CLEO EDGE 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR TOMORROW’S LAW STUDENTS

Sunny HosTin

law! camera! action!

ALSO INSIDE:

#IsLawSchoolStillTrending?

ENERGY LAW Pre-Law Timeline what IS your SOCIAL media brand? cleoscholars.org

WINTER/SPRING 2016 cleodivercitynetwork.org

OPENING Doors The road to law school should be open to students from all backgrounds. For nearly five decades, CLEO has helped pave the way. To date, CLEO has assisted more than 10,000 students to prepare for careers in the legal profession.

We at Womble Carlyle share the belief that a more diverse profession is a better profession.

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

Pam Rothenberg Womble Carlyle Real Estate Attorney CLEO, Inc. Board Member 202.857.4422 | PRothenberg@wcsr.com

WCSR.COM WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, LLP

0615_8751

Š2015

Diversity and Inclusion are core values at Andrews Kurth. It takes a leader to know how to align business objectives and resources. Working together, we have created an inclusive culture that benefits our entire firm community.

For straight talk about diversity and inclusion, visit andrewskurth.com.

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Copyright © 2015 by Andrews Kurth LLP. Andrews Kurth, the Andrews Kurth logo and Straight Talk Is Good Business are registered service marks of Andrews Kurth LLP. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising. 15232

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ANDREWS KURTH IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CLEO

contents 2016 CLEO EDGE

FEATURES 26

32 36

Coming to Grips with Change: Law Schools Respond With Innovative Approaches

By Bernetta J. Hayes What Is Your Social Media Brand?

By Bernetta J. Hayes Pre-Law Conversation with Community College Students

By Matthew Niziol

52

Energy Law: Think Broad, Think Big!

By William Bennett

58

A Walk on the Sunny Side: Interview with Sunny Hostin

By Lynda Cevallos

66

Let’s Mentor

By The Honorable Javier E. Vargas

69 88

Who Can I Ask? Why Mentors Matter

By Tiffany R. Paige Where Are They Now?

THE CLEO ADVANTAGE

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

13

CLEO at a Glance

15

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)

40

The Freshman Year

By RJ Holmes-Leopold

17

1L Prep – Attitude Is Essential (AIE)

42

The Sophomore Year

By Robert Webking

21

Pre-Law Timeline

44

22

CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute is Key to Law School Success

The Junior Year

By Elizabeth Boretz

46

The Senior Year

By Glenn Bell

71

CLEO Programs

48

100

2015-2016 CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education

MONEY MATTERS 74

Strategy for Financing a Legal Education: Investment in Yourself

By Reyes Aguilar

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS 95

The College Years…

Summer Reading List for the Secondary School Student

Law School Admissions: To Apply or Not to Apply

By Tracy Simmons & Michael States

IN EVERY ISSUE 11

A Message from the CLEO Chair

99

Internet Resources

97

Writing Resources

102 18

Financial Contributors Pre-Law Astrology

SPOTLIGHTS 81

CLEO College Scholars Spotlight: Laura Wharton

84

CLEO Fellow Spotlight: Steven Nuñez

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Staff Cassandra Sneed Ogden Chief Executive Officer Leigh R. Allen II Vice President, Marketing & Development Lynda Cevallos, Esq. Director, Pre-Law Educational Activities Bernetta J. Hayes Director, Pre-Law Program Operations Julie D. Long Director, Finance and Administration

Editor-in-Chief: Lynda Cevallos Graphic Designer: Jewell Green Jewell Green Design www.jewellgreen.com Printer: International Graphics Beltsville, Maryland © 2015 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.cleoscholars.org

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Connect with CLEO /cleo.scholars

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/cleoscholars

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S ince 1968 : Training To morrow ’s L awyer s, P r epa r ing Tom or r ow’s L e a d e r s 6

CLEO EDGE

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McGuireWoods Promotes Diversity

From top, left to right: Alan C. Cason, Public Finance Department Chair; James Gelman, Hispanic/Latino Lawyers Network Chair; Melissa Glassman, Deputy Managing Partner, Business Development; Candace Blydenburgh, African-American Lawyers Network Chair; Naho Kobayashi, National Recruiting Committee Co-chair; Ava E. Lias-Booker, Baltimore Office Managing Partner and Board of Partners; George Keith Martin, Richmond Office Managing Partner; Jacquelyn E. Stone, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair.

McGuireWoods LLP is dedicated to the value of diversity – a commitment proven by the number of our partners in leadership roles who are of color, women or LGBT. With leaders like these, our diverse and women lawyers have promising futures.

We proudly support the CLEO organization.

Jacquelyn E. Stone, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair 804 775 1046 | jstone@mcguirewoods.com One James Center | 901 East Cary Street | Richmond, VA 23219-4030

1,000 lawyers | 21 offices | www.mcguirewoods.com

2016 CLEO EDGE Reyes Aguilar is Associate Dean for Admission and Financial Aid at the University of Utah Quinney College of Law. Early in his career he served as Director of the Rocky Mountain Region CLEO Summer Institute.

He is active in the Law School Admission Council serving on its Board of Trustees and the Financial Aid Advisory Group. In 2009 the American Bar Association appointed him Vice-chair of the Government Relations and Student Financial Aid Committee for a three-year term. His community engagement includes service with the Utah Coalition of La Raza Youth Leadership Conference and the American Red Cross High School Leadership Camp. Dean Aguilar regularly presents at national conferences, speaking on topics that include law school admission, financial aid, and diversity. In 2003, the Utah Minority Bar Association recognized him as its Honoree of the year. Mr. Aguilar earned a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a J.D. from the University of Utah.

Glenn E. Bell is a strong advocate for diversity, and his career has spanned many disciplines. A graduate of Hampton University, Glenn joined the Language Arts staff at Prentice Hall. Upon leaving publishing, he joined the United Nations Association of the USA, working Historically Black Colleges and Community Colleges to build their Model United Nations programs, assisting several MUN teams in becoming award winners. Glenn joined the staff of the Law School Admission Council, where he served as a key member of the Diversity Initiatives team. This led to New York Law School, where he served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Glenn is currently a private admissions consultant with Keys4College and Educational Leadership Initiatives, a part of Social Investment Partners, LLC. William Bennett has been an energy lawyer for over 26 years in both the private and public sectors. As the founding partner of his own law firm, he represented ratepayers in electric and natural gas litigation before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission. At the federal level, after joining the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, he has been a supervisory trial counsel and has negotiated and litigated oil pipeline, natural gas pipeline and electric utility cases before Administrative Law Judges. He was the Commission’s Chief Knowledge Officer and represented the agency in international knowledge management conferences. He has directed a division of electrical engineers, economists and accountants. He currently is Senior Advisor in the litigation office of the agency with responsibilities that include advising about Commission policy directions. He is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Chicago Law School.

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Elizabeth Boretz, Ph.D. is the Founding Director of the Calvin E. Bright Success Center at the University of CaliforniaMerced, having begun her career as university faculty in the humanities. She transitioned to full-time support of student success for the state’s most ambitious, underrepresented undergraduates in the University of California in 2005. In addition to leading a diverse team of dedicated professionals who counsel students on success strategies in college, Dr. Boretz writes and implements federal grants to serve high-risk student programs, and provides individual coaching and guidance for students pursuing highly competitive fellowships, awards and graduate programs. She has been the Advisor to the Merced Pre-Law Society since the students first formed the organization on campus in 2006.

Dom De Leo is the Associate Director, Graduate School Advising, at Boston College. De Leo received his B.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame, M.Ed. in Special Education from Boston College, and his M.B.A. in Computer Science and Marketing from the Boston College – Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management.

Bernetta J. Hayes is the Director, Pre-Law Program Operations of CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute. In addition, she is the Program Specialist for CLEO’s secondary school program. She is a former communications executive who served during the Clinton Administration. She has been a travel writer for major publications, as well as an English teacher to high school juniors.

She has also taught résumé writing to adults. She has a B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Arts degree from The George Washington University.

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 Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC) and is the conference chair for the 2016 PLANC National Conference.

Contributors 2016 CLEO EDGE

Matthew Niziol has been advising undergraduate students for more than 15 years at both community college and university levels in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Since 2007 he has served as High School Outreach Coordinator and Academic Advisor for First Year Students at the Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun Campus.

He has been primary contributor and moderator of the CLEO Diversity in Legal Education Blog, written articles for the CLEO Edge Magazine, and has presented at CLEO Scholars and Achieving Success in the Application Process programs since 2006. As a Prelaw Advisor, he has presented on topics related to prelaw success, recruitment of First-Time-In-College students, and academic retention and collegiate success specific to underrepresented students at regional and national conferences.

Tiffany Paige is the Director of Admissions and Diversity Initiatives for Mississippi College School of Law where she leads the marketing and promotional efforts of the admissions process. Ms. Paige received her J.D. degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2006 and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010. Ms. Paige is a Doctoral Candidate in the Higher Education Administration program at the University of Southern Mississippi where her dissertation focuses on the experiences of student affairs professionals who have assisted undocumented students. Ms. Paige has published as co-author in the area of constitutional law, as well as publishing several book reviews. She is a researcher with interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, social justice, minority student retention, and undocumented students.

Ms. Paige was admitted to the Mississippi State Bar in 2008. She is a member of the Clinton (MS) Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and a Life Member of the Jackson State University JacksonHinds Alumni Chapter. Additionally, she is very active in the community by serving as a reading tutor for the Read.Lead.

Succeed Program at Operation Upward, mentoring high school students, and other community outreach. Additionally, she was selected as a 2012-2013 member of Leadership Greater Jackson class, a 2015 member of the Mississippi Bar Leadership Forum, a 2015 member of the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute, and a Charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Metro Jackson.

Tracy Simmons is the Assistant Dean for Admissions, Diversity Initiatives and Financial Aid at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Tracy has worked in legal education for over 14 years. Tracy has served on the Law School Admission Council’s Diversity Initiatives Committee, Services and Program Committee, Admit-M Advisory Committee, the Annual Planning and Educational Conference Workgroup and served as Chair of the Newcomers Workshop. Currently, she serves as a consultant for the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Achieving Success in the Application Process. She is a member of LSAC’s Finance and Legal Committee, the Access Group Financial Education Advisory Committee, and is ChairElect of Pre-Legal Education and Admissions to Law School Section for Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

Michael States J.D. is the Assistant Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. He serves as Chair of the Law School Admissions Council’s Finance and Legal Affairs Committee and is a member of the LSAC Board of Trustees.

He has served on the planning group for the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Annual Meeting and Educational Conference and in 2013 served as the Conference Chair. He has served as the President of the Midwest Alliance of Law School Admissions (MALSA), and is a past Chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Pre-Legal Education and Admission to Law School.

Dr. 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 in the department of political science at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1978, w h e r e he is now professor. During his time at UTEP he has 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. He has worked intensively with instructional technology and continues to explore new ways to use technology to enhance teaching and learning. He is the co-author of “LSAT Logic Games” (2005) and author of “The Annotated LSAT” (2009).

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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 Cleoscholars.org · Cleodivercitynetwork.org

a message from the CLEO Chair

in every issue

Law school is still trending!

