparation program was implemented, FIU has placed first on the bar exam in Florida six times in the last four years.

Professor Ruiz emphasizes learning theory in teaching students how to properly prepare for the bar exam in any jurisdiction. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Electrical Engineering from Yale University in 2003. In 2006, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Florida International University. Professor Ruiz practices in the areas of personal injury, criminal prosecution and defense, and bankruptcy law. In 2013, the highly regarded professor was awarded the Justice Education Attorney of the Year Award by the Florida Bar for his work with high school moot court competitions held before the Florida Supreme Court and for furthering the civic education of Florida’s youth.

RENATA E.B. STRAUSE is an Associate General Counsel for the AFLCIO, where she focuses on matters relating to the labor federation’s political activities.

Her prior professional experience includes clerking for Judge Keith Ellison on the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas and serving on the staff of the Committee on the Judiciary in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Renata is a graduate of Oberlin College and Yale Law School and the co-author, along with Professor Dan Tokaji, of The New Soft Money, an innovative study of the impact of the Citizens United decision on congressional campaigns and elected officials.

MARIO VILLA is the Director of Student Recruitment and Financial Aid at The University of Texas School of Law. Mario is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. He is a UT Austin doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy. Before joining Texas Law in 2013, Mr. Villa advanced undergraduate recruitment efforts as the Director of the UT Austin- East Texas Admissions Center in Longview, Texas.

Outside of Texas Law, Mr. Villa is very active with his CrossFit/Olympic lifting community, the UT Austin Hispanic Faculty/ Staff Association, the UT Austin Pride and Equity Faculty Staff Association, and the Texas Exes. He is an active member at the UT Club, the Longhorn Foundation, and volunteers as a member of Phi Delta Theta.

ROBERT WEBKING earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in politics from the University of Dallas and his Master of Arts and Doctor Philosophy degrees in government from the University of Virginia in the 1970s. After teaching briefly at Virginia Commonwealth University, he joined the faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1978 where he served in a variety of administrative roles, including Director of the Academic Advising Center, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chair of the Department Political Science, Director of the Center for Law and Border studies, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Law School Preparation Institute. Now retired, he is the co-author of “LSAT Logic Games” (2005) and author of “The Annotated LSAT” (2009).

WINTER/SPRING 2020

KIARA WILLIAMS, DC native, is CLEO’s E-mentor Consultant.

She developed a passion for innovating mentorship when she recognized the impact it had on her own life.

Leveraging her Social Justice background over the past five years she has developed mentor programs and collaborations between local nonprofits and public schools. Ms. Williams works to be an agent of change, to shift the narrative in the poorest communities by connecting them with the hope of another option.

CLEO EDGE

9

Become a lawyer.

Join the champions.

Named a BEST VALUE and MOST DIVERSE institution.

Minority student population: 48 PERCENT NAMED #1 BEST OF THE DECADE by PreLaw Magazine for Best Moot Court.

NATIONAL ADVOCACY WINNER: 131 TIMES. No other law school has won half as many.

More ABA NATIONAL APPELLATE ADVOCACY CHAMPIONSHIPS than any other law school in the U.S. More Scribes BEST BRIEF LEGAL WRITING AWARDS than any other law school in the U.S.

Earn your J.D.

stcl.edu/lawchamps

1303 SAN JACINTO • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-659-8040

MESSAGE FROM

Angela Birch Cox Chair, CLEO Board

THE CLEO CHAIR

September, 2019 We are experiencing a period in American history unlike any other. Partisan bickering, divisive and thinly-veiled racist rhetoric and policies; a staggering wealth gap that continues to grow; mistreatment of immigrants by those whose espoused “high” ideals invited them to seek refuge in the first place; a criminal justice system sorely in need of reform; mass shootings; global climate change and other environmental challenges; and so many other seemingly insurmountable issues occupy the headlines. Yet, this is also an age of unprecedented access to information; technological advancements which boggle the mind; recording devices in almost every hand used to capture and share the mundane and the monumental, as well as the overt and the covert; the growing acceptance of individuals’ rights to make choices about fundamental aspects of their lives and to be free of judgment and discrimination based on those choices; and a movement to correct the history books to expose the systematic exploitation of people of color that continues even today and craft reparations.

Indeed, to quote Dickens’ description of London and Paris in his 1859 historical novel, A Tale of Two Cities, we are living in the best of times,…the worst of times,…the age of wisdom,…the age of foolishness,… the epoch of belief,…the epoch of incredulity,…the season of light,…the season of darkness,…the spring of hope,…the winter of despair.

In this issue of the CLEO Edge, we highlight the diversity of the freshmen in the 116th Congress. It is safe to assume that they share the belief that they can tackle these problems and effect positive change, even though they may disagree about how to solve them. As these new members of Congress raise their voices, offer their ideas and live by their ideals, we hope that they will move us closer to solutions that are underpinned by equity and justice.

But solutions are not just the purview of Congress.

Don’t forget that we have power too! Individually and collectively, if we do nothing else, we can make our voices heard by the simple, and undeniably significant, act of voting. Our votes not only speak for us, but for countless disenfranchised and therefore voiceless people who have no other option but to depend on us. And as attorneys and law students, we are uniquely positioned to educate, enlighten and empower others to make their voices heard by voting too.

So, if you haven’t already, commit right now to exercise your power to change things for the better, to provide an antidote for the poisons of this era.

Start by making your voice heard at the ballot box.

Continue by obtaining your law degree. Your study will help you hone the skills you need not only to continue to make your voice heard, but to be a voice for the voiceless. There is no limit to the good that can result. Your voice matters!

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

11

IN EVERY ISSUE

#yourvoicematters

Building a

COMMUNITY of INFLUENCE

law.byu.edu

CLEO COLLEGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: College freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors & post grads interested in attending law school.

WHAT: The Road to Law School, Sophomore Super Saturdays, and Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT. WHEN: Throughout the academic year.

WHERE: Various locations across the country.

DEADLINE: Varies (www.cleoinc.org for deadline dates).

COST: Free.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS (ASAP)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: College juniors, seniors, and post grads who plan to apply to law school.

WHAT: Intensive weekend Pre-Law seminar to help participants develop the tools they need to understand the application process and become competitive law school applicants.

WHEN: Summer.

WHERE: Various law school locations.

DEADLINE: April 6.

COST: $100.

CLEO CONNECTION (CNXTION)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: College freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors & post grads interested in attending law school.

WHAT: Pre-Law series where under-represented students get answers to important questions about law school, create a local network of colleagues and legal professional guides, and develop their understanding of the legal field culture.

WHEN: Throughout the academic year.

WHERE: Washington, DC. DEADLINE: Varies (cleoinc.org/programs/cleo-connection/ for deadline dates).

COST: Free.

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) was founded in 1968 to expand opportunities for qualified low-income, disadvantaged, and minority students to attend law school. CLEO is funded by private contributions from law firms and corporations as well as alumni support. Since CLEO’s inception, more than 10,000 students have benefited from CLEO programs and joined the legal profession.

AT A GLANCE

THE CLEO PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE (PLSI)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Graduating seniors or graduates who plan to attend law school in the fall of 2020.

WHAT: A residential and online program designed to prepare participants to be more competitive law school students.

WHEN: June - July.

WHERE: Various law schools.

DEADLINE: October 1-November 30, 2019 (early acceptance dates) and February 28, 2020 (final deadline).

COST: $2,500 (includes room, board, instructional materials).

1-L PREP - ATTITUDE IS ESSENTIAL (AIE)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: College graduates who are accepted into an ABA-accredited law school.

WHAT: Intensive weekend pre-law seminar designed to introduce and prepare students for the rigors of law school.

WHEN: Summer.

WHERE: Exclusively online.

DEADLINE: Rolling admission.

COST: $100.

ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE SEMINAR

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: All CLEO first-year law students.

WHAT: A program designed to reinforce analytical reading, writing, studying, and test-taking skills introduced in the pre-law preparatory programs.

WHEN: Fall.

WHERE: Exclusively online.

COST: Free.

CLEO LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION SERVICES (CLAS)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: All college and post grad students.

WHAT: These services help students with their law school application packet.

WHEN: Throughout the year WHERE: Nation-wide.

COST: Nominal; varies on service provided.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

13

FOR FURTHER INFORM ATIO N OR TO APPLY ONL INE , P LE AS E V I SIT O UR WEBSITE AT

www.cleoinc.org/aie

14

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

NOW TOTALLY ONLINE!

Almost 20 years ago, when CLEO first held its two-day intensive seminars known as Attitude Is Essential, classes were held on each coast at an airport hotel. Fast forward to today. AIE is known as 1L Prep - Attitude Is Essential (AIE) and it is held exclusively online.

In a more globalized workplace, live online classes are becoming increasingly a choice for students. CLEO’s 1L Prep – Attitude Is Essential responds to student’s need for: •• Easy access from anywhere in the world •• Flexibility •• Group activities and •• Ability to study more in-depth by using the class recordings Basking in 2019’s successful online seminars, CLEO’s 1L Prep – Attitude is Essential will be totally online again in 2020. These seminars are designed to familiarize incoming first-year law students with the rigors of law school and to acquaint them with the various resources that are available to meet those demands. The two-day intensive workshop sessions and accompanying handout materials cover such topics as legal analysis and writing, exam preparation, time management, the Socratic Method, case briefing, and understanding IRAC. Additionally, AIE helps students prepare for the major transition from undergraduate to professional school and motivates them to succeed.

Participants who successfully complete the program and are enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school are eligible to receive ongoing academic and professional development support throughout law school from CLEO. There will be a total of three seminars during June, July, and August to respond to student needs.

TARGETED STUDENTS: Incoming first-year law students who are enrolled in an ABAaccredited law school during the same fall they attend the CLEO 1L Prep – AIE seminar.

BENEFITS: •• Law school orientation •• Skills-building workshops •• Network opportunities DEADLINE TO APPLY: Rolling admission until one-week before seminar.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

15

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

aie

1L PREP – ATTITUDE IS ESSENTIAL

“I am making a difference.�

Jonathan Geneus, Class of 2017 Associate, Jackson Lewis P.C., Denver

colorado.edu/law

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

BUILDING COMMUNITY Every student completes a capstone in PreLaw Magazine

Our

ranked in the

was of our students are

Business Insider

of graduation

Proud Supporter of CLEO and it’s mission to increase diversity in the law

LAW.CASE.EDU

Any Person, Any Study

Find your home at

Cornell Law School %* 34 students

%* 52 female

CLASS OF 2022

CLASS OF 2022

of color

students

TH 5 in job

placement among all law schools

jdadmissions@cornell.edu 607 255 5141 Carrie Montgomery Class of 2020 Team Building the Ithaca Way *Data is accurate as of August 15, 2019

Celebrating over 50 Years of Championing Education, Diversity and Greater Equality in the Legal Profession

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

ASAP

AC HIEV ING S U C C E S S IN T H E A P P LICAT IO N P R O CES S Last summer for the eleventh year, CLEO proudly offered Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP), a Pre-Law program designed to prepare upperclassmen and postgraduates for the law school application process. ASAP provides advising, mentorship, and test preparation techniques to better prepare participants for the rigors of the law school application process.

By exposing students to the nuances of the admission process, ASAP provides participants with a clear understanding of the dedication and commitment required to become competitive law school applicants.

For further information or to apply online, visit

CLEOINC.OR G/ASAP 18

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

In addition, ASAP seminar participants have the distinct advantage of establishing mentoring relationships with law school admission officers and law students.

The ASAP curriculum focuses on aspects of the application process that are frequently overlooked or undervalued by students when applying to law school, including: • Selecting a law school • Drafting an effective personal statement • Choosing sources for letters of recommendations • Preparation strategies for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) • The impact of LSAT scores and grade point averages (GPAs) in the selection process • The significance of the early application process offered by many law schools

DEADLINE: APRIL 6, 2020

• Debt management and developing credit worthiness • Common mistakes committed by law school applicants WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

19

COLLEGE SCHOLARS 20

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

THE DIGITAL LSAT:

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

BY BERNIE CHIMNER

Yes, the rumors are true!

The September 2019 administration of the LSAT exam was the first fully digital administration.

The content of the exam is exactly the same as the content of the paper exam. The timing for the sections is the same as the paper exam – 35 minutes per section. In sum, it’s exactly the same exam, only on a tablet instead of on paper.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

21

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Should I prepare differently for the digital exam? The best way to raise your LSAT score is to understand and master the content of the exam, and paper copies of the LSAT exam are perfectly acceptable for studying, since the content of the exam hasn’t changed. LSAC publishes several low-cost books of 10 real LSATs, which are excellent study tools as you prepare for the LSAT.

LSAC offers several free versions of previous LSATs on their website, all with the same format as the digital exam. You should try out these digital exams at some point before you take the real thing so you can become comfortable with the basic format and functions of the digital version. If possible, try out the digital exam on a tablet so that you can practice the highlighting or underlining functions with your finger or a stylus. But if you don’t have access to a

tablet, don’t worry: the digital exam begins with a basic tutorial on test day.

Will I get scratch paper for the digital exam? Yes. On test day, you’ll be issued a

tablet, a stylus pen, and a booklet of scratch paper. The booklet has 16 pages of scratch paper, so you don’t have to worry about running out.

Will I be able to highlight on the exam? Yes. The digital exam provides

three different colors of highlighting and an underlining option. You can use your finger or the provided stylus pen to highlight important text on the screen.

Does the digital exam have a built-in timer? Yes. There is a timer in the top right corner of the screen that will count down from 35 minutes during each section. You can hide the timer by tapping it with your finger or with the stylus.

BEST

SPECIALTIES: PUBLIC INTEREST 2018-19

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Beneath the timer is a progress bar that will fill in gradually as the time ticks down. The progress bar is a simple and intuitive way to see how much time has passed in the section.

Does the digital exam give a 5-minute warning before the end of the section?

Yes. On the digital exam, a screen pops up to warn you when only 5 minutes remain in the section. Unlike the paper exam, on the digital exam the 5 minute warning is always exact and impossible to miss.

What about the writing sample that used to be on the paper exam? The

writing sample is no longer administered on test day. Instead, examinees can now take the writing sample on their own device and in the comfort of their own home after they’ve taken the LSAT exam.

Will I need anything special to do the writing sample? To take the

writing sample, you’ll need a computer with a webcam, a laptop, or a tablet with a keyboard. You’ll need to log in to your lsac account and download the proctoring software to the computer before you begin.

You’ll also need a private room, a picture id, a pencil or pen, and a blank sheet of paper to use for jotting notes. (The room you take the writing sample in cannot have other people in it. If someone enters the room during your writing sample, you must ask them to leave.)

When you begin the writing sample, you will need to show your picture id to the camera and will need to use the computer’s camera to scan your environment to show that it is free of prohibited items. (This includes cell phones and other electronic devices, so make sure that your phone is off and stowed safely away.)

The writing sample prompt is in the same format as the print-version of the exam.

(You can view a sample prompt on LSAC’s website.) As you type your response, you’ll be able to use basic keyboard features – undo, redo, cut, copy, and paste – and will also have spell-check. A wide variety of formatting options are also available, but are not necessary or recommended for completing your essay.

What should I bring with me to the digital exam? Pencils (you can use pencils

or the provided stylus pen to take notes on your scratch paper), an eraser, food and drink for the break, a picture id, and your admissions ticket.

What if there’s a fire drill or other disturbance during the test? The

proctor has a master pause button that will pause all the devices while everyone safely exits the building. Once everyone is back and seated, the exams will resume exactly where they left off.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

23

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

What if my tablet runs out of battery or there’s a malfunction with my tablet? A built-in safeguard won’t allow a

tablet to activate if it has less than 80% of its battery life, meaning your tablet will last for the full 3.5 hour exam. But if your tablet encounters a power failure or any other malfunction, the proctor can quickly swap it out for another tablet, and all your answers and other progress will appear on the new tablet.

How can LSAC be sure that the scores on the digital exam aren’t higher/ lower than the scores on the paper exam? During the July 2019 administration

of the LSAT, half of the examinees were given the exam in its paper format and half were given the exam in its digital format. The questions in each exam were identical. After the July exam, the psychometricians at LSAC spent six weeks reviewing the data to ensure that examinees’ scores were not affected by the change in format.

making it much easier to keep track of which questions you still need to answer and which questions you want to revisit. ϐϐ The new digital format also allows you to adjust the font size and spacing of the exam to your preference. You can change these options at any point during the exam, so if you like a large font size for the logic games section and a small font size for the reading comp section, you can adjust the font size with a simple dropdown menu. ϐϐ And the new digital format prevents many human errors that occurred with the paper exam. Since the tablets keep track of the time, there’s no longer a chance that the proctor will call time too early or forget to call a warning 5 minutes before the end of the section. The digital LSAT ensures that examinees have a much more standardized experience with the time limits on test day.

Are there any big benefits to the digital exam? Several! ϐϐ The biggest benefit is all the scratch paper that examinees now receive, which is a huge benefit for the logic games. ϐϐ The ability to pick your answer directly on the screen is simple and intuitive, and it’s now impossible to accidentally bubble in two answers for the same question. ϐϐ Also, when you answer a question, the corresponding circle for that question at the bottom of the screen turns black, so it’s easy to spot questions that you’ve left unanswered. ϐϐ The digital exam provides a ‘flag’ function that allows you to flag a question for review later. And the bottom bar shows a circle for each question with a flag icon above any questions you’ve flagged. You can touch any circle on the bottom bar to immediately jump to that question, 24

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

:

ct a F n u F

ting e l p m co , After SAT exam L your get to take you’ll the stylus home at LSAC h pen t es. provid

Committed to Diversity and the World of Ideas

“When you come to study at the Law School, you will join a small and diverse student body that is deeply committed to studying the law, developing life-long friendships and professional relationships, and changing the world.�

-Thomas J. Miles, Dean and Clifton R. Musser Professor of Law and Economics

Diversity and inclusion matter at UChicago Law. Our students revel in the free exchange of ideas and look for opportunities to grow, participating in our innovative clinics and active student organizations, pursuing research and other learning opportunities, and collaborating with our engaged faculty. Ours is a community of lifelong learners who are invested in their education and developing friendships with their peers.

www.law.uchicago.edu/admissions

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE 26

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

FRESHMAN YEAR

SENIOR YEAR

AUGUST • Grades count in law school admissions. Do your best from the very beginning!

AUGUST • Request applications, if needed, from the law schools to which you plan to apply (most law schools have online applications).

SEPTEMBER • Visit www.cleoinc.org and register for the Road to Law School and CLEO Connection.

SOPHOMORE YEAR AUGUST • Get a head start on LSAT prep.

Register for a formal logic course in college.

SEPTEMBER • Register for Sophomore Super Saturday and CLEO Connection.

JUNIOR YEAR SEPTEMBER • Meet Meet with a pre-law advisor to discuss the law school application process and your personal plan of action.

• Stop by your school’s pre-law advising office and pick up an LSAT & CAS Information Book, or download it online at www.lsac.org • Register for Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT and CLEO Connection.

OCTOBER • Order LSAT preparation materials and/or register for a preparation course. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE, and PREPARE! DECEMBER • Apply to Achieving Success in the Application Process - ASAP. • Begin choosing law schools to which you would like to apply.

MARCH • Register for the June LSAT. JUNE • Take the LSAT.

SEPTEMBER • Attend law school forums and read the CLEO Edge Magazine online.

• Register forJuniors Jumpstart the LSAT and CLEO Connection OCTOBER • Register for CAS about six weeks before you send your applications to law schools.

• Start filing out your applications and working on personal statements.

• Take the October LSAT, if necessary.

NOVEMBER • Submit law school applications for early review process (check deadlines carefully!).

• Submit your application for the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute for early acceptance—deadline is November 30.

DECEMBER • *Apply to ASAP • Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

JANUARY • Send your updated transcript with fall semester grades to CAS. • Submit applications to law schools (check deadlines carefully!).

FEBRUARY • Application for the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute is due February 28, 2020. *Seniors taking time off before applying to law school may apply for ASAP. WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

27

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

PRE-LAW TIMELINE

CLEO SCHOLARS

BECAUSE THE STATUS QUO

We are committed to developing a generation of leaders who use the power of the law to make a difference in our communities and the world.

28

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

vermontlaw.edu

“I have found the University of Idaho College of Law to be a welcoming, family-friendly environment. It is a perfect location to study law.”

Franchell McClendon 2019 J.D. University of Idaho

The University of Idaho College of Law is among the best small state public law schools in the U.S. Recognized by preLaw Magazine as a Best Value law school, we emphasize average enrollment of about 300 students, we guarantee student deserves.

provides both extracurricular

Women’s Law Caucus.

uidaho.edu/ui-law

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

29

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL:

COLLEGE FRESHMAN

BY RJ HOLMES-LEOPOLD

As you start your college career, the decisions you make now can have significant implications for the options you have at the end of your time in college. While law school may seem like an eternity away, the four years of your undergraduate education will go by fast. To help you maximize your time and preparation for the law school admissions process and success as a future attorney, here are six quick tips to keep in mind as you navigate your first year in college.

30

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

3. Take courses that help you refine

For the most part, what you have accomplished prior to starting college won’t have much of an impact on whether you get into law school. That’s not to say your academic achievements, co-curricular activities, volunteerism, and work experience throughout high school don’t matter. What it does mean is that what you choose to do with your time at college—how well you do in class, the leadership and volunteer activities you participate in, the internship and research experiences you complete—will have an impact on how law school admission committees view your candidacy. Think of it this way, what story do you want to tell the law school faculty member looking at your admission application about what you’ve accomplished in college? As a new college student, you have a blank slate to work with—what will you create?

While a degree in political science is really popular for pre-law students, you don’t need that major to go to law school. In fact, you can choose whatever major you want. What is most important are the skills you get to develop as part of your program of study.

For example, how will the English class help you become a better communicator in written form? In what ways will the Biology course improve your logical reasoning skills? How does the Art History class enhance your critical thinking abilities? Will the Spanish course help you with your analytical reasoning? The aforementioned list of skills are prerequisites not only for success in law school, but success in life, and you will want to have a solid foundation in them regardless of what you choose to do after graduation from college.

up to you what goes on it moving forward.

your skills…regardless if you become a lawyer.

4. Get involved in activities that help

you develop “soft skills.”

2. Take courses you find interesting and

that you will excel in.

Your grades matter. In combination with your LSAT score, your undergraduate GPA forms an impression of how likely you may be successful in law school.

Your main objective when choosing courses and ultimately a major program of study should be about how engaged you’ll be in the coursework. The more interested you are in the subject matter—especially in courses that really challenge you—the more you are likely to invest the time and effort required to do well in the class. Consequently, your grades should be a fairly accurate reflection of your academic ability. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take a risk and enroll in a course outside of your comfort zone throughout your undergraduate career. You might find a new area to be passionate about or learn something that can help you become a well-rounded individual and more insightful future lawyer.

The path to becoming a lawyer isn’t just about knowing the law, it’s also about knowing how to be with other people and collaborating in the context of an organization. Your college campus undoubtedly offers a multitude of student activities that will help you develop the interpersonal skills you need as a young professional. Activities like: student government, cultural identity groups, club sports, intramurals, performing arts, academic interest, and campus programming offer multiple opportunities for you to develop tangible skills outside of the classroom setting.

Some of the important skills you can gain from being involved in campus activities include how to work with people on successful projects, learning from failures, handling conflict, giving/receiving constructive criticism, and building trust among team members.

Your ability to develop and improve upon your interpersonal skills will serve you well long after your time in college and in law school.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

31

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

1. You have a pretty clean slate, it’s

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

5. Take the time to explore the legal

6. Connect with your Pre-Law Advisor/

Practicing law is so much more than what you might see on TV or in movies. In fact, the majority of attorneys don’t practice law inside of a courtroom. You want to take the time early in your undergraduate career to talk to people who are in law school to learn about what it’s really like as a law student. You should also network with individuals who have built careers as practicing attorneys in law firms or as corporate counsel, and those who have gone on to become judges. A law degree is also useful beyond the practice of law so you will want to meet people who have gone on to pursue other industries with their law degree (e.g., corporate executives, non-profit leaders, sports administrators, higher education professionals). Connecting with these people can help you gain practical insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer and give you ample information to reflect upon to ensure a career in law is the right choice for you.

Your campus pre-law advisor can be an excellent partner for you in your journey towards law school.

If you don’t get to connect with them during orientation, make sure you seek them out sometime during the fall semester to introduce yourself and to express your interest in pursuing a career in law. Many prelaw advisors coordinate workshops to help pre-law students learn what they need to know to be successful law school applicants and work with students personally to get the support they need to make an informed decision about becoming an attorney. Get on their campus mailing list so you know about the opportunities and resources available to you.

industry.