Angela Birch Cox

COURTESY OF SUBJECT

Chair, CLEO Board

Yes, that’s right. Despite the naysayers, law school is still the place to be. Why? Because the skills you hone in law school are the very ones that produce S-U-C-C-E-S-S in the “real world.”

Think about it.

Critical thinking (healthy skepticism)learning to think logically, ethically and empathically about issues, challenge assumptions, consider alternative views, proffer logical explanations and draw reasonable conclusions; Effective Communication (framing)learning to communicate in a way that the audience (client, opposing counsel, judge, witness, etc.) will actually hear you and be confident that you have thoroughly considered all of the issues, alternatives and interests at stake; Project management (herding cats)planning and guiding an endeavor through all the necessary steps from start to finish; and

These are but a few of the numerous skills, learned and/or honed in law schools across the country, that are needed to be an excellent lawyer. News flash: these are the same skills required to excel in other fields. The proof is in the pudding.

According to 2015 Emerging Culture, Worldwide Success research published by Forbes, over 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs have J.D. degrees. In fact, you will find lawyers engaged in nearly every endeavor from chief cook and bottle washer to President of the United States.

So whether you are starting your law school journey or are deciding whether to start at all, keep in mind that developing the skills of an excellent lawyer is just as important as learning the substance of the law. Allow CLEO - as teacher, mentor and law school navigator - to help you.

Together we can not only increase the diversity of the legal profession, but increase the diversity of opportunities available to you.

Advocacy (offers that can’t be refused)persuading others to act and/or adopt your point of view.

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CLEO EDGE

11

The legal profession has changed. So have we.  Our student body is diverse with over 18% underrepresented

minorities.

 Our students work with clients in their rst year and complete a

full-time practice capstone in their third year.  We offer innovative curriculum with recognized specialty areas in health law (ranked #9); international law (ranked #11); and law, l technology and the arts.  Our graduates join our extensive alumni network all over the US and the world.

We salute CLEO and are proud to be a William A. Blakey Diversity Pipeline Architect.

GLOBAL LEADERS IN LAW AND BUSINESS – SINCE 1925.

The National Law Journal “2015 Go-To Law Schools” Ranked 28th among law schools who sent the highest percentage of their class of 2014 into associate jobs at the nation’s 250 largest law firms.

Apply today. law.smu.edu

in every issue

CLEO at a Glance

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.

CLEO College Scholars Program Who Is Eligible: Freshmen, sophomores or juniors interested in attending law school.

What: The Road to Law School, Sophomore Super Saturdays, and Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT. When: Throughout the year Where: Various locations across the country Deadline: Varies (Log on to www.cleoscholars.org for deadline dates) Cost: Free

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / AlphaBaby

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) Who is Eligible: College juniors, seniors, and postgraduates who plan to apply to law school.

What: Intensive weekend pre-law event 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 1 Cost: $100 CLEO Ambassadors Who is Eligible: Juniors who have participated in CLEO College Scholars programs.

What: CLEO Ambassadors distribute information about the CLEO program on their campuses.

When: Rising juniors may apply at the end of their sophomore year.

Where: CLEO seeks representatives from as many campuses as possible.

How: Contact CLEO at info@cleoinc.org The CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute Who is Eligible: Graduating seniors or graduates who plan to attend law school in the fall of 2016.

What: A residential program designed to prepare participants to be more competitive law school students.

When: June - July

Where: Various law schools Deadline: October 1-November 15, 2015 (early

acceptance) / February 15, 2016 (final deadline) Cost: $2,000 (includes room, board, and instructional materials) 1L 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 the first year of law school.

When: Summer Where: Various law school locations Deadline: May 1 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: Various locations or online Cost: Free Bar Preparation Seminar Who is Eligible: CLEO third-year law students who plan to take the July or February bar.

What: A program designed to introduce graduating law students to the demands required to prepare for the bar examination.

When: To be determined Where: Various locations or online Cost: Free

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Fully accredited by the American Bar Association Full-time Day, Part-time Evening Programs Entering enrollment for 2014 included 72% minority, and 53% women Center for International Law and Justice Located in Orlando, Florida - blocks from county and federal courthouses, and minutes from major law firms, governmental offices and legal service agencies

For more information call (407) 254-FAMU (3268) www.law.famu.edu

Rated “A+” in diversity

by The National Jurist, and among the best “bargain law schools” for Latina/o and Black students by “On Being A Black Lawyer”

Achieving Success in the Application Process

Last summer for the ninth 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 counseling, 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.

© Ammentorp

In addition, ASAP seminars participants have the distinct advantage of establishing mentoring relationships with CLEO students who will begin law school in the fall. ASAP is held in conjunction with CLEO’s popular 1L Prep – Attitude is Essential (AIE) seminars each summer.

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

•

The significance of the early application process offered by many law schools

•

Drafting an effective personal statement

•

Choosing sources for letters of recommendation

•

Debt management and developing credit worthiness

•

Preparation strategies for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

•

Common mistakes committed by law school applicants

•

The impact of LSAT scores and grade point averages (GPAs) in the selection process

For further information or to apply online, visit www.cleoscholars.org Deadline: April 1, 2016

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CLEO EDGE

15

Jason

Jessica

Corey

MaKisha

Jessica

Excellence All-Inclusive

Eugene

At Florida Coastal School of Law we are committed to promoting diversity in legal education and in the profession of law. We strive to empower students from all backgrounds by implementing programs designed to foster intercultural leadership and strengthen community development. We invite you to join us.

www.fcsl.edu | admissions@fcsl.edu | (904) 680-7700 ABA Accredited | Jacksonville, FL

Warda

“I am senior director of global legal operations and compliance at Discovery Communications.”

— Brian Edge, JD’98

“I am chief of the Criminal Division for the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio.”

— Kenneth Parker, JD’97

“I spent the summer as an intern at a firm in Nigeria and at the Self-Employed Women’s Association in India.”

— Adesuwa Ighile, JD’14

These three professionals are from different backgrounds and have chosen different career paths. But they have one thing in common: They are all from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Our student body represents the community, nation, and world. Our entering class reflects this: 29% are from diverse ethnic backgrounds; 63% are from outside Indiana; 38% have had work experience prior to law school.

Let us show you how the Maurer School of Law can help you chart a professional career that’s right for you. Whatever you decide to do, as an Indiana Law graduate, you’ll enter the workforce as a prepared professional — in every sense of the word.

Contact our admissions office at 812.855.4765, or lawadmis@indiana.edu.

CLEO Law 5.15.indd 1

5/18/2015 12:59:35 PM

1L PREP-

An experience any student about to begin law school does not want to miss!

In existence since 2000, CLEO’s 1L Prep – Attitude is Essential (AIE) regional 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.

TARGETED STUDENTS: Incoming first year law students who will enroll in an ABA-accredited law school during the same fall they attend the CLEO 1L Prep – AIE seminar.

BENEFITS: • Law school orientation • Skills-building workshops • Network opportunities

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

www.cleoinc.org/aie

The 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 enroll in an ABA-accredited law school are eligible to receive ongoing academic and professional development support throughout law school from CLEO. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 1, 2016 WINTER/SPRING 2016

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in every issue

Pre-Law Astrology ARIES “The Ram”

As the first sign of the zodiac, you strive to be in the lead of every task so now is the time to take the lead in planning your educational and professional future. Like a ram, you prefer to charge head-on into any task. However, you should plan the steps that will lead to law school and a legal career rather than moving first and thinking later. Put your highspirited nature in front of you as you maneuver the rugged terrain of the law school admission process.

Since you may be argumentative by nature, you should join your school’s debate club since one day you may represent a client.

TAURUS “The Bull” Once you make up your mind about a task no one who can change your mind. However, your bullheadedness and tenacity may cause you to stay with a project while other people have moved onto another project. People who trust you will also admire your loyalty. Your determination will encourage your classmates to follow you as you set out to achieve your goal of becoming a lawyer. Since you enjoy meeting people, you should take advantage of your personal social network for assistance with the law school admission process.

GEMINI “The Twins” This zodiac sign is often associated with doublemindedness, however, Geminis are adapting to their environment. You prefer to adapt to your environment by adjusting moment by moment to any situation. One “side” of you analyzes a situation from an intellectual point of view; the other “side” of you analyzes a situation from an emotional point of view. Consequently, you may over analyze a situation, which can lead to quick judgments or emotional disassociation. Before you begin the law school application process, take a step back, analyze the situation from both sides, and develop a game plan. While preparing for law school you should consider taking classes that develop your analytical reasoning skills.

CANCER “The Crab” Cancerians, like the crab, come in many shapes, sizes, and colors but have many similar characteristics such as a thick external skeleton and the ability to walk sideways. Like a crab, you have the backbone to complete the law school application process. In addition, you have the uncanny ability to sidestep any major obstacles.

To manage your time for the unexpected events of life, you should brush up on your time management skills so you will not miss any critical steps in the law school admission process.

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LEO “The Lion”

SAGITTARIUS “The Archer”

As the lion is the king of the jungle, you like to be the king or center of any situation. Thus, your ego and obstinacy sometimes will not let you change your mind once you have made a decision. In addition, you may seek to take over other projects if you foresee that you will gain the “spotlight.” These traits are commendable assets since you see whatever projects you undertake to completion. Now is the time to make your acceptance into law school a major project.

The mythical half-man and half-horse figure that represents this zodiac sign refers to the desire to learn and travel. You like accumulating information while experiencing new adventures. If you need to take a getaway from drafting your personal statement or studying for the LSAT, do it but get reinvigorated for the tasks set before you to reach your dream of a lifetime – becoming a lawyer.

VIRGO “The Virgin” Often the symbol for this zodiac sign is a virgin holding a sheaf of wheat that represents wisdom. Although you may be shy by nature and prefer to work behind the scenes, your wisdom often exudes in your need to help others and to make things better. However, you look at the benefits of allocating your time, energy, emotional involvement, and talents before you will take any physical action. Classes and activities that sharpen your negotiating skills will be very important in your preparations for law school.

LIBRA “The Scales” Scales often represent balance–between the individual and society; passion and intellect; and the physical and nonphysical worlds. You set out to achieve your goals in a variety of ways.

First, you begin with charm, although you will not hesitate to use aggressive methods to reach your goal. Second, you will not hesitate to walk away if you do not achieve your goal. Since law school is your goal, begin by preparing a strategy that will allow for balance in your life – balance between your personal life and the process of applying to law school which includes completing the application, writing, rewriting, and rewriting your personal statement, and studying for the Law School Admission Test.

SCORPIO “The Scorpion” Your FIRST reaction to any situation comes from your emotional side. After you have expressed your emotions, you access the situation from an intellectual point of view. You have a great ability to draw people in with your magnetism since you are primarily in touch with your emotional side. When your intellectual side takes over your strong will wants answers to every outstanding issue. This energy can lead you to become a “workaholic” so become a “workaholic” for your future in law school.

CAPRICORN “The Goat” The goat symbolizes your strength and agility to transverse rough mountains that you encounter in life. Although this personality trait may give you a great sense of pride don’t be afraid to ask for help with the law school application process.

You prefer to assess a situation by how YOU can benefit from the outcome. Since you always want to be a winner, you have difficulty with losing any competition. To be a “winner” in the law school application process, develop a game plan and put it into action. You will receive a gold medal once you receive an acceptance letter for law school.