Advisor.

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE. WVU Law is dedicated to creating

opportunities for diverse students.

• Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois Fellowship • Educational Opportunity Merit Waiver • Educational Access Scholarship • Member, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Contact us for more information:

wvulaw.admissions@mail.wvu.edu | (304) 293-5304 law.wvu.edu/admissions

Stephen Scott ’19 Du Bois Fellow 2016-19 Clerk, Hon. Stephanie D. Thacker U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL:

COLLEGE SOPHOMORE

BY DR. ROBERT WEBKING

So now you’re a sophomore you are in the second quarter of your collegiate career. It is time to try to make or confirm some basic decisions about how the rest of your college career will go: what its focus will be and how its parts will come together to contribute to your overall goals. One of those, you think, might be to pursue a law degree when you are through with your undergraduate years. It is helpful that you have learned that relatively early in your academic career, for now you can plan with studying law very much in mind.

Of course the academic decision with the most farreaching effects on your work over the next few years is to choose your major. That affects not only the quarter or so of your college courses that are in the major field itself, but also as much as twothirds of the courses that you take outside the major department. How does the ambition to go to law school affect your choice of major?

Here are some of the subjects that a group of people who earned both bachelor’s degrees and law degrees within the past few years spent their professional time working on during a recent week: • public education • age discrimination • renewable energy resources • child custody • bankruptcy • church property • building construction • World War II memorabilia • migratory bird patterns • a family divided by immigration regulations These lawyers followed a variety of undergraduate majors, from finance to political science to biology and engineering, yet their work during this week had this in common: nobody was working on legal issues that had to do with the subject matter of his or her undergraduate major!

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

33

learning microbiology, statistics, accounting, literature, and most of the things taught rigorously in colleges and universities.

That is not at all unusual. There is no particular subject matter, or set of subject matters that law schools require or prefer people to master. For the law deals with pretty much all subject matters.

But though those lawyers were not thinking about Milton, or osmosis, or the two-party system, or organic chemistry as they worked with legal issues they were thinking, and analyzing, with care and precision to try to understand and explain how the law affects the issues that they were working with as regards their clients. As far as the law and the law school are concerned, what was important about the undergraduate education was not so much what people were thinking about, but that they were thinking about complex things with accuracy. They were using the analytical skills of a lawyer.

Those skills are developed and the ability to apply them to legal issues is shaped in law school.

And, that development occurs on a foundation of critical thinking that is built in the undergraduate years. That capacity to analyze the data of human knowledge and experience is developed in almost all undergraduate curricula. It is what is “higher” about higher education. On most campuses there is no “pre-law” major or even set of courses that a pre-law student is expected to take. What law school requires is developed learning and thinking skills, the skills people acquire when

34

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

So your choice of major matters, but not because some major will teach you the things you need to know better than others. The choice of major can be crucial in using your collegiate life most effectively to make yourself into a more complete, thinking human being. Virtually every academic discipline employs and develops analytical thinking, but you are more likely to develop those reasoning skills thoroughly when you are using them to reason about something that interests you. From the pre-law perspective, then, you should major in what you want to study, or in what you like to walk around thinking about. You will do better, thereby developing better credentials for law school.

You will become a happier, more fulfilled person.

And in the course of those things you will work harder and with more focus and, so, develop your reasoning skills more thoroughly and get better grades.

So the most important thing—as qualification for law school, as skill essential to success in law school, and for life as a lawyer—is very highly developed analytical skills.

But there are some other things you can get from college that are important for law school. We noted that lawyers work with a great variety of subjects from many different perspectives. They learn about the particular facts or problems in a situation, study the law, relevant court cases, and so on, and make arguments about how issues or disputes ought to be resolved. Now we add that when they make those arguments, when they use those lawyerly analytical skills, they most often do so in writing. It is the basic tool for doing the work of the law.

Law students invest many well-focused hours learning what they need to learn and thinking it through to make arguments well. Then they express those arguments in writing. And that is in

More than anything else, law students report wishing their writing was better so they could express themselves more clearly and so they would not have to use valuable time that could be spent on learning and analyzing to make sure their writing is sound. What would texting be like if you had to look for each letter every time you formulated a text, or if you didn’t have autocorrect to rely on (or didn’t know how to use it), or if you constantly had to look up the technical and social rules for composing and sending a text? You would not do it as much, and you would not do it as well. You would lose your thoughts about what you want to say because you were distracted by figuring out how to say it. But those things aren’t

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

every course in every semester. Often a course grade depends entirely on a single written exam.

When you are in the midst of this intense work to understand and present complex arguments, you don’t want the medium to be a barrier – to make it difficult for you to express what you mean or for your reader to see what you mean to say. Any moment your reader is distracted by your writing—poor punctuation, clumsy sentence structure, mistakes in subject-verb agreement or pronoun-antecedent agreement, using “we” when it should be “us,” or “further” when it should be “farther”—is a moment when she is not paying attention to your argument and not listening to what you want her to hear.

a problem because you have practiced the craft of texting so much that it is second nature. You want that same thing for writing. So every chance you have--in major courses, in other requirements, and in electives--look for classes that will make you write, and then challenge yourself to make sure that your writing in those courses is always right.

Also it is helpful to get into the habit of paying attention to the news. An awareness of current events is quite important in the law and law school because it makes it easier to understand and analyze whatever “real world” problems or issues might come up in class. Professors often use examples from the news to illustrate their points.

If you are already in the habit of reading the main articles on whatever news website you like, then you will keep that habit going through law school (also because you will want things to read that aren’t your text books). However, it is hard to create that habit while in law school because you are just too busy.

There are some programs designed to supplement your undergraduate studies with intensive development of analytical skills, and with application of those skills to the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). These are very hard work that pays off in improving the abilities that you need in law school and to get into law school.

Check with your pre-law advisor for information about programs that might be available to you.

Finally, in your relaxation and recreation, in the movies that you see, in the mysteries that you read, and in the political commentary that you watch, learn to be aware of your thought process and notice it in others.

Appreciate when it is good, and think about how to improve it when it is not. Get in the habit of learning from analyzing yourself and what is around you. Your law school will help you develop that habit to a very high level and will show you how to use it in interesting and important ways.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

35

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL:

JUNIOR YEARDECISION TIME

BY BILL CHAMBERLAIN Junior-year is probably the most crucial year of your undergraduate experience, particularly as a student who is interested in attending law school and practicing law. You have decided on a major and are taking a number of classes in that major; you are in smaller classes to get to know your professors more easily, you’ve had some summer or part-time work experience in which you have gained additional skills working in a professional environment. Most important of all, your focus has shifted from figuring out college and how to do well to figuring out your future.

In terms of pursuing a career in law, there are three questions to ask yourself as you enter your third year of college. 1). Do I want to apply to law school as a senior or get a job and work for few years?

2). Which professors have I had who might make the best recommenders? 3). When should I take the LSAT or GRE? If you decide to apply to law school as a Senior, you should meet with your Pre-Law advisor as soon as possible to set up a timeline so that you will have time to study for and do well on the LSAT and begin to identify recommenders. For the LSAT plan 3-6 months of study time depending on how busy you are. Make sure that you plan and give yourself time for a re-take but do go into your preparation with the goal of not having to re-take the exam. Life is too short—and it’s expensive to re-take the LSAT! Many law schools now accept the GRE. Unfortunately, it 36

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

is challenging to advise our applicants on the GRE because law schools do not publish how many applicants they admit who submit GRE scores nor the scores of those applicants.

You can use an online calculator to give yourself a rough idea. If you take the LSAT as well as the GRE, the law school has to report your LSAT score so they will use the LSAT. As for recommenders, think back on the professors you liked in your first two years and try to take smaller classes from those professors where you can participate more.

Visit professors during office hours. Actively engage in your classes. Generally, GPAs tend to improve in your third and fourth years of college. You want to make sure that your recommenders know you as well as possible.

Now is the time to take a leadership role in a student organization. Unlike in high school, there is no need to do twenty extracurriculars.

You can even start your own student group around an issue you are passionate about.

While the number of legal internships for college students is small, particularly at private firms that have summer programs for law students and need fulltime paralegals, this is your final shot to get some legal experience (unless you have been able to work part-time in a law firm, a legal nonprofit, or an agency while in school). You will have a much better shot at a paid internship as a junior than at any other time in your college career. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out what lawyers actually do. Apply for

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

“NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE” these internships at the beginning of Spring Semester or during Winter Quarter.

Finally, perhaps, keep a journal of your thoughts for your personal statement. Your personal statement will relate experiences you have had which show what motivates you and that also bear some relation to law school or the skills that lawyers need.

Of course if you decide you want to wait a few years before applying to law school, then the time frame becomes a bit broader. I would still advocate taking the LSAT while a student (the score is good for five years) and getting to know your professors.

There are many reasons to postpone law school—make some money, pay off undergraduate loans, improve your GPA by adding in your senior-year grades (which may be your best), take a break from school, or you have a passion you want to pursue before starting law school. You have more

time to get to know your professors/potential recommenders. Law school will always be there for you. Law schools appreciate work experience. They love to announce the number of students in the entering class who have one year of work experience and then the number that have two or more years. Law schools do not really care what you do for the time between undergrad and law school, as long as it is substantive. Every alum I have spoken with has either said they took time off or wishes they had. And, of course, legal employers like to see fulltime work experience on your resume.

Junior year is the year of decisions. Be sure to meet with a Pre-Law advisor on your campus.

He or she will be able to help you decide.

There are many paths to law school and it’s up to you which you take so long as you plan and prepare!

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

37

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL:

COLLEGE SENIOR

BY ANA ALVAREZ

Now that you are a senior, you’re wondering about your next steps. This is, most likely, the period for you to apply to law school if you don’t want to take any time off. You should start by thinking like a lawyer: make your case for a successful application to and admission into law school.

GRADES Hopefully, you’ve earned good grades during your previous scholarly years. Keep a strong GPA. Otherwise, strive to improve your grades now. Law schools will study your transcripts and notice your academic improvement. However, if the change is too drastic, you should explain the reason you initially got poor grades in an addendum or personal statement [as part of your law school application packet].

38

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

LSAT You should also be prepared for the LSAT, but if not, get ready ASAP. Take a mock LSAT and recognize your strengths and weaknesses.

Have a serious introspection and make a decision to either prepare on your own using LSAT books/practices or with any LSAT prep company. Decide if you are comfortable with online prep courses or need a person-toperson approach. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel and stronger LSAT score you’ll achieve. Your GPA and LSAT score are strong indicators for law schools’ scholarship consideration if you’re perceived as a top candidate who will successfully graduate and pass the bar exam.

Create an account with the LSAC. Select the date to take the LSAT. You may take up to three LSATs in a period of two years, and there are four LSATs administered during the

Consider taking the LSATONCE when you are ready. After completing your preparation, keep practicing with timed-LSAT practices. These scores will evidence your latent result in the LSAT. If you decide to take it a second time, don’t wait to register again until you get your scores. The LSAC will release your scores after the LSAT registration deadline has passed.

LORs Most law schools require applicants to submit one to two letters of recommendation (LORs), so wisely select your recommenders. Give priority to professors with whom you have taken several courses, have observed your academic abilities, talents, and know you well. A work manager, internship, or volunteer supervisor might also be good recommenders.

Visit your potential recommenders at their offices, inform them about your plans to pursue a legal education and politely request that they write the letter. Observe their body language. If they enthusiastically consent to write it, be certain your LOR will be impressive. Otherwise, thank them, move on, and find another recommender. After your recommenders have sent out the LOR, visit again and genuinely thank them. If possible, write a thank you card.

Some law schools, however, don’t require LORs-they are optional. You should submit them, anyway. Think of your LORs as making a case for your acceptance into law school.

P.S. Write a strong personal statement (P.S.). Your P.S. has a twofold purpose. One, it portrays who you are with evidence of traits such as responsibility, maturity, leadership skills,

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

year. Because of the date of the LSAT scores release, you may apply for early admissions with the June or September LSATs scores of the previous year to which you are planning to attend law school. Note: LSAT scores are valid for five years.

insights, organizational and time management abilities, perspectives, overcoming disadvantage and learning experiences. Two, it reflects your writing. Remember that law schools don’t have time to teach students how to write well. Ask your professors, college learning/writing center, or prelaw advisors to give constructive feedback. Be open to suggestions. Consider your P.S. as proof on making your case for admission into law school.