AQUARIUS “The Water Carrier” The symbol of a man pouring water from a vessel represents your connection to humanity.

As a result, you are more interested in acquiring friends and acquaintances, working in groups, and playing team sports than obtaining personal wealth and fame. Also, you prefer the past or the future rather than the present, thus you have style that is not the current trend. As you begin the law school application process and feel the need to have other people around you, don’t get lost in the crowd. Begin to stand apart from other people by taking a leadership role within your community or school. As you prepare for law school, do not overlook polishing your public speaking skills for the classroom and courtroom.

PISCES “The Fish” As the final stage of man in the universe, Pisceans are generally a mosaic of the previous zodiac signs. You tend to develop the “positive” personality traits of the zodiac and thus you tend to look for perfection in people around you. This zodiac sign is two fish swimming in two directions. Do not get confused with the law school process by going in two directions while trying to determine your next step. Now is the time to develop the analytical skill of looking at both sides of an issue. This skill is essential in law school as well as in the legal environment.

Since its founding in 1905, Fordham Law has provided a complete legal education to talented and diverse students who graduate as leaders in the legal profession.

Become the next leader. law.fordham.edu

www.albanylaw.edu

5 TH OF 15 N.Y. LAW SCHOOLS FOR J.D.– REQUIRED JOBS

EVERY STUDENT TOP 10 PUBLIC INTEREST LAW SCHOOL IN THE NATION

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T H E L AW S C H O O L I N N E W YO R K ’ S C A P I TA L

BUILDING A B E T T E R F UT U R E .

Marquette University Law School’s superb teachers and scholars prepare you to excel in the legal profession and advocate for others. Visit us today in our stunning home in the heart of Milwaukee, Wis., and discover the difference you can make. law.marquette.edu

Pre-Law Timeline

in every issue

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.cleoscholars.org and register for the College Scholars Program 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 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

• Apply for ASAP and register for the College Scholars Program and CLEO Connection.

October • Order LSAT preparation materials and/or register for a preparation course. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE and PREPARE! December • 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 order a FREE copy of the CLEO Edge Magazine.

• Apply for ASAP and register for the College Scholars Program 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 15, 2015.

December • 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 15, 2016. *Seniors taking time off before applying to law school may apply for ASAP.

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the CLEO advantage

PREPARATION PREPARATION PREPARATION CLEO Pre-Law Summer InstituteIs Key Law School Success

“If I hadn’t attended CLEO, I would never have become a ____________ .”

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

(You fill in the blank with judge, lawyer, politician, etc.)

Thus goes the refrain from CLEO alumni nationwide. For more than 47 years, CLEO, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. has worked diligently to provide prelaw recruitment, counseling, placement assistance, and training to increase the number of qualified students in law school through its premier program the Pre-Law Summer Institute. Alumni testimonies to CLEO’s effectiveness come from federal judges to Members of Congress to successful businesspeople.

Since 1968, more than 10,000 diverse and/or economically disadvantaged students have been oriented to law school through CLEO’s rigorous, residential pre-law program that prepares students for law school. During the 2015 Summer Institute, only 50 students were selected to participate.

The Institute, hosted at The University of Mississippi School of Law, 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 on the CLEO track to becoming a successful law school student.

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to

CLEO applications are accepted online only. To apply, please visit our website, www.cleodivercitynetwork.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 Institute application.

Upon receipt of the application, CLEO will request an applicant’s CAS file from LSAC. You must take the LSAT

by February 15, 2016, to be considered for the Pre-Law Summer Institute.

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 15, 2016, at www. cleodivercitynetwork.org under the Pre-Law Programs tab/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.

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

the CLEO advantage

•

Apply to at least one CLEO Consortium Partner School or Supporting/Sustaining Institution

•

Return the Student Aid Report, if you are a lowincome applicant only, by March 30, 2016.

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.

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WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR THE SUMMER INSTITUTE? The Pre-Law Summer Institute is designed to assist all diverse and/or low-income students 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 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.

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 age and economic, educational, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. Admissions decisions are the responsibility of the CLEO Admissions Committee, Summer Institute directors, and the admissions 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 Pre-Law Summer Institute is $2,000. This includes room and board for four weeks, 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 $1,800 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter.

A nonprofit organization, CLEO, Inc. pays the law schools

that host the Summer Institute approximately $4,000 per student for her/his residential Pre-Law experience. A few students selected from the low-income category pay a fee of $700. These students are generally first-generation college graduates from families that are living below the poverty level. Applicants whose parents earn above $40,000 annually will not be considered for low-income status. Low-income applicants must submit a copy of his/ her Student Aid Report to CLEO in order to complete his/her application. The SAR is obtained from the U.S. Department of Education at http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa.

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 $1,800 balance is due 20 days from the date of the acceptance letter. A 90% refund of the $1,800 will be granted provided that the request is made in writing and received in the CLEO office by April 25, 2016. NO refunds will be made for cancellations received after April 25, 2016.

WHERE ARE THE INSTITUTE LOCATIONS? The Summer Institute locations vary from year to year.

Most recently, they have been held at The University of Mississippi School of Law. 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 Institute begins in early June.

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 ABA-approved 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.

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At Sheppard Mullin we work hard to ensure that all the pieces are in place to achieve lasting diversity and inclusion — whether it’s the pipeline to law school and the profession or retention, advancement and leadership. — Guy Halgren, Firm Chair

is proud to support the Council on Legal Education Opportunity Beijing | Brussels | Century City | Chicago | Del Mar | London | Los Angeles | New York Orange County | Palo Alto | San Diego | San Francisco | Seoul | Shanghai | Washington, D.C.

www.sheppardmullin.com

A diverse community of leaders At Moritz, diversity is a way of life that is embedded into our culture and spirit.

We offer a variety of full and partial scholarship opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Recipients have included students of different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, sexual orientation, and professional backgrounds, as well as students who have worked extensively with diverse populations.

We are proud that 44 percent of our faculty are women, nearly 20 percent are people of color, and 25 percent of our students in the Class of 2015 are people of color.

We invite you to learn more about our community!

Contact us at moritzlaw.osu.edu or lawadmit@osu.edu

influence

inspire

lead

respect

feature

Coming to Grips with

by Bernetta J. Hayes

Legal education is in flux. More flexible ABA accreditation standards (Krantz, Millemann, 2014), declining student applications, and cost of legal education are but some of the things causing a shakeup in the legal academy. In the current climate, law schools have responded with career focused, accelerated, and experiential curricula and programs not only to attract new students, but to better prepare law students for practice.

In late June 2015, CLEO polled more than 200 ABA-approved law schools to determine what changes they had instituted in the last two years that could influence a student’s decision to attend their law school. Almost 10 percent of the law schools--either current or previous partners of CLEO’s Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education--responded with a breadth of programs. These methods are explored on the next pages.

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© Rawpixel

Law Schools Respond With Innovative Approaches

Experiential Learning From the Carnegie Foundation to the American Bar Association, many inside and outside the legal profession have called “for law schools to offer a broad range of curricular initiatives in addition to traditional casebook offerings” (NYC Bar Association, 2013). Eight law school respondents report they have developed initiatives that provide students direct experiences outside a traditional academic setting. New England Law | Boston; Northeastern Law School; University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law; The University of Iowa College of Law; University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; Washington University School of Law; Western New England University School of Law; and Willamette University College of Law tout experiential learning opportunities for their students.

According to Deborah Feldman, Director of Communications for Northeastern University School of Law, “Northeastern law students are guaranteed a year of full-time, handson legal practice experience with employers worldwide.”

Ranked by The National Jurist as number 1 for practical training, “[Northeastern] continually improve[s] our program to meet the needs of our students,” said Feldman.

© Sergey Nivens

At New England Law | Boston’s Summer Fellowship Program, “Summer fellows gain hands-on experience and develop valuable connections with practicing attorneys and firms while earning a $3,500 school-paid stipend.”

Washington University School of Law in St. Louis offers students 18 clinical opportunities. Additionally, with the law school’s Semester in Practice program, “we fit our externships to our students’ interests rather than requiring students to fit their interests to our externships,” stated Ann Nicholson, Director, Marketing and Communications.

Accelerated Programs As a result of student concerns about soaring costs, student debt, and a difficult job market, there has been an emerging trend to develop accelerated JD programs.

Even President Obama has weighed in on the issue: “This is probably controversial to say…I believe that law schools would probably be wise to think about being two years instead of three years.”

The accelerated programs usually take one of the following forms: `` A “3+3 JD program” or “BA to JD program” is a program in which students combine certain requirements of a bachelor’s degree (usually a BA) with the requirements of the Juris Doctor degree. Students receive their bachelor›s degree after completing the first year of law school. Typically, students complete the two degrees in six years rather than the usual seven. At some law schools this program is known as the Six-Year Law Scholars Program.

`` A “2-year JD program” is a Juris Doctor degree that is offered independently of a bachelor’s degree. Typically, students are required to complete the same number of credit hours as traditional three-year JD students, but in a more condensed period. `` Creighton University School of Law, New York Law School, and Willamette University College of Law all have two-year JD programs. New York Law has reduced the cost of its two-year program by one-third.

“New York Law School is the first law school in the nation to reduce the cost of tuition for an accelerated program by a third,” said Mae Estrada, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and Deputy Diversity Officer... [Furthermore] New York Law School will also guarantee postgraduate fellowships to all two-year honor students through partnerships with firms, companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.” `` The University of Iowa College of Law and the University of Southern California Gould School of Law have the “3+3 JD program,” while the University of MissouriKansas City School of Law has devised the Six-Year Law Scholars Program. `` Western New England University School of Law has frozen its tuition at the 2013-2014 level through the 2017-2018 academic year.

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feature

Law School Programs and Trends Law Schools

3+3 JD Program

Six-Year Program

2-Year JD Program

Other Accelerated Programs

University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

Experiential Learning



Innovative Programs

Mentoring Program; LEAP Barry Boot Camp(LSAT Prep); Admission2Oath (academic success)

Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law



Boston University School of Law University of California at Los Angeles School of Law

 

Elective Courses for 1Ls



Creighton University School of Law Empire College School of Law

Masters of Law



Masters of Law; Advanced Standing JD

University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law



Freddie Gray’s Baltimore: Past, Present & Moving Forward

University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth



The University of Iowa College of Law



University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law

No LSAT required if maintain a 3.5 cumulative



New England Law | Boston



New York Law School Northeastern University School of Law



Summer Fellowship Program



Postgraduate Fellowship Guarantee



Cooperative Legal Education Program Pathways - A Career Planning Website

South Texas College of Law University of Southern California Gould School of Law

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Elective Courses for 1Ls Part-time JD Course Sequencing

JD/LLM in Advocacy

Stetson University College of Law



International Semester in Practice

Villanova University School of Law



Professional Development

Washington University School of Law



Negotiation & Dispute Resolution LLM

Western New England University School of Law



Tuition freeze; Law Office Management Course

Whittier Law School



Accelerator to Practice Program

Suffolk University Law School

Willamette University College of Law

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



Master of Legal Studies

© Krasimira Nevenova

feature

Innovative Programs On the other hand, many law schools are making ambitious reforms “because they believe these reforms will make them more competitive in attracting applicants.” (Krantz, Millemann, 2014). Northeastern Law, for example, allows its law students to work under the supervision of all types of professionals, not just lawyers, in its Cooperative Legal Education Program. “By allowing students to work under the supervision of non-lawyer professionals, we are opening up opportunities for law students to explore business environments in which the combination of legal and business expertise will allow them to more nimbly navigate the wider marketplace,” opined Deborah Feldman.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law employs a Mentoring Program for 1Ls. Law students are assigned a mentor who practices in the area of law the student intends to practice. After developing a career plan, the student completes 10 hours of job shadowing - an unpaid, on-the-job learning opportunity in an occupational area of interest to the student.

Alternatively South Texas College of Law has developed a detailed website around many legal fields, what it is like to practice in those fields, and how to plan a curriculum to help students to plan their careers. This new tool should help students focus on their course selections.

Other law schools have developed: ff Master of Law programs; ff Programs where students are not required to take the LSAT; ff Fundamentals of business courses; and ff Elective courses in the first year Law schools have set in motion many new approaches (see graph for a more detailed list of program innovations) to respond to market forces, declining student applications, budget reductions, and increased law school competition.

One thing is certain; change has come to legal education.

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Interested in law school? We give you choices!

Two Georgia cities, two ABA accredited law schools.

www.johnmarshall.edu

no application fee

June LSAT scores accepted

JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.) PROGRAMS Full-Time Day Full-Time Day (Spring Entry) Full-Time Day Criminal Justice Honors Part-Time Day Part-Time Evening

Earn your Juris Doctor degree in Savannah or Atlanta

www.savannahlawschool.org

no application fee

June LSAT scores accepted

Full-Time and Part-Time J.D. Programs

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YouTube. Twitter. Facebook. Text messages. Instagram. Smartphones.

High School students are bedazzled by a countless array of internet-based tools and platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information. This new form of media—social media— makes the transfer of text, photos, audio, video, and information in general increasingly fluid among internet users.

© Pinksnow | Dreamstime.com - Social Media Photo

What Is Your Social Media Brand?

10 steps to ensure your entry into college

By Bernetta J. Hayes

feature Yet teenagers often engage in indiscreet behavior, bullying or posting disparaging remarks online.

And increasingly colleges are keeping track of high school students’ social media mentions. In fact, research from Kaplan Test Prep suggests that online scrutiny of college hopefuls is growing.

“Students’ social media and digital footprint can sometimes play a role in the admissions process,” said Christine Brown, the executive director of K-12 and college prep programs at Kaplan Test Prep.

“It’s something that is becoming more ubiquitous and less looked down upon.”

What can you do to make sure your “brand,” your digital identity is appealing to colleges and universities? Excerpted from The Education Portal, following are 10 things you should NOT post on Facebook to help you avoid self sabotage so you can present the most appealing version of yourself.

1Over-the-Top Party Pictures You may be proud of what you see as your wild ways now, but you probably won’t be in a few years. It’s one thing to post pictures of you and your friends having fun, but posting pictures of any age-inappropriate activities is just going to look immature. Post this kind of content at your own risk.

2Stupidly Insensitive Jokes You might think that a certain racially charged joke is just hilarious, but not everyone is amused. The point of Facebook is to make social connections, not to alienate people. If you think there’s any chance that someone might be hurt or feel targeted by a Facebook post, you should consider just not posting it.

3R-Rated Memes No one with any common sense is going to suggest that high schoolers only access age-appropriate, squeakyclean content online. But that doesn’t mean you should force everyone else to see the gross and weird stuff you see online by posting it in your Facebook feed. This is especially true if you have younger siblings or friends who might be upset or disturbed by what you posted.

4Relationship Drama Ah, young love. Nothing seems as urgent or important.

And nothing makes adults feel more snidely smug.

Even if you are “it’s complicated” with the object of your

affection, keeping the sordid details to yourself can help protect you and your social circle from unnecessary and potentially incriminating drama.

5Insults About Teachers It’s not unheard of for students to get in trouble for stuff they’ve posted online. You might feel the need to vent about a teacher, but it’s best to do that in a way that can’t be recorded and used as evidence in punishment.

6Bullying Classmates It can be easy to gang up on people online, since it is indisputably easier to insult someone when you don’t have to look them in the eye. But again, you can get in trouble for the things you say on Facebook. Plus, you’ll just come off looking like a jerk if you bully a classmate on a social network. Why would you want to show that side of yourself in such a permanent way?

7Anything You Wouldn’t Want Your Parents to See This is a pretty good general rule of thumb - you might think your posts are completely protected, but most parents have Facebook these days, and your parents are probably way more Internet-savvy than you’d like to think. If you post about stuff you know you’ll get in trouble for, you’ll only have yourself to blame when you actually do get caught because of something you stupidly decided to share with the public.

8Anything You Wouldn’t Want a College Admissions Board to See Again, you might think your Facebook is totally safe from prying eyes, but it’s always possible that you forgot to finalize a certain privacy setting. Why put stuff out there in public that’s going to make you look like an idiot?

Facebook searches are a pretty standard part of the job application process at this point. Everyone expects it.

You should probably make the same assumption about college admissions boards. Don’t share any information you wouldn’t want to be judged by.

9Links to Questionable Web Content You might think that “NSFW” (Not suitable/safe for work) link is hilarious, but your older sister - who happened to click that link while at work - might not share your opinion.

bkGossip Like bullying, gossip is particularly easy to spread online.

But there’s no way to backpedal when everyone saw you post something with your name and picture right next to it. Save yourself the social trouble and just steer clear of gossip on Facebook.

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THE

VERDICT IS IN

PreLaw Magazine ranks St. Mary’s Law among the nation’s “Most Diverse Law Schools” and U.S. News & World Report rates St. Mary’s Law at the top of “The Most Diverse Law Schools” list for those in Texas — and within the top 25 nationally.

The Law School of San Antonio law.stmarytx.edu

Temple Law School

Nationally ranked programs in Trial Advocacy, International Law, and Experiential Learning Talented and diverse student body from all over the world Distinguished faculty of teacher-scholars who embody the law school’s philosophical diversity DC Law & Public Policy Program

Temple’s unique learning community is housed in the heart of a thriving, urban university located in the middle of Philadelphia, a major financial, commercial and cultural center.

Under the leadership of Dean JoAnne A. Epps, Temple’s highly qualified and diverse students and alumni continue to make their mark in the ever-changing world of 21st century legal practice in Philadelphia, the United States and around the globe.

1719 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19122 800-560-1428 law.temple.edu

JoAnne A. Epps, Dean

tlaw-CLEO-8x5-2014.indd 1

3/27/2014 4:59:16 PM

Located on Long Island in Central Islip, NY, Touro Law Center is the only law school adjacent to both federal and state courthouses and the only law school with a Public Advocacy Center housing 15 nonprofit organization offices.

•

Students earn their law degree in 2, 3, 4 or 5 years through flexible full-time, part-time day and part-time evening programs. Students may now begin their legal studies in January.

•

Our latest entering class includes 46% minority students and 58% women.

•

84% of entering students receive scholarships. Additionally, significant scholarships are awarded to continuing students after their first year of law school.

•

Touro Law Center’s comprehensive curriculum has been designed to prepare students for the successful practice of law through hands-on, practical experience beginning in the first year of law school.

•

Touro Law guarantees every student a clinical experience in addition to benefiting from a robust summer internship program.

ALL LAWYERS ARE EDUCATED. OUR LAWYERS ARE PREPARED.

225 Eastview Drive | Central Islip, NY 11722 (631) 761-7000 | www.tourolaw.edu

feature

An Open Conversation with Community College Students

Community college students, you are the new “hope” for law schools.

Why? The U.S. legal system and legal community need to reflect the diversity of the broader society and embrace its varied perspectives. Typically community college students are diverse, first generation college, adult, veterans, and/or lowerto-middle income students. You demonstrate academic success and an ability to cope with changing academic environments. You interact with international students daily and are found in large, mid-size, and small cities, as well as rural communities. As a community college student you have all the ingredients to . . . Make your law school dream come true.

Even President Barack Obama believes so! In a speech about America’s College Promise at Pellissippi State Community College he said, “for millions of Americans, community colleges are essential pathways to the middle class … that’s what community colleges are about – the idea that no one with drive and discipline should be left out, should be locked out of opportunity, and certainly that nobody with that drive and discipline should be denied a college education.”

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by Matthew Niziol

What can you do to enhance your chances of becoming a successful law school candidate?

1. Manage transitions. Learn to manage the transition from high school to college, from undeclared to declared majors, from Associates degree to Bachelor’s degree, and from home-life to student-life. Students who do not master these transitions get lost in the crowd, lose focus on academic progress, and often fail to earn a degree even though they pass their classes. Use your advisor to help you cope with the challenges of being “in transition.”

2. Strengthen your GPA. High school GPA and SAT/ACT scores were not kind to all students. Beginning your General Education classes in the smaller community college environment with the highest GPA possible will make you an appealing law school candidate in the application process junior year. Many community college students start their education with Developmental Math

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

on becoming a pre-law student

feature and English that can derail a pre-law student’s timeline, and deflate their self-esteem. Don’t let these extra classes deter you. Developmental classes won’t influence your GPA, but they will make it possible to get high grades in these areas later; and they do take up class time on your calendar. If you are taking Developmental classes in the fall and spring, plan to take classes in the summer to stay on track for transfer. GPA is crucial for your transfer (now and into law school), so find the resources to strengthen your GPA from week one, not at mid-term.

but your academic advisor will guide your choices so you do not waste money on non-transferrable classes. Be wary of paralegal degree programs because they often do not transfer to universities.

5. Seek academic success. Visit your advisor often to learn “assertive advising skills” so when you transfer you will be an “assertive” student and self-advocate in the law school application process. Community colleges offer you an “available” advisor not an “invisible” advisor.

An “assertive student” searches for key components

3. Know thy professor. All community college classes are supported by math and writing centers, tutoring, and student-focused faculty, whereas, universities can only offer these benefits to honor students. There will be no auditorium-sized lectures for you. Therefore, your responsibility is to get to know your professors. At the beginning of each semester, choose the professors who will write your Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for transfer; then do the things you want them to write about.

Visit during your professors’ office hours and expect that they will know you. Ask questions in class that encourage discussion. Connect classwork with campus activities with the confidence that your professor knows what is happening on campus. Good luck trying that at a 30,000 student university! As a community college student, YOU will benefit from these engaging educational interactions later when you have small and interactive law school classes.

© Rawpixel

4. Plan today’s classes with tomorrow’s degree in mind. Pre-law students often ask what major to choose for law school. Community college students should ask which degree program transfers to a university. Community college degrees are usually very broad like AS-Science, AS-Business Administration, ASLiberal Arts. So, pre-law students often find themselves assigned to AS-Social Science degree along with students in history, political science, and public administration. The name of the community college degree is less important than the skills of critical reading, research, intensive writing, small group work/collaboration, and analysis. Ask your academic advisor to recommend majors and classes and professors that teach as well as reinforce these skills.