You also might be prompted to write a specific topic as to why you want to go to law school rather than a personal statement. Be ready to follow the previous P.S. guidelines.

TRANSCRIPT Submit your transcript to the LSAC. You’re applying with the undergraduate overall GPA you have earned so far. You don’t need to have completed your undergrad to submit your transcripts.

LAW SCHOOL RECRUITMENT EVENTS In addition to attending workshops to illuminate on the application process, visit law school forums and fairs. They offer a tremendous opportunity to network with law school admissions representatives and ask about their programs, financial aid, student life, course offerings, and the possibility to obtain application fee waivers. Check the LSAC law school recruitment events and register for the closest forum or fair.

APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOLS Do some serious investigation on the law schools of your preference. You may use the ABA Standard 509 information reports at www.abarequireddisclosures.org to learn about specific data that will help narrow your college application options. Focus on median LSAT scores and median GPAs for admission, and assess yourself on your own status to get an indication of the schools you have an opportunity to be admitted into.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

39

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Additionally, explore and plan the financial investment you are about to make by studying school tuition, overall living expenses, and the possibility of earning a scholarship. You should also learn all eligibility requirements for scholarship retention during 2L and 3L.

Once the acceptance letters start arriving, schedule a visit to your prospective law schools, sit in on a class, and ask students about the cultural atmosphere. Students’ candid insight will permit to make a more informed decision on the school to attend.

Contemplate if the colleges’ location matches your ideal place to live and work. Attending a school in your preferred city might help in developing a network and getting an externship during 2L to gain experience - and potentially being offered a job. Also, consider taking the bar exam in the school location’s state.

Take a deep breath. Select your law school.

Congratulations! You have made your case and are ready for a new academic chapter of your life.

Bar passage rate, study programs, extracurricular or joint degree programs, probono work, international courses, externship options, diversity, student services, school size, and faculty background deserve deliberation too. Overall, make a list of all significant features to pick your law school.

The University of Wisconsin Law School: A Community of Opportunity •

Over 70 unique courses offered every semester

•

Over 25 clinical programs and externship opportunities

•

Over 30 student organizations

•

80,000 fans in Camp Randall Stadium on a football Saturday

It all adds up to…

A world-class legal education in a dynamic city at a Midwestern price

For more information, please contact: Rebecca L. Scheller, Assistant Dean for Admissions & Financial Aid, 975 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1399 Phone: 608-262-5914 | Fax: 608-263-3190 | Email: admissions@law.wisc.edu | Web: law.wisc.edu/prospective

Inclusive.

Innovative.

Impactful.

Join the Washburn Law family!

7.1 : 1 Student-tofaculty ratio

33%

less debt upon graduation than the national average for law schools. *Class of 2018

Residents of six states qualify for in-state tuition at Washburn. Active duty and military veterans may also qualify. Residents of all other states can qualify for in-state tuition after only six months.

Carla D. Pratt Dean, Washburn Law

washburnlaw.edu | 785.670.1185

Conducting Strategic Research

Maximizing Financial Capability

Influencing Legal Education Policy

Building Opportunities for Diversity and Success

Advancing Academic and Bar Success

A PROUD LEGACY of

TRAILBLAZERS IN THE LAW SUMNER LARK ’16, the first African-American Assistant District Attorney of New York City FRIEDA B. HENNOCK ’24, the first female Federal Communications Commissioner PERCY SUTTON ’50, civil rights icon and the first African-American NYC borough president HONORABLE DAVID N. DINKINS ’56, the first African-American Mayor of New York City HERMAN BADILLO ’74, the first U.S. congressman of Puerto Rican descent

- Flexible full-time and part-time J.D. options - Great Brooklyn location in the heart of vibrant cultural, civic and legal communities - Committed to diversity and inclusion since its founding in 1901 L E A R N M O R E AT B R O O K L AW. E D U

AccessLex.org

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAWYERS ®

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

PROGRAMS & SERVICES CLEO College Scholars Program

One-day structured programs for participants to learn about the law school admission process and be exposed to topics such as mock admissions (Road to Law School), improve analytical and logical reasoning abilities (Sophomore Super Saturdays), or discover various LSAT preparation strategies and take a practice LSAT (Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT).

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)

An intensive weekend Pre-Law seminar to help participants develop the tools they need to understand the law school application process and become competitive law school applicants.

CLEO Connection (CNXTION)

An evening Pre-Law workshop series whose participants get answers to questions about law school, create a local network of colleagues and legal professionals, and develop a useful understanding of the legal field.

CLEO Law School Application Services (CLAS)

Services offered by CLEO professionals to help Pre-Law students with their law school application packet including application, personal statement, and rĂŠsumĂŠ review.

The CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI)

Since 1968, the pre-eminent residential and online program designed to prepare participants to be more competitive law school students in the following fall.

CLEO Legally Inspired Cohort (CLIC)

An innovative program to identify, recruit, and train law school applicants who possess the academic and leadership skills to attend one of four partner schools

in a supportive team of five after attending the Pre-Law Summer Institute.

1L Prep-Attitude is Essential (AIE)

An intensive online, weekend PreLaw seminar designed to introduce and prepare participants already accepted into law school for the rigors of law school.

NCBE/CLEO Bar Preparation

This new collaboration will assist CLEO 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls across the country to prepare for and conquer the bar exam.

CLEO Legally Inspired College Kohort of Students (CLICKS)

A multi-state program funded by the U.S. Department of JusticeOffice of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention that empowers underserved high school students through structured mentorship with exposure to legal, sports, and health professions.

For more information, please visit:

cleoinc.org/prelaw WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

43

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

SPOON FEEDING HIS MENTEES

BY CASSANDRA SNEED OGDEN

Baltimore’s Corey Witherspoon “Spoon” is a mentor extraordinaire!

Some would say that Corey Witherspoon was “born to mentor.” But that’s probably not true.

Witherspoon, affectionately known as “Spoon”, was raised by his mother in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD and had no idea of how important it was to have a mentor in his life until after high school when he joined the United States Navy.

“Being in the Navy was no walk in the park and I was often required to work long shifts.

Once after working a 16-hour shift, I complained about being tired. My superior, EM1 Husbands (Electrician Mate 1st Class), pulled me aside and said, ‘I’m tired too; I need you to get over it so we can finish this job.’ EM1 Husbands kept his composure, remained steadfast, and continued to work. He showed me what it meant to be responsible; and over the years, helped me become the man that I am today.”

- Corey Witherspoon

44

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

I met Spoon in 2016 at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, DC. Spoon was a founding member of “Seeds of Promise,” a cohort of young men mentoring male students at Baltimore’s Renaissance Academy High School. My initial impression was that he was the “real deal”. That view has only been enhanced over the years.

What follows is a snapshot of the interview I recently conducted with Spoon about how he emotionally, psychologically, educationally and in so many other ways – Feeds His Mentees.

OGDEN – What made you want to become a mentor?

SPOON – Mentoring chose me! When I started working at Renaissance the principal saw a need for young black men to work with 9th grade male students. I began with four freshmen who followed me around the building and the word spread. Four students grew to 30 and it just continued.

The original four graduated this year and are doing well. They keep in touch, speak on panels about their experiences, and are progressing in their careers. I put a lot into these young men and continue to support them.

SINCERITY, COMMITMENT, AND ASKING A LOT OF QUESTIONS OF EXPERIENCED MENTORS HAS BROUGHT ME A LONG WAY.

OGDEN – What are some of the personal benefits you have experienced from being a mentor?

OGDEN – What are the most important aspects of a mentoring relationship?

SPOON – Extended family. I came from Baltimore County and was not familiar with the city life. But since I started mentoring six years ago, I have made so many great contacts: politicians and other advocates, administrators in the school system, the folks at Sutton Scholars and many more.

Also, taking students to advocate for themselves at the school board meeting was life altering!

SPOON – Don’t assume you know everything. Don’t assume you don’t have anything to learn.

Work with your mentee to develop a growth plan. And don’t play superhero – you can’t save everyone. But you can be an advocate.

Once one of my mentees didn’t have electricity. We talked with his social workers, the electric company, and finally resolved the issue. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your mentee, as needed. But remember to help them become self-reliant. You want them to become independent.

OGDEN – How about mentees? What advice would you share with them?

SPOON – Respect goes a long way! A lot of adults think that youth are disrespectful. Mentors can move mountains when working with a respectful youth. More than anything respect is a two-way street. Also, without a good education you become marginalized.

Doing your best in school now pays big dividends in the long term. I also encourage them to “Be the change that you want to see.” My mentees sometimes say “Spoon, I’m going to do something great for you when I get older.” I tell them “Do something now for someone else. And try to be great every day.” That’s success, and ultimately happiness.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

45

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters OGDEN – What do you hope to accomplish overall as a mentor?

SPOON – My overall goal is an improved quality of life for underserved youth in Baltimore City: a decrease in crime, increased graduation rates and employment opportunities, and that every child has at least one positive role model in his/her life.

OGDEN – Are you still in touch with EM1 Husbands, your mentor?

SPOON – Unfortunately, no. We lost touch several years ago. But three years ago, my father came into my life and has been a blessing. He apologized for his absent years and is extremely proud of me. We call him a “GOAT” – Greatest of All Time!

OGDEN – Any closing words of wisdom?

SPOON – A lot of people want to mentor and work with youth, but they don’t know how. A mentor is not a parent. In fact, it’s defined as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” I’m not sure how wise I was when I started mentoring.

But I cared about these kids and wanted to help them. Sincerity, commitment, and asking a lot of questions of experienced mentors has brought me a long way. Negative mentors are everywhere. Our kids need positive mentors. Get involved!

A Legacy of Leadership Join our thriving community of scholars and leaders who champion diversity and equality in the legal profession.

In 1962, Emory Law led the Southeast in integrating legal education with the historic case Emory v. Nash. Today, Emory Law continues to embrace CLEO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion among both students and faculty.

Black Law Students Association

was named as 2015-2016 & 2016-2017 Large Chapter of the Year & 2017-2018 Regional Chapter of the Year.

Latin American Law Students Association hosted its inaugural

banquet and awards reception in April 2019, celebrating student and alumni accomplishments.

Learn more & apply: law.emory.edu/apply.

Email: jdadmission@emory.edu for a fee waiver code.

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association raised funds in 2019 for the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Atlanta chapter of Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

Our dynamic faculty and world-wide alumni network will support you on your journey toward practice. And our welcoming environment, in a city buzzing with global business, is an easy place to feel at home.

Like the legal visionaries before you, the Emory Law community will empower you to make an impact in our community and beyond.

DO DEALS. RIGHT WRONGS. PROTECT FREEDOMS. Located in the heart of Milwaukee, Wis., Marquette University Law School prepares students to excel in their profession. But Marquette lawyers go beyond to be advocates who make a difference in their communities.

Explore our video viewbook at law.marquette.edu/viewbook.

Pre-Law Pipeline Program The First Step Toward A Legal Career The award-winning UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program is designed to increase the diversity of law school applicants for undergraduate students who are first-generation, low income, or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession. The Pipeline Program provides law school preparatory resources — LSAT preparation, introductory law school classes, internships, and professional development sessions. Students participating in this program will be equipped with the tools to handle better the demands of the LSAT and their potential law school careers.

To learn more about the University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program, visit law.uh.edu/pipeline.

UH Law Center diversity awards include: • CLEO EDGE Award in 2018 • American Bar Association’s Council for Diversity in the Education Pipeline Award in 2019 • INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for four consecutive years

Learn More at law.uh.edu/pipeline The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One university and an EEO/AA institution.

CLICKS E-MENTOR CAFÉ CLICKS: CLEO Legally Inspired College Kohorts of Students – is a federally-funded, multi-state, law-related mentoring support program that empowers at-risk youth through exposure to sports, law, and the legal profession.

CLICKS is “breaking barriers” and increasing access to mentors by leveraging technology in an engaging and inclusive way. Moreover, the program is supporting diverse youth to develop strong skills and traits that will help them better plan and achieve goals now and in the future. Countless studies have shown the positive impacts associated with having a mentor at any age and it is no real secret where the bulk of many young people’s attention is focused these days: technology. Thus, the CLICKS E-mentor Café app is meeting youth where they are and increasing their ability to establish meaningful relationships with positive role-models.