The majority of your “core” classes transfer to universities,

of success by finding the advising center, financial aid/ scholarship office, student life office, and their professors’ offices early. An assertive student doesn’t blindly take the next class in sequence. S/he chooses professors that teach beyond class content and include skills for research, writing, and group projects. Look for honors classes to make the “Core Curriculum” pop from your transcript. And, every semester you are going to apply for scholarships to pay for books, classes, and parking passes because the cost of attendance at the university will double your community college tuition. Practice advocating for yourself at the community college level and you will learn how to advocate for clients as a lawyer.

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admission as a senior in high school-with their parents’ help. Take advantage of your university transfer to master the process of choosing schools based on: testing scores, tuition cost, financial aid, size, location, reputation, and access to faculty and student-friendly environment.

The selection process will be roughly the same for law school. Learn when and how to request Letters of Recommendation, gather transcripts, complete personal essays, apply for financial aid, and submit application fees.

6. Engage in campus life and beyond.

The most daunting co-curricular task for community college students is attending regional and national events/ conferences. Academic advisors and professors can help you search for programs like Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) to prepare you for law school, as well as conferences related to your major. Push your college staff to help you find these events, but don’t be deterred if you are referred to another office. Be tenacious.

Your university counterparts are meeting each other at conferences and you need to be there too!

7. Prepare for Tomorrow’s Success. Community college students should sail through the law school application process, because you get so many chances to practice completing applications (high school to college, college to university, then university to law school). Most university students complete their only application for

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college jargon for good grades. Since community college students usually commute, don’t overload your semesters. Register only for the number of credits you can complete with a “B or better” GPA. Pre-law students with poor grades at the community college plead to law school admissions staff, “I was better/more focused at the university in my major.” That might be true, but GPA is all consuming in the application process and the Law School Admissions Council counts every grade.

Finally, how will you cover the tuition bill? Scholarships!

Students applying for scholarships and FAFSA at a community college can save money for university and law school tuitions. Learning now to apply for and win scholarships every semester will pay dividends.

President Obama points out that, “Whether you’re the first in your family to go to college, or coming back to school after many years away, community colleges find a place for you. And you can get a great education” Now that you have the information necessary to be a community college student on the pre-law track, embrace the intimate environment of the community college and capitalize on being a Big Fish in a Small Pond. Seek the college structures that support your aspirations and leave a good example for the students after you to follow. And, go buy your college’s t-shirt and wear it proudly.

Note: The term community college includes all 2-year institutions; universities include all 4-year institutions.

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University tuition, campus population, and student activities will exponentially increase in comparison to your community college, but bigger is not always better. More students in a student organization make it harder to move into leadership positions. Community college students can perfect leadership skills on smaller campuses making a more meaningful and sustainable impact than most university freshmen who get lost in large students organizations. Your goal over four years is to find the clubs and special events that relate to your major or career and to eliminate other clubs that distract from your success.

“Satisfactory Academic Progress” is

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Preparing for Law School:

College Freshmen

By RJ Holmes-Leopold

You have a pretty clean slate, it's up to you what goes on it moving forward.

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?

Take courses you find interesting and that you will excel in.

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Take courses that help you refine your skills-regardless if you become a lawyer.

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

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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.

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.

college scholars 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.

Get involved in activities that help you develop soft skills.

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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.

Take the time to explore the legal industry.

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, nonprofit 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.

Connect with your Pre-Law Advisor/Advisor.

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 pre-law 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.

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Preparing for Law School:

College Sophomore

by Dr. Robert Webking

So now you’re a sophomore -

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 two-thirds 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 42

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

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

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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.

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!

college scholars 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 wellfocused 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 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 pronounantecedent 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.

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 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.

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Preparing for Law School:

College junior

by Elizabeth Boretz

Refine Your Writing

Tell Your Story

Continue taking as many opportunities as you can to develop and enjoy your writing; this is a lifelong reality whether you are in law or most any elite profession. In large part, how you present yourself in writing will determine how employers, educators, admissions professionals and colleagues rate your credibility and competence. In your Junior Year, you are faced with larger written projects in class. These projects will advance your expertise and analytical skills. Seeking the support of writing tutors and your instructors along the way, and placing as much care on how you express yourself as on what you are saying, will optimize your progress as a scholar and future professional.

When you cannot communicate through a handshake, smiles and eye contact, you must learn to convey your sincerity and professionalism in written form. Writing well is a universally recognized way of expressing your respect for the reader.

Your story is exceptional and captivating. As an underrepresented student, you must remember that your family’s sacrifices, achievements, and the obstacles that you have overcome empower you to enrich any group or profession that you join. In your personal written statements for scholarships, internships, law school admission, and in casual or formal oral interviews, share openly about yourself. I have read hundreds of drafts of students’ personal statements. The narratives that stand out are the ones that transported me into the student’s or his or her family’s brightest or darkest moments, and then tied those stories to the student’s sense of purpose today. You can be formal and professional, while still being personal in how you present your uniqueness. Use this year to define and embrace your own story.

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© ryflip

Your Junior Year status means that you have committed to a major, having come to recognize your genuine talents and passion. You have taken the courageous step of being true to yourself by following the pathway that has illuminated itself before you. This also means that your circle of friends is shifting; you may be feeling disloyal to your family at times, and self-doubt may occasionally tempt you to stop and turn around.

Build your confidence and preparedness this year, so that you will be ready for your application season that is coming up in another year or more, depending on your plans. Your areas of focus this year need to be in advancing your writing, knowing how to tell your story, immersing yourself into the professional world, taking risks and being competitive, and gaining familiarity with the LSAT and application process. In a nutshell, Junior Year is the time to harness the power of your support system and take control of your destiny.

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Immerse Into the Professional World The connections you make by volunteering or interning in a law office, even just an hour or two a week, will prove to be invaluable. However, there are other important ways to prepare yourself for law school admission. Focus on your major, whether it is in management, engineering, art, social sciences or anything at all, and find an internship relevant to your field of study. While you are there, make your law school aspirations known, and see what the ties are between your major area of study and the field of law.

If you have not yet done so, visit a career counselor on your campus. This is the time to break away from the student jobs you held in your first years of college and to seek paid or unpaid work where you are taking a preprofessional role. Even if you need to travel far away for the summer or a longer period to do this, work with your family and campus resources to find a way to make it possible.

Gain Familiarity with the LSAT and Admissions Process First and foremost, take advantage of all of The Council on Legal Education Opportunity’s (CLEO) programs available to you. If you have not yet attended an LSAT workshop or practice test hosted by CLEO on your campus, speak to your pre-law advisor to learn more. Also, explore the for-profit test preparation organizations, as they offer many free-of-charge training sessions and exam preparation materials in print and online. On your own or with your campus’ pre-law organization, visit law schools and meet with

admission professionals. If you need to, ask questions about support for application fee waivers and tuition assistance. Plan your timeline and strategy to ensure that you will know when to apply and how to map out the long-term preparations for that.

Take Risks Applying to law school, earning your law degree and facing the job market will be competitive experiences.

Prepare yourself in your Junior Year by seeking opportunities to compete: run for office in your student government; enter an elite or prestigious national competition, such as Truman or a local debate or speech competition or other award; find out how to join a community organization’s Board of Directors; or ask your professors about opportunities to research, publish or present at a conference. The sooner you can overcome the feelings of intimidation or fear of rejection in unfamiliar situations, the sooner you will see that you have the confidence to heighten your goals and take risks. Set a short-term goal to take a new risk, and enlist your friends, mentors or others whom you trust to hold you to these commitments.

As an underrepresented student pursuing the field of law, you are a source of pride and hope for your community. Walking through your Junior Year, remember that you are now a role model for the less experienced students who will follow behind you, and it is up to you to stay on course with your goals.

Stride into the role of pre-professional with confidence and openness to risk, stay true to your story, make connections, and make your needs and talents known.

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college scholars

Preparing for Law School:

College seniors

by Glenn E. Bell

Your senior year of college can be a very exciting time. The anticipation of graduating and heading out into the “real world” can be a bittersweet prospect for many students. But for those who are planning on attending law school, there is still a lot of work to do in your last year of your undergraduate experience.

GPA. Law schools will have access to your entire undergraduate and graduate transcripts, but in most cases, the heaviest emphasis will be put on your undergraduate GPA. All the courses you have taken from the time you receive your high school diploma to the time you receive your initial

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LSAT. It is important to create an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). LSAC helps you to manage the application process through several services.

The summer prior to your senior year, into the first semester of that year, is an excellent time to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) through

LSAC. The LSAT is a test of logical and analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension. These skills are essential for the study and practice of law. In addition, is correlation established between success on the LSAT and the Bar Exam. While the test is not a predictor of how good a law student or lawyer you will be, it is the only criteria in your application package that is consistent for every applicant.

Preparation is the key to success on the LSAT, and no matter how you prepare, the effects are cumulative, meaning the preparation is practice. As you practice, you become more adept at the skills tested, and you become better at them.

Think of this in the context of a sport,

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This is the ideal time to apply to law school. The process can take up to a year, so it will be in your best interest to get started early. Your application package is made up of seven parts: Your grade point average (GPA), transcripts, LSAT score, the actual application, the letters of recommendation (LOR), personal statement (PS), and any supplemental statements that you submit.

Bachelor’s degree will be considered as part of your GPA for law school admissions. While your graduate school degree is important, your graduate school GPA will not weigh as heavily in a decision.

Your GPA will not stand alone as a number without context. Rather the admissions committee will see what courses you have taken, in the order that you have taken them, and how you performed semester by semester. This will provide context in the event that you have had a particularly challenging semester.

©Igor Mojzes

or a musical instrument, the more you practice a particular skill, the better you become at it. No one begins the process as an LSAT Master, this will come in time over the course of your preparation. This is a marathon – not a sprint!

There are many services that offer LSAT preparation, but cost can be prohibitive, so many students choose to prepare on their own. The good news is that there has been no study to support the benefits of a specific type of preparation, only evidence that students who prepare perform better than students who do not. Think about your personal learning style, and assess which method of preparation will benefit you most. It is vital that you plan to take the LSAT only once, achieving your ideal score the first time you take it. Some students want to take the test just to see what it’s like. This may be a serious tactical mistake, as students often do not improve significantly in multiple administrations of the test.

Too often, students can score lower on subsequent tests, which will not be ideal in the eyes of the admissions committee.

law school and the legal profession.

When considering the length of a personal statement: consider how long a personal statement you would like to read.

Supplemental Material.

Many law schools offer the opportunity for you to add a supplemental statement to your application package.

The most common of these is a diversity statement. Often, students are reluctant to write a diversity statement because of concerns that an admissions committee will view it negatively. The opposite is true; so long as you have a wellwritten diversity statement it can add tremendous value to your application package. It gives the committee additional information about who PS. Your personal statement is the part you are and what value you bring of the application package where you to an incoming class. As with all get to talk about your dreams, goals, submissions, details and specific and reasons for applying to law school. examples will serve you best in a Many law schools provide a specific diversity statement. question to which you can respond for your personal statement. Applicants LOR. It is important to get letters of are strongly encouraged to adhere recommendation from professors who to the application’s instructions. In know you can and will speak positively cases where the application does about your ability to excel while not provide a format, students may performing complex, high level work. write their personal statement on the Recommendations from professors topic. The personal statement should you have had in the past will carry share more than occurrences from the most weight, however, if students your life. It should convey how you felt have been out of college for 5 years about those occurrences, how it has or more, professional references are influenced your decision to apply, and often permitted and can serve as how it will assist you in succeeding in strong letters as well.