Operating in eight states (DC, MD, VA, IL, NY, LA, OH, and NC), the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.’s (CLEO) CLICKS mentoring program recruits legal professionals as role models and mentors to give mentees an insider’s look into the legal profession and how the law fits into their lives. In existence since 2014, CLICKS helps high school students prepare for life after graduation by promoting self-esteem, academic success, and college and career readiness.

BY KIARA WILLIAMS

Focused on more than just “connecting” people, CLICKS E-mentor Café app also includes customized modules dealing with current events and challenging social scenarios. Additionally, users will find self-care resources and exercises, as well as study tips and goal planning. Tools like these can help create a more cohesive and consistent mentorship experience. The app empowers professionals who, in the past, may have had the desire to participate, but were unable to do so due to busy schedules, personal commitments, etc.

Further, it helps reduce some of the “awkwardness” for adults associated with mentoring by reducing the guesswork of how to meaningfully engage with a mentee.

In an effort to ensure that protection and safety come first, all communications that run through the app are flagged for violence, inappropriate dialogue, and hate speech. This ensures all stakeholders have safeguards against harassment and other issues, while simultaneously helping the internal CLICKS team identify mentors or mentees potentially in need of additional support. CLICKS E-mentor Café app also weaves in community events to facilitate meaningful mentoring To take advantage of the technological innovations, experiences and provide youth a platform to CLICKS is ready to launch an e-mentoring discuss things of importance to them. And it’s not application as part of the overall program. CLICKS all work…youth also have opportunities to engage E-mentor Café app, which can be downloaded in fun activities with other area youth they can now from the App Store (Apple) and Google Play network and interact with.

(Android), puts mentorship in the palm of youths’ hands right next to all of their favorite apps. CLICKS To learn more about the CLICKS program and to mentees and mentors can talk, text, and video chat volunteer as a mentor, please visit: with one another directly on the app. cleoinc.org/clicks.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

49

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

#yourvoicematters

CONGRATULATIONS to Nitza Milagros Escalera, assistant dean of student affairs and diversity initiatives at Fordham Law and a most deserving recipient of the CLEO EDGE Award.

FORDHAM LAW SCHOOL IS PROUD TO STAND WITH CLEO as it celebrates over 50 years of championing education, diversity, and greater equality in the legal profession.

law.fordham.edu/diversity

WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL

A diverse and inclusive campus is critical to our mission as New York’s law school

New York Law School is proud to partner with the Council on Legal Education Opportunity to support diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make sure that everyone on campus can find their voice and thrive.

www.nyls.edu/diversity

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

DEVELOPING YOUTH VOICES

BY MARYAM AHRANJANI Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently visited Albuquerque on a book tour for her children’s book !Solo Pregunta!

I attended the talk along with hundreds of local teachers and students, including dozens of law students. Her message was profoundly simple – if you are curious about something different about someone else, just ask. She was inspired to write the book as a child. Diagnosed at a young age with Type 1 diabetes, she learned to inject herself with insulin to regulate her blood sugar levels.

One day a woman who saw her zipping up her needle and supplies in a bathroom insinuated that she was a drug user. She

52

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

realized that people often make assumptions about one another instead of just taking the simple step of asking.

In any case, the message of her book is simple, but actually harder to do for some of us than others. Having worked with thousands of underrepresented, low-income high school students around the country for the past twenty years through the MarshallBrennan Constitutional Literacy Project, my experience is that most young people from groups underrepresented in higher education benefit from cultivation of their voices.

While more privileged students are told –

explicitly and implicitly – that their voices matter, thereby giving them the confidence to exercise them, other students do not receive the same messages.

The Marshall-Brennan Project began in 1999 as an experiment. Then-American University Washington College of Law Constitutional Law Professor Jamie Raskin (now U.S. Representative Raskin) found that he could not singlehandedly address all the inquiries he received from students wondering whether their constitutional rights were violated. Together with colleague Professor Stephen Wermiel and a hardworking research assistant named Zack Rosenberg, they cooked up a scheme to connect anxious, public interested-minded law students with children hungry for mentors and civic knowledge in Washington, DC. Like Justice Sotomayor’s book, the premise also is simple. There’s a dearth of constitutional knowledge in many parts of our country, particularly in low-income communities of color, and there’s a surplus of energy and idealism in law students. The Project matches those two populations and provides both with the tools to find their voices.

In Secretary Arne Duncan’s recent book How Schools Work, he tells the story of a young

activist named D’Angelo McDade.

D’Angelo served as a Peace Warrior, a group of students trained in conflict resolution, at his high school on Chicago’s West Side.

He and classmate Alex King, another Peace Warrior, connected with the young activists from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida to help organize the March for Our Lives in March 2018 in DC. Standing in the crowd with my sixyear-old son on my shoulders, I heard from D’Angelo, Alex, and other young people and was moved to tears by the clarity of vision and voice of the young collaborators.

The Marshall-Brennan Project seeks to force multiply voices like D’Angelo’s. By studying how the U.S. Constitution works, learning cases in the textbooks (We the Students and Youth Justice in America, which we specifically designed for the Project) to show how its

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

53

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

protections apply to young people, providing opportunities to develop critical thinking and oral advocacy skills, and providing relatable mentors who encourage them to seek higher education, the Project inspires students to speak up about the things that are important to them. All the students learn and deliver an appellate moot court problem dealing with a range of issues that vary from year to year, including free speech, searches and seizures, equal protection, and self-incrimination.

Over the years, Marshall-Brennan students across the country have organized and led peaceful walk-outs, created online school newspapers to provide an outlet for information sharing, and created school constitutions. They routinely stun their Marshall-Brennan fellows - the law students selected to teach in the classrooms - with their acute insights and ability to transform the rights about which they learn into concrete action.

The Project has an even more profound effect on the law student teaching fellows.

Isaac Lopez, a second year law student at the University of New Mexico School of Law and Marshall-Brennan Fellow at Highland High school, was incredibly nervous to stand in front of a group of teenagers. His coteacher, Jessica Martinez, has a background

54

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

in politics, having worked on national campaigns and as a staffer for elected officials. The two of them have one another’s backs, lift one another up, and challenge one another to delve more deeply into the material for their students’ – and their own – benefit.

Isaac and Jessica recently told me that they draw strength from their students – if they can compete in a moot court competition, so can Jessica and Isaac. Working with their students on developing their voices has inspired them to develop their own by competing in the 2020 McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition. And I, in turn, am inspired by both groups of students to use my voice and resources to elevate theirs.

Youth voices have paved the way on issues of great societal import from civil rights to climate change to gun control. Adults have a responsibility to cultivate and listen to those wise voices.

For more information about the MarshallBrennan Constitutional Literacy Project, visit www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiativesprograms/marshallbrennan/20thanniversary/

SPOTLIGHT

“WORK HARD & STAY HUMBLE.” 56

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

SPOTLIGHT

MONICA ONTIVEROS

LAW STUDENT Q1. What was your course of study in college at the University of California, Riverside?

I studied Psychology at the University of California, Riverside.

Q2. How did you become interested in pursuing law?

When I took a course during my undergrad career called “psych and law.” After that, I decided I wanted to intern at a firm to see if I liked law. After interning at an immigration law firm for six months, I decided that this is what I wanted to do.

Q6. What helped you cope with the stress of law school?

Exercise and being disciplined on a schedule.

Have fun but be on schedule and prioritize.

Q7. After law school, what are your legal career plans?

I currently got a job working at an immigration law firm in Seattle, Washington.

Q8. Do you volunteer with any legal organizations?

I did volunteer in legal organizations when I was a part of the Latino/a Law Caucus by partnering up with Northwest Justice Project and Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project. We Q3. What steps did you take to prepare for gave presentations regarding Constitutional law school?

Rights.

Before law school, I took a year and a half off.

Q9. Do you have any advice for future During that time, I worked two jobs and I felt lawyers?

I had no time to socialize. It turned out that it was the best decision [for me] to take time Keep your head up, learn as much as you can, off before going to law school and work. I say always ask for help, and keep going forward no this because law school can be tough in the matter what. sense that it is a job and requires discipline. So, discipline helped me prepare for law school Q10. What is your favorite motivational and its demands. quote?

Q4. How did you find out about CLEO? I heard about CLEO through my supervisor, Charles Walker, at the City of Temecula.

Q5. What benefits did you receive by participating in the CLEO PreLaw Summer Institute?

“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.”

Q11. Anything else you’d like to add?

Work hard and stay humble.

I received a scholarship for books and a generous scholarship packet from the law school that I attended because of CLEO.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

57

SPOTLIGHT

“I highly recommended the CLEO programs to everyone who is interested in going to law school...”

58

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

COLLEGE SCHOLAR Q1. How did you find out about CLEO? I found out about CLEO during a DC Law School Fair at George Washington University in 2018.

Q2. When did you realize you wanted to attend law school?

I served in the military about three years ago and realized that I wanted to do something meaningful in my life that would give me a sense of purpose, and would allow me to serve my community and help an underrepresented group like myself.

Q3. What did you learn during the various CLEO programs?

My first CLEO program was CLEO Connection – the Mock Law Class session which allowed me to go extremely in depth into a legal case; then, I participated in every session of CLEO Connection which covered a variety of topics such as: LSAT Prep, Law School Admissions and Attorney Panel. They helped me to prepare and increase my chances of getting into law school.

Q5. Select one of the CLEO programs (ASAP or CLEO Connection) you attended.

What portion of that program was most beneficial to you and why?

The drafting personal statements from ASAP is the most beneficial to me. This program allowed me to receive one-on-one review from a Law School Admissions Staff. She gave me the guideline how to improve my essay and also recommended how to prepare other statements to support my law school application.

Q6. Do you plan to attend any future CLEO events?

Yes, I am very interested in attending the Pre-Law Summer Institute when I am eligible.

Q7. Do you have any advice for other aspiring lawyers?

Law school is extremely expensive and not every lawyer makes a ton of money. So, you need to make sure you do a cost/benefit analysis. If you really want to be a lawyer, you should go for it, absolutely. But Q4. How has the CLEO programs influenced you want to be realistic about how much it will cost your preparation for law school? and how many jobs are available out there. Sit down, Besides a new knowledge that I have gained from the look at how much it will cost, review the employment CLEO, the network is amazing. I have met my current statistics for the schools you think you can get into, boss from the CLEO Connection. He and I were a and so on. regular member of the CLEO Connection.

I did not know that he was a Deputy Director in one of a federal agency that I had an interview with. After we met the first time during my third interview, we were very surprised and ended up talking more about CLEO and law school rather than a general interview question.

Q8. Do you have any additional comments about CLEO? I highly recommended the CLEO programs to

everyone who is interested in going to law school because you can take advantage of opportunities to shadow, network with, or be mentored by practicing lawyers and other fellow students. Additionally, there are many good reasons to explore the law and the legal profession before entering law school. You will gain a more realistic view of the actual practice of law, the skills you will need, and the realities of the legal employment market. Thank you very much, CLEO! WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

59

SPOTLIGHT

MICKEY A. WITCHUWONG

CLIC 2019 GRADUATES NEW TITLE! Judicial Clerk, Judge Michelle A. Hatcher, Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota

NEW TITLE! Assistant Corporation Counsel, Brooklyn Tort Division, Law Department of the City of New York

LEONA AJAVON

NEW TITLE! MITCHELL HAMLINE Judicial Law Clerk, SCHOOL OF LAW Honorable Judge JaPaul J. Harris, Second Judicial District of Minnesota

SHEILA FRANCOIS MITCHELL HAMLINE SCHOOL OF LAW

NEW TITLE! Assistant District Attorney, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, New York

NICOLE HARRIS

MITCHELL HAMLINE SCHOOL OF LAW

FRANCHELL McCLENDON UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO COLLEGE OF LAW

AYINDE ASHFORD

DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

ORLANDIS JACKSON

BRANTLEY CARTER

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

ELIDI LARA

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO COLLEGE OF LAW

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

JASMINE MEIKLE

MONICA ONTIVEROS

DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO COLLEGE OF LAW

NEW TITLE! Senate Fellow, New York State Senate, Albany, New York

BRINET RUTHERFORD DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

60

CLEO EDGE

CRYSTAL SOWEMIMO VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

WINTER/SPRING 2020

LAURA WHARTON

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

THE PROGRAM GRADUATES ITS FIRST CLASS

BY BERNETTA J. HAYES

Brinet Rutherford is an Assistant District Attorney at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Brantley Carter is the Assistant Corporation Counsel, Brooklyn Tort Division at the Law Department of the City of New York. Monica Ontiveros plans to become an immigration/criminal attorney in Seattle. What do these three people have in common? They are among the first graduates of the CLIC Program.