Choosing Your Law School.

Perhaps the most important decision you will make in this process is where to apply to law school. One of the great tools for assessing your quantitative criteria, LSAT score and GPA, is the Boston College Law School Locator. This online tool allows you to see which schools are looking for applicants in your score range.

This is an excellent starting point for your search, but remember, law schools look at a variety of criteria in making decisions about applicants.

One method is to make a list of the attributes that you are looking for in a law school. Find the 5-7 schools that most closely match the list, and apply to those schools.

Once the acceptance letters start rolling in, it’s important to visit as many schools as possible. The best way to get to know the school of your choice is by walking around the campus and talking to students. Many law schools offer specific days for admitted law students to visit.

The transition from your undergraduate experience to law school can be a very smooth and enjoyable one if approached properly. As you wind down your college days, and prepare for professional school, keep in mind that this is not a time of endings, but an ideal time to prepare for your next educational experience.

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college scholars

Law Schools Admissions:

To Apply or Not to Apply...

by Tracy L. Simmons, J.D. & Michael J. States, J.D. Since Fall 2010, LSAT takers, applications to law schools, and matriculants to law schools have declined every year from the prior year. This has begged a couple of questions: 1) is it easier to get into law school these days since applications are down? 2) Can I go to law school for free or minimal cost since there are fewer applications and schools seem to have increased their scholarship budgets? These are both complex questions with multifaceted answers. We will attempt to provide general advice on how you can handle both the application and scholarship process to law school and discuss some other issues that are related to the decline in applications to law school.

Applying to Law School You may have noticed that acceptance rates have risen at some law schools. Despite this, the basic rules of the application process have not changed. And yet, there are those who believe that because law schools are accepting more of their applicants, the rules no longer apply. That is absolutely not true. Not following the instructions, deadlines, and other rules that law schools have, is a huge red flag on your law school application. You can send a message to an admission committee that you are the kind of student they would like to have, just by following their rules and instructions. Remember, as law school applications are declining, schools are reducing the size of their incoming classes at the same time. Not only is this reduction due to the decrease in applications, it also due to a reduction in the number of lawyers who are being hired by large law firms and other legal employers.

Large law firms employ such a large number of law school graduates that when they reduced the number of new

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law graduates they were hiring, it negatively impacted the percentage of lawyers employed at graduation and nine months after graduation - the two times that the employment rate is measured. This is all to say, the law school admission process is still quite competitive and no school is going to take someone who they believe is unprofessional in their behavior and presentation.

The American Bar Association, through ABA Standard 509, now requires law schools to publish information on their websites that provide you the opportunity to get more detailed information on: the number of applications a law school received; the number of students admitted; and the number who matriculated. We would suggest you view this information for every school you are applying to and get a sense of how competitive the application process is at those law schools.

Scholarships There has certainly been an increase in the amount of scholarship funds offered by law schools during the last four years. Law schools are also offering scholarships to a wider range of admitted students. This means that students who weren’t eligible for merit based awards in the past might be eligible for them now. Institutions might also have identified funds beyond merit scholarships for admitted students. These could include need based aid and grants or scholarships tied to public interest/ public service. While the chances for admitted students to receive scholarships have increased, if you receive a scholarship offer, ask the following. What are the terms for renewing the scholarship? The terms are generally

college scholars in the scholarship offer, but if not, you should not accept any scholarship without knowing what the renewal terms are. What percentage of the class was awarded a scholarship? The answer to this question is particularly helpful if you are required to maintain a particular ranking in the class to renew the scholarship. For example, if 90% of the class is awarded a scholarship, and one has to remain in the top third of the class to retain a scholarship, most of those awarded a scholarship are going to lose it. Along the same line, ask: How many people lost their scholarship? Again, this question will give you a sense of how likely it is that you retain your scholarship.

Another emerging issue in the area of scholarships is the ability to negotiate scholarship offers with different law schools. If the law school is not clear that they don’t negotiate scholarships, you can certainly ask them if they are willing to increase the award they have given you. If you are going to do this, first of all you should respectfully ask if the school is willing to increase the award. You also should be willing to share the scholarship offer letters from the other schools you have scholarship offers from. If the school is willing to negotiate scholarship offers, you are more likely to be successful in your negotiations if you behave in a professional manner during the negotiation process. You also should only negotiate an increased scholarship offer with a school if it is where you would trulyAds_CMLaw15 like to ultimately attend.

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Summary The bottom line is that if you are thinking about going to law school, you should engage in quite a bit of investigation into the legal profession and know for certain why you want to pursue a legal education. This includes researching the job market more closely by looking at websites for the American Bar Association (ABA), the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics, as well as others. Job placement after law school, while on the uptick, has not returned to pre-2010 levels. If you decide that a legal education is something you’re going to pursue, even in the face of a smaller number of applications and jobs, behaving with honesty and professionalism is more likely to lead to success in the admissions and scholarship processes.

Remember that for the majority of schools, the admissions and scholarship processes are still quite competitive.

Thus, applying in a timely manner, following the application instructions, answering all applicable questions on the application - including all of the supplemental information asked for - meeting all applicable deadlines, and presenting yourself as a professional at all times, makes it more likely that you will find the success that you are looking for in the admission and scholarship process.

Or at least improve your chance of success.

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adm@wsulaw.edu

WSULAW.edu

1111 North State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831

Argosy University is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, www.wascsenior.org). Western State College of Law at Argosy University is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 988-5000). See wsuprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info. Programs, credential levels, technology and scheduling options are subject to change. Western State College of Law at Argosy University, 1111 North State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831-3014 ©2015 Western State College of Law. Our email address is csprogramadmin@edmc.edu.* Subject to ABA approval

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ENERGY LAW: THINK BROAD, THINK BIG!

by William Bennett*

© imagemagik

*The views expressed here are those of the author and not of the United States or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Mr. Bennett is an experienced Energy lawyer, and currently is a senior advisor at FERC.

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Much is changing in the field of energy and there are opportunities to lead and be a part of that change.

Energy affects all people, organizations, and nations on the globe. Now is a great time to be an energy lawyer to help craft legal solutions for global problems.

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feature I encourage prospective law students like you to consider a career as an Energy lawyer.

Lawyers play important and diverse roles in the field and engage in a great breadth of activities representing clients in energy matters.

Energy lawyers significantly impact the lives of millions of people as they: `` represent land owners in lease negotiations with oil and natural gas companies;

`` advise inventors about patent applications for new bio-fuels or solar panels;

`` draft legislation for senators about siting (getting permits to locate and install across someone’s land) high-voltage transmission lines;

`` represent tenants in litigation over electricity bills.

Nationwide change is happening. The United States has become less dependent on importing fuels to maintain our quality of living, due in part to hydraulic fracturing--also known as “fracking”--a technology for pumping fluid under high pressure through rock formations far below the earth’s surface to fracture the rock and release oil and gas deposited there. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by 2017, the country will export more natural gas than it imports.1 The country also will be on course to import far less crude oil and to produce far more at home.2 As these changes ripple through the American economy, there will be new opportunities for Energy lawyers to make a difference.

Globally, the energy field also is changing.

1 Annual Energy Outlook 2015, U.S. Energy

Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C., April 2015, at ES-4.

2 Id. 54

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Some governments are pushing to rapidly shift the world’s economies from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy, such as, wind, waves, and sunrays. Their goal is to reduce greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere when burning fossil fuel. Experts say such gases: 1. trap heat radiating off the earth’s surface from the sun; and that 2. trapped heat accelerates global warming with potentially dire consequences.

Other governments are pushing back to slow the pace of the shift. It is believed their economic development depends on using fossil fuels. These governments claim that developed nations now seeking to reduce fossil fuels use, do so after having already used them to power their own industrial growth. The same benefit should be accorded less developed nations. The United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris, December 2015, will seek agreement on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Opposing forces will be on display. This global dynamic means energy lawyers will help craft legal solutions for global problems.

Finally, energy law requires an understanding of general legal concepts coupled with specialized ones. For example, knowing what a contract is and how it is formed is general knowledge; understanding different ways to hold and transfer title to mineral rights is specialized knowledge. Both are useful to an energy lawyer who represents the landowner that wants to lease surface land and mineral rights to oil and gas companies. Grasping principles of cabining an agency’s discretion in administrative law is general knowledge; comprehending the particular operations of an independent regulatory agency like mine, the Federal Energy

©john takai

Regulatory Agency (FERC), through a seminar course is specialized knowledge. (“Cabining” is an administrative law term that means “containing, guiding, channeling.”) Both are valuable to an Energy lawyer whose clients are subject to government regulation. A sound foundation for an Energy lawyer is built on general and specialized courses, so take every opportunity to explore both.

On a daily basis, minority men and women Energy lawyers make a difference in the lives of so many people. The General Counsel of the electric utility that serves New York City, one of

the world’s major financial centers, is a minority woman; the General Counsel of a major energy company in St. Louis, a Midwestern commercial hub, is a minority man. At FERC, two of the five Commissioners are minority lawyers; one is the Chairman. Throughout their careers, they met and connected with people, so that when opportunities arose they could take advantage of them. Do the same. Think broad and think big. Congratulations as you begin the journey to become an Energy lawyer!

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Pursue Justice at UMass Law At UMass Law you will …

Gain experience

Named to National Jurist’s list of best law schools for practical training with diverse legal clinics and numerous field placements.

Choose a law school that will bring out your best.

Serve the public

Our Public Interest Fellows commit to community service and four years of post-graduate public service in return for

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a 50% scholarship.

Experience diversity

Top-ranked regional law school for black students and best bargain

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law school for Latina/o students.

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Over 70 unique courses offered every semester

•

Over 25 clinical programs and externships

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Over 30 student organizations

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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

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 100 LAW CENTER HOUSTON, TEXAS 77204-6060 713.743.2280 LAWADMISSIONS@UH.EDU LAW.UH.EDU

THE POWER OF LEGAL EDUCATION

The University of Houston Law Center is a dynamic, top tier school, empowering our students through legal education.

• Located in Houston, the nation’s 4th largest city with a thriving economy and a robust legal market • Consistently ranked in the Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for Intellectual Property and Health Law programs • Ranked 31st by The National Law Journal among ‘Go to’ law schools for graduates hired by the top 250 law firms • Named a ‘Best Value’ school by preLaw Magazine • Offers JD/MBA, JD/MA, JD/MSW, JD/MPH, JD/MD, and JD/Ph.D. • Offers joint JD program with University of Calgary law school in International Energy Law allowing students to earn both Canadian and American law degrees in 4 years Hands-on clinical programs in precedent-setting cases in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court • Living in Houston, home of the world’s largest health care and medical complex and recognized as the energy capital of the world with multiple Fortune 500 company headquarters

APPLY NOW: LAW.UH.EDU/ADMISSIONS The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One institution and an EEO/AA institution.

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CLEO is excited to introduce Asunción “Sunny” Hostin to a generation of new law students.

Ms. Hostin is a rising star in legal practice and the media’s understanding of legal news.

A former Assistant United States Attorney and legal expert, Ms. Hostin is sought after for analysis of provocative legal issues and high-profile criminal cases. She has served since 2007 as a contributing legal analyst for CNN and Headline News.

A WALK ON THE SUNNY SIDE

BY LYNDA CEVALLOS, ESQ.

Ms. Hostin shares her journey and wisdom as a lawyer, journalist, social commentator, wife, and mother with Pre-Law and law students in an exclusive interview for CLEO EDGE Magazine.

Our CLEO EDGE Editor in Chief and Director of Pre-Law Educational Activities for CLEO, Lynda Cevallos, a first-generation Latina attorney, talks one-on-one with Ms. Hostin:

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Asunción “Sunny” Hostin WINTER/SPRING 2016

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We want to impress upon our CLEO Pre-law students the impact a mentor can have. Given your background and all of your great accomplishments, you are seen as a role model. Or as you call yourself “a possibility model”.

It was something my mom talked about often, especially coming from Puerto Rico; having a grandmother who didn’t speak English. I studied Journalism in college as well as Pre-Law.

When you were growing up, did you have a mentor or someone you looked up to in the legal field? If so, who was that person?

It was often said - at least in our home “that Education brought real power - and there is real power in knowing your rights.”

My mother would also say that I was really great at arguing. Being a lawyer just suited me well.

Because my parents just poured everything they had into me, I took their guidance very seriously.

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I really didn’t know any lawyers.

My mom went to college parttime for 8 years before getting a degree and told me she did that to make sure I knew I had to go to college. It was not an option.

Although I didn’t have a legal mentor while growing up, the success I’ve experienced in my career has been a direct result of having several mentors in different areas of the legal profession.

I believe it’s instrumental to ev-

eryone’s success. As a child, I was very lucky to have had my parents as my role models/mentors, and my cheerleaders.

CLEO’s mission is to diversify the legal profession. I saw that you were on the fall 2014 cover of Diversity Woman; so I know diversity is an issue you care about as well.

Why is diversity in the legal profession so critical?

Diversity is crucial in ALL aspects of society. When you are talking about the legal community it is so very important to have representation in the criminal justice field - my field, my specialty.

We’ve seen what happens when there’s a lack of diversity in that area in particular. There are very few African-Americans and Latinos in law enforcement; very few Latino and African-American Prosecutors and District Attorneys and you see how devastat-

COURTESY OF SUBJECT

In a recent article, you mentioned that your mother dreamed of becoming a lawyer and your father dreamed of becoming a doctor.

Growing up in a family with those aspirations, how did you decide to become a lawyer?

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up not knowing a lawyer; lawyers are sort of the unicorn: educated, Perry Mason-types, you don’t see in real life. Kids from communities of color often model what they see. I speak in schools all over the country and when you ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up they want to be basketball players, baseball players, and now I am hearing “Reality TV stars” a lot. I don’t believe [young kids of color] have enough “possibility models” to create the funnel into law school and the legal profession. We, attorneys, are missing in those schools and communities of color. The onus is probably on us to do better.

ing the lack of diversity can be.

People need to feel comfortable with the police officers that patrol their community. And you feel more comfortable with someone who has had that shared experience. For instance, as a prosecutor deciding whether or not to charge someone and you interview victims residing in communities of color, I know from experience that witnesses of crime are more comfortable with people that they can relate to and recognize as members of their community.

There is also a “social justice” case for diversity in criminal

law and law enforcement. We just haven’t done well and we have to do better. That’s why when I speak to young lawyers I encourage them to become prosecutors, FBI agents, and US Marshals. It is just so very important that we have a stake in law enforcement when it comes to our community.

Why do you believe the legal profession has seemingly “lagged behind” other higher-level professions (medicine, accounting, engineering, technology, etc.) when it comes to diversity?

Like my experience of growing

You’ve been quoted as saying “I am motivated by the notion that I can show what’s possible. I should’ve been a statistic. But here I am.” Like you, many of our readers grew up in poorer neighborhoods, experienced the violent death of loved ones, and had family members who have broken the law. And they are passionate about their role in effecting change. What advice would you give to young people such as those who are preparing for law school through the CLEO Prelaw programs?

I believe that all things are possible and you should never underestimate your capability. I also believe that you must be prepared. Preparation, preparation, preparation is something that I heard throughout law school and it’s a mantra I use - not just on television - but in every aspect of my life. I am prepared as

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I can be for everything.

And don’t limit yourself. Keep an open mind in terms of what your place will be in the legal world.

Realize that all things are possible and that you have to follow your passion and purpose.

I hear the same thing and I hate that I hear that. Law is such an honorable profession; such a wonderful profession that allows you to do so many things. Just look around at different lawyers and what they have done with their degree. Justice Sotomayor is a lawyer, the President of the United States and First Lady are lawyers. There are so many incredible things you can do with a law degree because the bottom line is that a law degree teaches you how to think. It 62

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You have been instrumental in deconstructing many popular cases like Bernie Madoff, Michael Vick, Zimmerman and most recently one dealing with the racially motivated killings in South Carolina. Which case stands out and why?

The Zimmerman case is the one I won’t forget in large part because it was the first case where we saw the beginning of the new “civil rights” movement and social activism. I speak a lot about finding your passion and I believe I found my purpose covering that case. I found my voice interviewing Treyvon’s family in the sense that I was being the analyst, the lawyer, and looking at things from a distance. It was the first time I felt that my voice could really make a difference. Treyvon’s family told me that they knew day in and day out that when I was on

air, I would be honest and give my true assessment of the legal case. It was a game changer for me and I am still in touch with his brother and his mother.

How did your legal training prepare you to become a legal analyst?

It not only prepared me to be a legal analyst, but also prepared me for other opportunities. I’ve anchored and given speeches.

The skills set that you learn as a lawyer are very transferable.

As a journalist, I’m required to identify and synthesize facts very quickly in order to teach the viewer about an issue. I can also prepare a well-written story under tremendous deadlines because of the skills I learned in law school. No doubt. It’s a skill set that is transferable to almost any industry.

Tell me how being the co-owner of a popular New Rochelle, New York restaurant, Alvin & Friends came about?

My partner and I were able to

instagram

Considering the high cost to attend law school combined with the fact that it’s become more challenging to get legal jobs upon graduation, some say law school is no longer worth attending. Would you say law school is still relevant?

teaches you our history, your rights, the very foundation of our society. Law school is very worth it - it has made my life!

Fun Fact:

negotiate the purchase of the building that housed the restaurant. The restaurant is something I am passionate about because I love clean eating and healthy food. I have a garden in my backyard that’s similar to what my grandmother from Puerto Rico had. She lived in an apartment building but she had her little window box with all her spices and even raised chickens.

I’ve been part of the “farm to the table movement” since I was a kid. I love being a restaurateur.

So, who, living or past, would you like to share a meal with at your restaurant?

I got to meet Justice Sotomayor at my restaurant (see picture); it was that wonderful moment when you have another Puerto Rican from the South Bronx - who is the Supreme Court Justice. I am just such a fan! I got a chance to “pick her brain a little bit” but since she was celebrating her birthday, I didn’t get to talk as much as I would have liked. So, I would like to sit with Justice Sotomayor again.

I understand that you began reading the NY Times when you were 4 years old; started high school at 12, and college at 16. You are obviously extremely intelligent.

Are there any particular books that you would recommend students read while in high school or college?

Oh gosh there are so many good ones. I read all the time and have so many favorites- I read 4-5 books at a time.

How Sunny got her name: My family calls me Asunción. In college, people butchered my name and finally people asked if I had a nickname. People would occasionally call me Sunshine. I am always serious on television because I talk a lot about death and destruction, but I am actually very mischievous. I laugh and joke all the time, some people called me Ray of Sunshine. Then they started calling me Sunny.

I was named after my grandmother’s sister and it infuriated her to hear me called Sunny. People would phone me and she would say “there is no Sunny here”. (She laughs). My mom also hated the name for a long time.

When I started doing television, I went by my real name at my grandmother’s request. But after appearing on Nancy Grace show a couple of times, I was told no one could pronounce or remember Asunción.

So now the world calls me Sunny; but I prefer Asunción.

Sunny’s Suggested Reading The Alchemist Paulo Coelho

What I Know For Sure Oprah

To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee

One L Scott Turow

The New Jim Crow Michelle Alexander

What are you reading right now?

Let me think back on what is on my nightstand. I am re-reading the Alchemist. [She mentions many other kinds of books]. I think everyone should read it. I love it.

What would you tell the 20-something Sunny today about the current Sunny?

It gets better and you are going to figure it out.

Is there anything that you would want our CLEO readers/students to know about you that we don’t know about you - despite all the hundreds of interviews you have done?

Just that out of everything, the most important thing to me is my children and my family. And, I hope that in some small way I am able to make a difference for the betterment in the world they are inheriting.

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The CLEO Legally Inspired College Kohorts of Students (CLICKS) is a multi-state mentoring initiative that empowers underserved high school students (primarily 9th – 11th grade diverse males) through structured mentorship and increased knowledge of LAW, SPORTS, and HEALTH-related professions.

This FREE program provides:

MENTORING TOMORROW'S LEADERS Why Mentor High School Students?

Most highly successful adults have had four to five mentors in their professional life. On the job and in their community organizations, mentors play important roles in the lives of their mentees.

Whether it’s career advice, personal concerns, or navigating life – a good mentor can help pave the way for success!

To support and/or get involved with CLICKS in any of our five areas:

Illinois / Maryland / New York / Northern Virginia / Washington, DC

• Group activities to enhance college/career readiness • Opportunities to attend sporting events and training camps • Monthly field trips and outings to provide careeroriented exposure • Mentor/Mentee networking events, such as: bowling, video game tournaments, basketball and other team challenges, and more!

With the expectation that all CLICKS mentees will enroll in college, mentors play a critical role by: 1. Enhancing Life Skills 2. Encouraging Academic Readiness 3. Reducing Negative Behaviors 4. Modeling Appropriate Behavior 5. Increasing Self Esteem 6. Exploring Career Options

PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE: www.CLICKSmentoring.org

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Juvenile JusticeWINTER/SPRING and Delinquency2016 Prevention

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feature

Let’s Mentor! by the Honorable Javier E. Vargas

“Welcome to my chambers.” “Welcome to my courtroom.” “Welcome to my office.” “Welcome to this law firm.” “Welcome to this law 66

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school.” Opening one’s workplace to a mentee means showing them an environment with which they would not otherwise be familiar or have an opportunity to visit. The mentees, especially students of color and those from socioeconomically distressed families, need the exposure to what transpires in various legal settings, why things work the way they do, and how it fits into the greater legal system.