When CLEO began its CLIC (CLEO Legally Inspired Cohort) program in 2016, it was the culmination of years of researching, conceptualizing, and networking. Finally, we had a program that would give diverse law students with lower test scores or grade point averages access to law school. Based on the POSSE concept and bolstered by the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute, the CLIC program identified, recruited, and trained diverse students to matriculate at a predetermined CLEO partner law school; ideally in groups of up to five. That first year the program successfully produced 15 students who worked together at four partner law schools: Drake University Law School, University of Idaho College of Law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and Vermont Law School.

Fourteen of the 15 first CLIC cohorts graduated from law school in May 2019; the 15th student graduates in December 2019. These law school graduates plan to take on a myriad of roles in the

legal profession from judicial clerks to attorneys in employment/labor law to General Counsel of a major corporation.

“These CLIC Program graduates prove that with proper interventions and support, students can succeed and graduate from law school,” stated CLEO’s CEO Cassandra Sneed Ogden. “We are so proud of these young people and hope they have hugely successful careers.”

THE FIRST CLIC PROGRAM GRADUATES ARE: Leona Ajavon – Mitchell Hamline School of Law Ayinde Ashford – Drake University Law School Brantley Carter – Vermont Law School Sheila Francois – Mitchell Hamline School of Law Nicole Harris – Mitchell Hamline School of Law Orlandis Jackson - University of Idaho College of Law Elidi Lara – Vermont Law School Franchell McClendon – University of Idaho College of Law Jasmine Meikle - Drake University Law School Monica Ontiveros – University of Idaho College of Law Jacob Romero – University of Idaho College of Law Brinet Rutherford – Drake University Law School Crystal Sowemimo – Vermont Law School Laura Wharton – Vermont Law School WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

61

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

CLEO

PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE

Sharpening the CLEO Edge to Prepare Successful Law School Students

Pre-Law recruitment, counseling, placement assistance, and training to increase the number of qualified students in law school are just a few of the tactics CLEO uses to guide students through its premier program the Pre-Law Summer Institute. Alumni testimonies to CLEO’s effectiveness abound, coming from federal judges to Members of Congress to successful businesspeople.

Since 1968, more than 25,000 persons from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, low-income, and disadvantaged communities have been oriented to law school through CLEO’s rigorous, residential Pre-Law program that prepares students for law school. During the 2019 Summer Institute, 41 students—17 of whom were CLIC students—were selected to participate. The Institute, hosted at various law schools around the country, is designed to develop abstract thinking and legal writing, as well as analytical, test-taking, and study skills.

How does CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute work? The following information should help you get that CLEO Edge to becoming a successful law school student.

62

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO applications are accepted online only.

To apply, please visit our website, cleoinc.org.

First, you MUST register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (www.

LSAC.org). The CLEO CAS Code is 5096.

After completing the CAS registration, you may then complete the application on the CLEO website. Be sure to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY before you begin the Summer Institute application.

Upon receipt of the application, CLEO will request an applicant’s CAS file from LSAC. You must take the LSAT by February, 2020, to be considered for the Pre-Law Summer Institute.

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE CLEO PRE-LAW SUMMER INSTITUTE?

WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR THE SUMMER INSTITUTE? The Pre-Law Summer Institute is designed to assist all persons from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, low-income, and disadvantaged communities seeking a solid preparation for the first year of law school. Most of the program participants have either already been accepted into a law school or have received a “conditional acceptance.”

Students seeking law school placement assistance usually have marginal academic criteria (i.e., LSAT score and GPA which meet a law school’s admission standards, but are in the lower percentile), yet have other indicators of a strong likelihood for success. Although CLEO is extremely liberal with respect to

Applicants for admission to the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute should: ``Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university earned prior to the start of the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute ``Obtain LSAT scores and CAS subscription ``Be prepared to upload a personal statement ``Apply online by February 29, 2020, at www.cleoinc.org/plsi under the Programs tab/Pre-Law Summer Institute. ``Pay a nonrefundable $30 application fee as part of the online application; only credit cards are accepted. No fee waivers will be granted. ``Apply to at least one CLEO Consortium Partner School or Supporting/Sustaining Institution.

Note: Any changes in application information after its initial submission should be sent to bhayes@cleoinc.org.

If an applicant has been accepted to the Summer Institute, he/she will be notified by email.

academic eligibility, it is unlikely that a student with an LSAT score and GPA in the lowest percentile will be selected without a strong recommendation from a CLEO Partner School or Supporting/Sustaining Institution.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

63

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE HOW DOES CLEO MAKE ITS DECISION? Admission to the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute program is selective. Each year hundreds of applications are received for consideration. In an effort to increase diversity for members of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, CLEO considers such factors as economic, educational, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. Admissions decisions are the responsibility of the CLEO Admissions Committee, Summer Institute Directors, and the admissions deans/directors of the CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE SUMMER INSTITUTE? The cost of participating in the CLEO PreLaw Summer Institute is $2,500. This includes room and board for the duration of the institute, books and materials, and administrative costs. Transportation to the Summer Institute is not included. A nonrefundable $200 deposit is required within 10 days of being accepted into the Summer Institute program. The remaining $2,300 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter.

For 2020, a CLEO EDGE Pre-Law Scholarship for the cost of the summer institute ($2,500) will be awarded to seven students. Criteria for the scholarship can be found on the CLEO website: cleoinc.org/plsi.

A nonprofit organization, CLEO, Inc. pays the law schools that host the Summer Institute a per student cost for her/his Pre-Law experience. Many students are generally firstgeneration college graduates.

64

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

WHAT IS CLEO’S REFUND POLICY? A nonrefundable $200 deposit is required within 10 days of being accepted into the Summer Institute program. The remaining $2,300 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter. A 90% refund of the $2,300 will be granted provided that the request is made in writing and received in the CLEO office by April 24, 2020. NO refunds will be made for cancellations received after April 24, 2020.

WHERE ARE THE INSTITUTE LOCATIONS? The Summer Institute locations vary from year to year. Most recently, they have been held at Southern University Law Center. In 2020, the Summer Institute will be held at The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law in Carlisle, PA. Students are generally assigned to a location away from their permanent residence so they can devote their full attention to the program. All participants must reside in the dormitory. The residential portion of the Institute begins in early June; the online segment in late May.

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PLSI AND CLIC? DOES CLEO OFFER PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE? CLEO participants who successfully complete the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute program and demonstrate a probability of success in law school are certified as CLEO Fellows and are eligible to receive law school placement assistance. CLEO Institute Directors devote substantial energy to secure active consideration of those participants who have not gained admission to law school, either prior to or during the course of the institute, by CLEO consortium partner schools and supporting institutions.

While every effort is made to place all Summer Institute participants, CLEO cannot guarantee that all certified CLEO Fellows will be admitted to an ABAapproved law school at the conclusion of the Institute.

CLEO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability regarding admission, access to, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities.

For further information or to apply online, please visit our website at cleoinc.org.

CLEO created CLIC—CLEO Legally Inspired Cohort—to address many of the traditional “hurdles” that prevented some persons of underrepresented groups from entering law school.

These obstacles include, but are not limited to: ``Financial considerations (offset by receiving financial assistance) ``Feelings of isolation and marginalization (offset by pre-established “CLIC”) ``Lack of preparation (offset by participation in CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute) ``Limited infrastructure support (offset by partnerships with law schools, firms, and other organizations).

The main differences are the law school the student attends and the bonding session that occurs after the PLSI is completed. CLIC Fellows must participate in the CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute as do all participants. However, CLIC students have three law schools from which to choose: ``University of Idaho College of Law ``Vermont Law School and ``Washburn University School of Law

For more information and to register for the CLIC Program, visit: cleoinc. org/clic

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

65

FEATURE

FEATURE

TO

PASS THE BAR , EXAM Become an Expert Learner

BY RAUL RUIZ

Preparing for the bar exam begins on the first day of law school. Florida International University College of Law has ranked first in the state on every July bar exam for the percentage of students passing since we begin focusing on “expert learners”.

Becoming an “expert learner” is as important as learning how to think like a lawyer and learning black letter law. By learning how to study properly for law school, students develop the necessary skills to effectively prepare for the bar exam.

Many students wrongly view law school professors as the “sage on the stage”; someone to guide them through the journey of learning the law. Unfortunately, this faulty view extends to the role of bar review courses when students graduate from law school. Instead, expert learners understand that professors and bar prep courses are only a small part of the learning process and that they, themselves are responsible for their learning. By utilizing a process of

“self-regulated learning”, expert learners develop the skills to become successful in law school, on the bar exam, and beyond.

Self-regulated learning places the responsibility for learning on the student rather than the professor. Metacognition, a key component of self-regulated learning, requires students to continually devise, execute, monitor, and revise their plan for learning a subject matter. Students utilizing a metacognitive process:

know what they know; know what they do not know, and know what to do about what they do not know.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

67

FEATURE The professor or bar prep program plays a much smaller role in self-regulated learning than many imagine. Studies have shown self-regulated learning to be the best method by which to learn effectively.

So how does one become an expert learner? If you are like the typical law student who reads and briefs their assigned cases but doesn’t begin outlining until the end of the semester, you’ve omitted the crucial components of “monitoring and revision”. Here are a few simple steps you can take to bring the monitoring and revision steps of self-regulated learning into your toolset.

The Testing Effect has been shown to improve long-term memory retention and learning of newly acquired information. It involves students testing themselves on what they intended to learn after they execute their learning plan. In other words, students should test themselves frequently to evaluate how well they have mastered their learning goals. These tests can

68

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

be in the form of multiple-choice questions, practice essays, flashcard review, or similar means.

The Revision phase is used to identify the areas where students are weak, formulate a new learning plan, and practice those weak areas.

Constant monitoring and revision should occur until the desired material is mastered.

Law students must get away from the antiquated idea of a single final exam as a test of their knowledge. Instead, they must treat learning as a continuous process where the big final exam, i.e. the BAR EXAM, simply tests how well they have done to improve on all the smaller, individual self-administered practice exams.

Self-regulated learning is the cornerstone of becoming an Expert Learner in law school and on the bar exam. If you’re not already an expert learner, start with the testing effect. It may just give you the edge you want in law school and the bar exam!

New York City

Cardozo is Connected.

Our location in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village is a magnet for legal talent. Our outstanding faculty bring the city into our classrooms. Out of classroom opportunities including judicial, business and public service externships give students an edge on their careers.

Cardozo’s clinics give students a real-world edge.

Cardozo Law offers groundbreaking clinics and trial experiences that allow students to put classroom learning to work while they are still in law school and hit the ground running after graduation.

At Cardozo inclusion unites us.

We believe that inclusion is a cornerstone of legal education and that diversity enhances the entire legal system.

Study law in the heart of New York City. cardozo.yu.edu

BRINGING LAW TO LIFE

FEATURE

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

#yourvoicematters

BY RENATA E. B. STRAUSE There are many ways to make your voice heard in our democracy. You can sign petitions or write to your elected officials and tell them your opinion, or show up at a town hall meeting or other forum and speak your mind. You might belong to a union that advocates collectively for better working conditions or a neighborhood association that organizes for safe, sustainable public transportation. You can participate in planned rallies or take to the streets in moments of upheaval and anguish. But the continued availability of all of these different channels of communicating your views comes down to the effective exercise of one mode in particular— your vote. In the words of the Supreme Court, the right to vote is “preservative of all other rights.” Or to rephrase it in a way that will be all too familiar to LSAT students— voting is a necessary condition for a healthy democracy.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of believing your one vote does not matter. Some of the structural elements of the democratic process in the United States seem designed to make 70

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

you feel that way. For example, most states (though not all) require would-be voters to register a few weeks before Election Day, leaving people who are late to decide they want to participate without the option to do so. Or consider the fact that federal elections take place on Tuesdays, as do most state elections, which means that for many people, voting is one more thing to schedule into an already busy weekday.

Voting can feel like a solitary act, especially now that the parades and parties that filled Election Day in the 1700s and 1800s are a thing of the long-ago past.

History tells us something different—that individual votes do matter. The most obvious examples come from the times when just a handful of votes—or sometimes just one— decide the outcome of an election. In 2016, a Vermont state House seat was determined by just one vote, as was a primary election in the Wyoming state House. That same year, a New Mexico state House seat was decided by just two votes out of almost 14,000 cast.

Outright ties are not as uncommon as you might believe either. In 2017, the party control of the Virginia House of Delegates came down to one race in which more than 23,000 votes were split exactly evenly between the Democratic and Republican candidates. The winner was ultimately decided by pulling a name out of a bowl. Tied state house races in Wyoming and Alaska, and a county commissioner seat in Nevada were decided by pulling a ping pong ball out of hat, flipping a coin, and drawing cards. In each case, one person who stayed home on Election Day would have made the difference.

We can see how our votes matter in more than just the closest margins. We see it in the sacrifices that previous generations made to gain the right to vote. When George Washington was elected president, only six percent of the United States population could vote, mostly just white male landowners.

African-American men were granted the right to vote by the 15th Amendment in 1870, but were soon faced with poll taxes and literacy tests designed to prevent them from exercising the right—in addition to statesponsored violence and private vigilante intimidation. Women gained the vote in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment, but that right was only really available to white women in much of the country until largescale organizing, often in the face of violent opposition, made the protection of voting rights a national priority.

Voting honors the sacrifices of young activists Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, who were murdered by an angry mob while registering voters in 1964. It also honors the hundreds of marchers seeking to register to vote who were attacked by state troopers as they tried

to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery in a day known now as Blood Sunday. The pain that individuals and communities endured to secure the ability to cast a vote and have a say in our democracy is strong evidence that your vote still matters today.

The other crucial thing we learn from looking at the history of voting rights in the United States is that we are capable of making more room at the table of who gets to make decisions. To be sure, there are many more fights ahead, like current battles to re-enfranchise citizens returning from incarceration, to expand options like early voting and voting by mail that make it easier for working people to cast a ballot, and to roll back laws like strict voter ID requirements that have a disparate impact on people of color. And while voting is not the only way to have a say, it is critically important. As each formerly disenfranchised group “pulls its chair up to the table� and adds its voice, we grow stronger as a democracy. Make sure your voice is heard as well!

For more information about voting and how to register in your own state, visit www.rockthevote.org.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

71

FEATURE

#yourvoicematters

Educating Leaders. Transforming Lives.

25

TOP

in securing Federal Clerkships Business Insider

Best Southern Law School

for Black Students by Black Student’s Guide to Law Schools and Firms

25

TOP

in Practical Training preLaw Magazine

TOP School of

Business Law preLaw Magazine

The University of Mississippi School of Law prepares students for success by offering a perfect balance of traditional classroom courses and practical skills training.

With 10 live-client clinics, a competitive externship program and award-winning advocacy boards, there is something for everyone at Ole Miss Law.

APPLY NOW

law.olemiss.edu | 662-915-6910 Assistant Dean for Admissions Bette Bradley

Raising the Bar P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677-1848

MONEY MATTERS

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR LAW SCHOOL Ultimately, a law degree is an investment in you and your future.

BY MARIO VILLA Think about your last big dream vacation. Weeks, months, even years go into preparing for such an experience: you read reviews/blogs, learn about flights, and talking with people who have been there. Take this same approach towards planning how to finance your legal education. Ultimately, a law degree is an investment in you and your future.

Be debt-averse: plan your law school finances.

74

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

In the U.S. today, it is highly unlikely that the total cost of a legal education – from applying, to going to law school, to getting licensed – will be less than the amount of a starting salary for recent law graduates. The National Association for Law Placement or NALP (nalp.org) provides summaries and statistics on the legal job market.

According to NALP’s Class of 2016 report, the national median salary for bar passage required jobs is $66,499 and the national mean is $93,447. When you look at just the cost of tuition, you would pay over $100,000 at over 100 law schools according to statistics found on the U.S. News and World Report rankings of law schools. That does not include living expenses, the cost of relocating to attend law school, or the bar exam course. Many students are not prepared for the actual, comprehensive cost of a legal education.

Suggestions to avoid financial pitfalls are below.

1st Stage: The Applicant Be financially smart about the LSAT, applying to law school, and transitional costs: plan for $3,000 Applying to law school includes fees and expenses that you may previously have not anticipated.

Take the time to calculate how much money you have available to put towards this stage. If your disposable funds are minimal, you may want to consider earning and saving some money first.

Identify each law school’s application deadline and use a calendar to map out when you should register for the Law School Admissions Test or LSAT exam.

Pick test dates and testing locations that will give you plenty of time to adequately prepare and meet application deadlines. Keep in mind that if you need to switch dates or test centers, you will be charged a $125 fee for each change. Plan ahead, pick a date and testing center, and stick to it.

A great LSAT performance can turn into admission offers and significant scholarships, but preparation for the exam can add costs. Pick an effective preparation method by asking yourself, how do I study best? Is it through a classroom course, online classes, group studying, self-studying or with a tutor? Ask your Pre-Law advisor for guidance on LSAT prep options in your local area and find the best deal before adding those costs.

Spend time researching law schools because each one will charge an application fee. The Law School Admissions Council or LSAC has a fee waiver program by application based on financial hardship. If granted, this waiver provides two free administrations of the LSAT ($200 each) and the Credential Assembly Service or CAS fee ($195). It also provides four CAS school reports ($45 each) and an LSAT prep study guide. If you obtain an LSAC fee waiver, you earn an application fee waiver to many law schools automatically. If you cannot obtain an LSAC waiver, you may be able to obtain an application fee waiver from each law school

directly, but you will have to budget for the LSAC services costs (including the LSAT registration fee).

Ask questions about scholarships to financial aid officers. That includes asking about scholarship conditions and requirements, renewal procedures, and deadlines to apply.

Plan to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA becomes available every October 1 and requires tax information from the prior-prior year. Once you receive a full financial aid package from each law school, you must compare each package to see what your three-year out-of-pocket cost will be for each option.

Look at employment statistics and salary information that is available with the Career Services office at each law school. These figures could warrant a decision to matriculate to a law school that costs more, but will provide a pathway to potentially stronger employment outcomes.

Would you make a $100,000+ purchase blindly?

You owe it to yourself to visit each of your top choice law schools to ensure that it is a great fit for you and that you can envision success in that environment. Some law schools may offer travel stipends or travel scholarships to visit.

It never hurts to ask courteously. Budget for travel costs which may include flights, rental cars, lodging, food, and business casual or business professional clothing, if necessary.

Once you narrow your choice to only one or two law schools, you will pay a seat deposit of anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for each school to remain in their entering class. Some schools will charge a second deposit later in the spring or early summer to ensure your commitment.

Finally, budget for the move to law school.

Unfortunately, federal guidelines do not allow financial aid for moving costs like apartment application fees and deposits, moving vans, furniture, initiation fees for utilities, or travel costs.

This is where downsizing and selling unwanted, gently used items can assist with moving costs.

When you consider all of these costs, you may easily surpass $2,000, if not more. It would be prudent to budget $3,000 for the law school application stage.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

75

MONEY MATTERS

To get a more accurate picture of the complete cost of a legal education, it is important to look at three stages that you will finance and to create a financial plan that addresses each stage.

MONEY MATTERS

extra money frivolously.

Others only take the financial aid that they absolutely need, not what they can, because they know they will spend the extra money otherwise.

2nd Stage: The Law Student Live like a law student, not like an established lawyer in law school.

After choosing your school, align your personal budget with the cost-of-attendance amount provided by the Financial Aid office. This amount covers expenses during the academic year. After tuition and fees, you will have an allowance for housing or room/board (which includes food), a travel allowance, an allowance for books and supplies, a miscellaneous allowance, and loan fees. Your law school may add expenses for required items like student health insurance or to use specific facilities on campus. If you do not understand the purpose for certain line items in the cost-of-attendance, ASK QUESTIONS! Most law students receive all of their financial aid in one lump-sum up front each term. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your personal financial habits. Are you someone that easily spends money if it is in your wallet or purse, or are you someone that can hold onto money without spending it?

Knowing your financial personality provides the strategy in how you should approach money management. Some law students take all of the financial aid that is available and return unused funds because they know they will not spend the 76

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

Evaluate your spending for the week or the month and adjust as needed - use technology to do the work for you! There are several money management apps and websites to help track spending: Mint, PocketGuard, You Need a Budget (YNAB), or EveryDollar. These apps integrate your bank accounts, investments, and credit card accounts online with your budget to provide all your financial information in one place.

Each dollar you borrow in student loans will be paid back with interest. Cut discretionary habits that are not useful for law school.

Find a roommate so you can share utilities.

Learn to cook and prepare meals more often so that you can resist buying your lunch every day.

Look at your calendar and know when you may be at events where meals are provided so you can trim your weekly grocery spending. Take advantage of the resources on your campus.

More than likely you are paying mandatory student fees for things like the use of student and recreation centers. Understand that if you are using federal student loans to pay for the entire cost-of-attendance and have no additional income, you may not be able to attend every bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding, or personal event.

Continue to look for scholarships as a current law student. The Financial Aid office should be able to provide resources for additional funding opportunities. Start to create your plan for the bar preparation period after graduation. If you receive extra money, put it aside for bar prep or the next transition.

Talk to Financial Aid about anticipatory and irregular expenses that may not be covered in the

Instead of asking for that brand new purse or that new gaming system for the holidays or your birthday, ask for more practical items to cut down your law school expenses. Gift cards to purchase professional clothing for job interviews, gift cards for grocery stores, gift cards for Target or Walmart, gas/airline gift cards for travel are much better items to receive to reduce your borrowing in upcoming academic terms.

MONEY MATTERS

cost-of-attendance. You want to try to see all the costs up front. How much is it to rent a carrel or a locker? What are dues for organizations or journals? Are there printing costs, copying costs, or costs for other office services? Do you have to pay for parking? When do you obtain financial aid for the semester and the upcoming semester? Do you need to have funds set aside if you are not in summer school? These questions are valid and will help you plan.

3rd Stage: The Law Graduate Start looking at your plan to transition financially out of law school after your second year.

One of the best resources to keep track of your federal student loans is the National Student Loan Data System (nslds.ed.gov). Before the start of your third year, you should go back and look at the current status of your loan to review the information about interest rates, grace periods, and repayment options.

As soon as you obtain employment, there are several loan calculators available to begin estimating repayment. Make appointments with Financial Aid to go through the process and learn about exit counseling and incomedriven repayment plans. National student loan policy expert Heather Jarvis is an excellent resource on loan repayment options and has valuable information through her website (askheatherjarvis.com). Your marital status and how you file taxes as a married couple could have implications on what you would owe in your repayment plan.

If you are moving after law school, look online at cost-of-living indicators for common goods in your new location. Go to paycheckcity.com or other paycheck estimators to get a better estimate of their net pay after taxes.

Other expenses to plan for include the bar preparation course and materials, licensing costs from the state bar where you are taking the exam, and living expenses while you are studying for the bar. If you do not have around $15,000 of money saved, you would be best served by looking into a private bar study loan from a financial institution of your choice.

You are also strongly discouraged from working your first year as a law student. However, law schools may have work-study or part-time jobs that are available as a 2L or 3L student. That is a great way to earn additional income to either mitigate borrowing or to save for bar exam prep course and living expenses while studying for the bar exam.

Some law graduates continue to interview for jobs after graduation and that may result in additional costs for travel and professional clothing. In addition, some graduates find themselves in temporary employment while they wait to start their legal jobs. For example, most government and public service organizations are not able to hire new attorneys until they have passed the bar exam and been sworn in as licensed members of the bar.

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

77

MONEY MATTERS

Develop a forward-thinking financial mindset In conclusion, it is very important to plan for and estimate the complete, comprehensive cost of a legal education. Set a goal to revisit your financial plan at least once a month for an hour or two and focus on what is ahead financially for the next month, three months, or semester.

Are you sticking to your financial plan? Are there

any changes that can be made? Are they any new resources available or ways to continue to cut costs effectively?

With enough planning ahead, you will be as prepared as possible to focus on doing well in law school academically and to ultimately meet your dream of joining the legal profession.

Judges of CLEO

HALL OF FAME The Council on Legal Education Opportunity presents its virtual “Judges of CLEO” Hall of Fame recognizing the outstanding careers and accomplishments of select CLEO Alumni who have become some of the nation’s most distinguished current and former members of the judiciary!

WWW.CLEOINC.ORG/JHOF CLEO · 1101 Mercantile Lane, Ste. 294, Largo, MD 20774 · 240-582-8600 cleoinc.org

CONSIDERING LAW SCHOOL? EXPLORE THE PACE PATH TO PRACTICE.

• Superb location in the heart of the nation’s most dynamic legal marketplace

• Opportunity to spend final semester entirely in supervised practice

• Learn from exceptional scholars and practitioners

• #1 Ranked Environmental Law program

• Broad and diverse alumni network

• Preeminent reputation in environmental law, public interest law and international scholarship

• Focus on student preparation and success • Exceptional value through scholarships and grants

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AT (914) 422-4210 OR ADMISSIONS@LAW.PACE.EDU. www.law.pace.edu 78 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10603

Congratulations

to the honorees for their efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive legal community.

We celebrate CLEO’s 51 years of leadership and achievement.

As a past recipient of a CLEO EDGE Award for Education, we are proud of the efforts of our faculty and staff to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all of our students, including nearly 200 students of color and indigenous students.

MITCHELLHAMLINE.EDU ST. PAUL, MINN.

we are

thinkers engaged motivated prepared perseverant researchers communicators analytical responsive empathetic listeners passionate curious welcoming

Quinnipiac University School of Law is proud to partner with CLEO in promoting diversity in the legal profession.

law.qu.edu

IN EVERY ISSUE

WRITING RESOURCES

As a secondary school student, college student, student returning to school for a second career or first-year associate, you should continually strive to improve your writing skills. Here are several resources to help you get your point across to your reader whether you are writing a personal statement, resume or cover letter.

BOOK RESOURCES

ONLINE RESOURCES

The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well by Paula LaRocque

AMA Manual of Style: www.amamanualofstyle. com

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

Cambridge Dictionary: http://dictionary.cambridge. org/us/

The Gregg Reference Manual by William A. Sabin How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking by Grant Barrett Words to Write By: Putting Your Thoughts on Paper by Elaine L. Orr

The Chicago Manual of Style Online: www. chicagomanualofstyle.org Dictionary.com: www.dictionary.com English Grammar: www.englishgrammar.org/tools Grammar Check: www.grammarcheck.me Grammarly: www.grammarly.com Merriam Webster: www.merriam-webster.com

Write to Influence!: Personnel Appraisals, Resumes, Awards, Grants, Scholarships, Internships, Reports, Bid Proposals, Web Pages, Marketing, and More by Carla D. Bass

Oxford English Dictionary: www.oed.com

The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear

by Anne Janzer

A Way with Words - National Public Radio

Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark Writing Your Way: Creating a Writing Process That Works for You by Don Fry

Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english. purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/

PODCAST RESOURCES

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing - Mignon Fogarty I Should be Writing - Mur Lafferty The Creative Pen - Joanna Penn The Portfolio Life with Jeff Goins - Jeff Goins The Writing University - The University of Iowa WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

81

2019-2020

CLEO
Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education Partner Schools

Supporting Institutions

Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School

Boston College Law School

Fordham University School of Law Marquette University Law School New York Law School Quinnipiac University School of Law

Brooklyn Law School Case Western Reserve University School of Law Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law

South Texas College of Law Houston

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

Southern University Law Center

Cornell Law School

Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Emory University School of Law

The University of Chicago Law School University of Colorado Law School University of Houston Law Center University of Idaho College of Law The University of Mississippi School of Law University of Missouri School of Law The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law University of Southern California Gould School of Law Vermont Law School Washburn University School of Law

82

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

Howard University School of Law Mitchell Hamline School of Law University of Oregon School of Law Pace University-Elisabeth Haub School of Law University of Richmond School of Law West Virginia University College of Law Western State College of Law at Argosy University University of Wisconsin Law School

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

Sustaining Institutions The University of Alabama School of Law

Mercer University School of Law

Albany Law School

The University of Michigan Law School

American University Washington College of Law

Michigan State University College of Law

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

Boston University School of Law

New England Law | Boston

University at Buffalo School of Law

New York University School of Law

University of California, Irvine School of Law

Northeastern University School of Law

City University of New York School of Law

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

UConn School of Law University of Dayton School of Law University of Denver Sturm College of Law DePaul University College of Law Drake University Law School Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law Florida International University College of Law Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Universitiy of Pennsylvania Law School The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law University of San Francisco School of Law Santa Clara University School of Law SMU Dedman School of Law Texas A&M University School of Law The University of Tulsa College of Law Washington and Lee University School of Law

Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University

Washington University School of Law

University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Western New England University School of Law

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

Widener University Delaware Law School Yale Law School

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

83

DO WHAT YOU WANT

LAW WHERE YOU WANT

MIZZOU

law.missouri.edu/admissions

years at the forefront of excellence and opportunity

Diverse Community

Of first-year JD class are women; largest % ever (Fall 2019)

Commitment to Student Support

Students receive financial aid

$ Average scholarship awarded (Class of 2022)

Increase in student aid since 2011

USC Gould Student Advantage Of first-year JD class are underrepresented minorities (Fall 2019)

Of first-year JD class are first-generation students (Fall 2019)

Clinics and practicums, covering a wide array of legal areas, to earn hands-on skills and experience

Student organizations

Employment rate, 10 months after graduation (Class of 2018)

CLEO Contributors

CLEO gratefully acknowledges the precious gifts of financial and project support that make our programs possible and our events successful.

Thank you!

CLEO Summer Institute and related programs are funded by the 2019 Consor tium on Diversity in Legal Education’s Partner, Sustaining and Supporting Institutions and the following donors:

CORPORATE/ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITING PARTNERS AccessLex Institute Law School Admission Council National Conference of Bar Examiners Wal-Mart DIAMOND SUPPORTERS Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Crowell & Moring Dinsmore Google

Greenberg Traurig Harris Beach Latham & Watkins Lazard

Littler Mendelson Phelps & Dunbar The Owens Family The Yette Family Trust

GOLD SUPPORTERS ACC Foundation DLA Piper Freddie Mac Gibson Dunn & Crutcher

Groom Law Group Chartered Hogan Lovells Microsoft National Bar Institute

National Football League Foundation Toyota Motor NA Womble Bond Dickinson

SILVER SUPPORTERS American University – Washington College of Law Beveridge & Diamond Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Counsel on Call University of Dayton School of Law Dickinson Wright Exxon Mobil Corporation Holland & Knight

The University of Houston Law Center Marriott McCarter & English Minority Corporate Counsel Association Mitchell Williams NFL Players Association Quan Law Group

Reed Smith Shell Oil Southern University Law Center Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law University of Vermont School of Law Williams & Connolly

86

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2020

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, LLC Howard University School of Law Jonathan Ogden Foundation Kean Miller Jones Walker Legal Prep Charter Academy Louisiana Judicial Council Foundation (NBA), Inc. Louisiana State University Foundation Marquette University School of Law Maryland Legal Aid McCammon Group, Ltd. McGlinchey Stafford Law Offices of Gail N. McKay University of Mississippi School of Law Mitchell Hamline School of Law

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS INDIVIDUAL GOLD CONTRIBUTORS

Paulette Brown A.M. Tony Clayton Angela Birch Cox Cleo Fields Phyllis M. Harris Robert L. Harris Harold and Franzene Henderson Nannette Jolivette Wilhelm Joseph, Jr. Willie Leftwich Monique Liburd Kent D. Lollis John B. Noland Hon. Eileen Olds Ana Otero Hon. Denise Owens Jeffrey Pash Hon. Freddie Pitcher, Jr. Pamela Rothenberg

Paul and Chandler Tagliabue Lewis Unglesby Jeff Whitney Joyce Yette

INDIVIDUAL SILVER CONTRIBUTORS

Hon. Mari Carmen Aponte Hon. Dennis Archer Marcia Bove Earl Bracey Elizabeth A. Campbell Linda Clark Tracy Dalton La Verne Davis Dorie Evensen Darryl Franklin Michael Freedman Yvette Gatling William Lucy Tammy J. Montgomery Julie Myers-Benton

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

BRONZE SUPPORTERS Adams and Reese Advantage Testing/TRIALS Albany Law School Asian American Legal Defense Fund Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz Baltimore State’s Attorney Office University of California, Irvine School of Law City University of New York School of Law Dentons Diamond McCarthy Duane Morris Florida A&M University College of Law Fordham University School of Law GEICO

NAACP Legal Defense Fund National Legal Aid and Defenders Association The Ohio State University – Moritz College of Law Penn State Dickinson Law Richmond For Congress, LLC Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP Southern University System Foundation The Greater New Orleans Foundation Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Cassandra Sneed Ogden Rachel Patrick Kimberly R. Phillips Carlton W. Reeves R. Lucia Riddle Yaneris Rosa Betty W. Sanders Michael Hunter Schwartz Denise Smith Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux Cleophus Thomas Hon. Reggie Walton Michael Weems Vanessa Williams Frank Wu INDIVIDUAL BRONZE CONTRIBUTORS

Leigh R. Allen II Pearl Allen Wanda Ashley Jannice Bannerman

WINTER/SPRING 2020

CLEO EDGE

87

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS, CONT. Melanie Bates Anwar Benjamin Roland Blackman Calvina Bostick Catherine Burnett Lynda Cevallos Deborah Clark Patrick Collins Willie Collins Barry Currier Iona Curry Angela Dixon Patricia Donkor Kevin Dullaghan Anselmo Duran Alphonso Eason Eileen M. Edwards Cleo Fields Anthony Franklyn Lorraine Galvis Howard Glickstein Maxine Goodman

Margruetta Hall Jacqueline Hancock Bernetta J. Hayes Wai Chi Ho Cisselon Hurd H. Johnson Eddie Koen, Jr. Antonio Leo Tonya Lewis Julie D. Long Lois G. Long Sharon Long Aimee Maldonado Vonda Mays Robbin McNeal Adele Meyer Shelby Moore Frank Motley Edward Pastor Walter Person Chiquita Phillips Latoyia Pierce

Edward Reddick Rayford Reed Reesa Reynolds Hon. Richard Roberts Sharolyn Rosier Hyson Charyce Rushing Dennis Shields Angel Simpson Amy Stewart Marguerite Stumbaugh Diane M.L. Tan Theodore Tanzer Cassandre Theano Sharon Van Leer Adis Vila David Walton Lancelot Ward Jessica Watts Curtis Whitman Jacqueline Windley

PASSIONATELY COMMITTED.

READY FOR ANYTHING.

Named one of the “Most Diverse Law Schools” in the U.S. by preLaw magazine.

Recipient of the 2018 CLEO EDGE Award for Greater Equality.

Here, we offer a personalized legal education in a supportive, inclusive community.

Learn more: Chapman.edu/law

boston college law one community Where faculty, administrators, students, and alumni come together to create a vibrant academic and social experience.

• LAHANAS diversity program • 10 moot court teams • 27% incoming students of color

BC Law has a tangible sense of community that makes going to law school here different than anywhere else. Combine that with the very best faculty, academics and real-world programs, and it's easy to see why we're so unique. Visit our website, or call our admissions office to schedule a tour and come see what we have to offer.

You'll be glad you did.

• #19 "Go-To Law Schools" for Big Law

-National Law Journal • #2 "Law Schools that Pay Off"

-US News & World Report • #7 "Best Classroom Experience"

-Princeton Review • #8 "Best Professors"

-Princeton Review

Office of Admissions | 885 Centre Street | Newton, MA 02459 | 617.552.4351 | www.bc.edu/law | bclawadm@bc.edu

Creating Equality by Expanding Opportunity “For more than 50 Years, CLEO has opened the doors of opportunity to deserving and underrepresented students from all backgrounds. We at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP are proud to support CLEO in this mission.”

— Pam Rothenberg Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP CLEO, Inc. Board Member t: 202.857.4422 e: pam.rothenberg@wbd-us.com

womblebonddickinson.com

©2019 Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

“Womble Bond Dickinson,” the “law firm” or the “firm” refers to the network of member firms of Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited, consisting of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. Each of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a separate legal entity operating as an independent law firm. Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited does not practice law. Please see www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/legal-notices for further details.

The National Conference of Bar Examiners is proud to collaborate with CLEO in support of their shared goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

NCBE is committed to supporting the law-studentto-lawyer pipeline by making our authentic, affordable study aids available to all students.

Learn more about BarNow™, our mobile-friendly, interactive eLearning platform, at www.ncbex.org/study-aids/.

FIND THE RIGHT LAW SCHOOL FOR YOU. XploreJD is a free, online search tool that offers aspiring law students like you a data-based approach to finding law schools that best fit what you want and need in your law school experience.

XPLOREJD.COM XploreJD is brought to you by AccessLex Institute, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of legal education.