This is what I have been accomplishing in my courtroom through my participation in the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Law School-Sí Se Puede Program (LSSSP), which is a national program conceived in the State of Colorado by the Federal District Court Judge Christine Arguello. LSSSP is a long-term program designed to prepare college students, named Fellows, from diverse backgrounds to

© Rawpixel

There are some concepts most of us take for granted, like “networking” or “hobnobbing,” that may require explanations for a high school or college student to understand. By contrast, “mentorship,” to many young people, is perhaps a familiar concept. Mentorship typically refers to the arrangement whereby experienced professionals teach, educate or simply impart wisdom on less experienced persons. While requiring an open mind, providing effective mentorship is less labor-intensive than you might think. In many ways, the mentor’s willingness to welcome his or her mentee with open arms is often the key to establishing and maintaining a fruitful mentor-mentor relationship.

© digitalskillet

be strong candidates to attend the nation’s best law schools. In New York, we have extended our focus to include high school students, so as to address the pipeline issues at the source.

Each team consists of three mentors, overseen by a judge presiding over a Court in the region of the Fellow’s residence, and it includes two attorneys and one law student who are assigned to each Fellow. The entire team is expected to make a four-year commitment to guide, coach, and assist each Fellow. I have given courtroom tours, invited students to sit in on proceedings, given them tasks and encouraged them to ask questions. Believe me, it does not take a long time or much effort to do this. The gratitude expressed by the mentees is the best payout and extremely fulfilling.

In addition to LSSSP, a multitude of other opportunities exits for students to receive mentoring such as the HNBA/MetLife Mentoring program in which MetLife hosts and/or sponsors Speed Mentoring sessions and other mentoring forums. Speed Mentoring exposes the mentee to six-minute conversations with multiple attorneys. Mentees are encouraged to ask questions about the attorney’s experience as well as to seek common points

of interests or background in order to build a rapport with the attorney.

But what if a student is reading this and does not readily have access to these types of programs? How is a mentee to find a mentor – a willing participant for this exchange of information? Mentees would perhaps have to know the ropes—and perhaps courage—to identify and reach out to other professionals. If they are aware of the type of law they would like to practice, the search process may perhaps be less daunting. They could ask professors, family and friends for suggestions or simply run an Internet search for particular areas of expertise or attorneys. Attorneys and judges are very often willing to speak with mentees over the telephone, have coffee or lunch, or invite them to their office or courtroom. This is often the easiest for the very busy professional and the most fulfilling for the mentee. Mentors are also encouraged to connect mentees with their peers to expand this educational opportunity.

So when you’re thinking of what “mentoring” means, think of someone simply saying “welcome.” Providing young people with positive exposure to our profession is much easier than you may think.

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practical Pursue your passion through our seven concentrations. Field-test your skills in one of our six legal clinics. Experience our rigorous moot court competitions.

At Western New England University School of Law, you won’t just learn the theory of the law, you’ll practice it.

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Springfield, MA

law.wne.edu

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Who Can I Ask?: Why Mentors Matter

© diego cervo

By Tiffany R. Paige, JD

United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor remarked, “When a young person, even a gifted one, grows up without proximate living examples of what she may aspire to become-whether lawyer, scientist, artist, or leader in any realm--her goal remains abstract. Such models as appear in books or on the news, however inspiring or revered, are ultimately too remote to be real, let alone influential. But a role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, ‘Yes, someone like me can do this’.”

As a first generation college student, I always knew I wanted to be more and do more. To be honest, I had no clear view or direction of a career path. At such a young age, there were too many unknowns. All I knew was I needed to have a formal education if I truly wanted to escape the poverty in which I was born. What I did have were teachers who believed in me and pushed me to

be greater. I had examples of what an education could build. Their push made me want to be greater. It was their guidance that lead me to believe that I did not have to be a victim of my circumstances. Even at a young age, I knew this to be true. My vision of the possibilities was still slightly clouded, but at least I had a vision.

It was not until law school that my vision became clearer. Still, I was very unsure of what steps I needed to take or what types of opportunities I needed to pursue. It was at these crossroads that I developed a relationship with one of my law school professors. Our after class consultations turned into something more valuable. She became the first person whom I called my mentor.

She was a wealth of information. I would talk and she would patiently listen before chiming in with questions or advice. At that stage in my life she became my proximate, living example of what I could do and who I could be.

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feature After graduating law school, the opportunity to work for our admissions office helped to shape and cultivate my desire for helping students. I was introduced to many students in whom I saw some of myself. It was during this time, my role as a mentor started to reveal itself. I was now charged with guiding students in their law school quest. A charge I take very seriously.

One of the first discussions I have with incoming law students is the importance and vital need to have a mentor. Mentors work to bridge the gap between the known and unknown. Mentors are those various people along your way who will help to introduce you to resources and opportunities that you may not otherwise come into contact.

Law schools are in the business of educating students in the theory of law. Law schools lay a solid foundation upon which students can continue to build. Although opportunities to gain real world legal experience is offered in some form whether it be through clinics or externships, there is still much for students to learn. Mentors

Welcome to the law. Learn from expert faculty, work in the field, and change lives in the oldest continuously operating clinical program in the nation.

Welcome to the family. Small class sizes let you get to know your classmates easily, and you’ll have access to a vast alumni network for career connections.

Welcome home. Knoxville boasts live music, cultural attractions, affordable housing, and quick drives to the Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Atlanta, and more.

Welcome to Tennessee Law. We’d love to get to know you. Contact us at lawadmit@utk.edu or 865-974-4131.

are there to help with that learning process.

Mentors shape and form the necessary reality of what it means to be a professional in the legal field.

They are able to assist you in accomplishing the things that will help to grow you professionally, and if you are so fortunate, personally. Mentors allow you to stand on their shoulders. You have access to their years of experience and expertise.

Mentoring relationships are not formed overnight.

They take time to establish boundaries. As such, the relationship between a mentor and mentee can be both rewarding and challenging. Remember, you each have your own personalities and experiences you bring to the table. However with the right dynamics, having a mentor and being a mentor can be very rewarding. Start building and cultivating those relationships early. The start of your legal career journey is the opportune time to seek mentors and ask questions. Being mentored is as critical today as it has ever been.

Programs Road to Law School Learn about the law school admissions process and be exposed to topics such as: analytical reasoning and logic critical reading and writing mock admissions college curriculum choices financial planning for law school

Sophomore Super Saturdays

Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT

While there are no prerequisite courses for law school applicants, there are important skills that you will need. These seminars will help you improve analytical and logical reasoning abilities, reading comprehension, and writing skills, which are tested by the LSAT and considered essential to success in law school.

How do LSAT scores impact your law school admission? This program exposes students to various LSAT preparation strategies that can help them improve and achieve competitive scores.

Students are administered practice LSATs and taught the benefits of systematic and disciplined LSAT preparation.

The above three programs will happen simultaneously at the following locations and dates in 2015-2016

September – Fort Worth, TX

January – San Francisco, CA

November – New York, NY

February – Southwest/Southeast Region

March – Washington, D.C.

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) This regional program provides college juniors, seniors, and post-graduate students with the tools they need to become competitive law school applicants and exposes them to all aspects of the application process, including: selecting a law school

CLEO Connection Register for CLEO CONNECTION which engages pre-law students in a lively, in-person discussion with peers, law school faculty, and attorneys in order to enhance the student’s social perspective on the law school application process and law school success.

The CLEO CONNECTION will help students make “real connections” to the road to law school.

drafting personal statements preparation strategies the impact of the LSAT and GPA on applications early acceptance programs debt management selecting sources for letters of recommendation common mistakes committed by law school applicants

For future dates and locations as well as to register and apply for these programs, please visit

www.cleoscholars.org.

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Earn Your Law Degree in the heart of the most vibrant, culturally diverse and dynamic borough in the financial, arts, entrepreneurship, and legal industry capital of the world…

A Commitment to Diversity From its founding over a century ago, at a time when the doors of many law schools were closed to women and people of color, Brooklyn Law became a gateway to professional success for people of all backgrounds.

Our commitment to diversity is as strong as ever.

• Flexible programs of study: 2, 3 or 4 years • Faculty ranked in the top 25% • Acclaimed legal writing program ranked 14th nationwide • Leading clinical education program • Guaranteed affordable housing for first-year students • Extraordinary career employment services • Exceptional networking opportunities with 21,000 alumni

To learn more, visit brooklaw.edu.

New England Law | Boston students don’t just study law.

They experience it.

In clinics, internships, innovative paid summer fellowships, and actual courtrooms with real-life clients.

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A Champion is an Advocate and a Defender.

Join a community of champions at Liberty University School of Law and experience: • Student-oriented faculty skilled in various specialties of law • An unrivaled six-course practical skills program • A supportive community that helps facilitate academic success FIND YOUR PLACE AS A CHAMPION AT LIBERTY LAW.

LawAdmissions@liberty.edu | Law.Liberty.edu | (434) 592-5300

money matters

Set A Financial Plan for the Long Term Investment in Yourself

by Reyes Aguilar

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© W.SCOTT

Strategy for Financing a Legal Education:

Financial matters will play an important role in your preparation for law school.

Earning a law degree is a pursuit worth the investment-if you approach meeting the costs associated with attending law school as part of a financial plan for the long term.

Developing your strategy for this financial plan will require research, resource acquisition, wise resource allocation, and due diligence. This will take time and oblige you to be active in taking control over the planning the financing of your legal education. Similar to the law school experience, financing your legal education is a proactive endeavor.

in U.S. News & World Report-Ranking and Reviews. It is worth noting these debt figures reflect borrowing only for law school.

employment rate is 61.3% when looking at 2013 graduates who were in those full-time positions that required passing a bar exam.

The salaries of the most recent graduating class can be viewed as one of the early dividends in the long-term investment of a legal education.

The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has a helpful website for looking at this data: www.nalp.org/research. NALP reports that the national median salary for lawyers who graduated in 2013 was $62,467 and the

While the data above is helpful in gauging some costs and salaries associated with attending law school, the information does not give a full measure of the expenses one will incur. The full cost of earning a law degree can be viewed in three parts: 1) the application process; 2) the period of enrollment; and 3) the year of licensing.

Š avdeev_80

Understand the Total Costs Associated With Financing A Law Degree I’ll state the obvious: A legal education is expensive. Based on American Bar Association data, in 2014-2015 the national average for law school tuition was nearly $24,500 for residents at state supported law schools, $38,006 for non-residents at state supported schools, and $42,512 for private schools.

Moreover, the national average debt for 2014 graduates of public law schools was $88,884 and the average for graduates of private law schools, was just over $127,000, as reported

overall employment rate was 84.5%. These statistics reflect the salary and employment rate information for all the Class of 2013 graduates who reported this information and it is for all types of employment--not just law practice. There is another important statistic, however, that reflects the employment rate for members of the Class of 2013 who are working in positions that are full-time and require the employee to have passed the bar exam. That

1. The Application Process The admissions process will include costs for registering for the LSAT and subscribing for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). There will also be LSAT preparation and campus visits as well as moving expenses.

The fixed costs of applying to law school are LSAT registration, CAS, Law School Reports, and individual law school application fees. These costs can easily approach $1,000--depending on the number of law school to which one will apply. The variable expenses in the application process will include things like LSAT preparation, campus visits, seat deposits and moving expenses if you are relocating to attend law school. These particular costs can vary widely depending on a number of factors, but I think it is reasonable to consider a range of these costs to be $1,000-$2,500. This is not an

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will make it easier to compare data from school-to-school. All the documents are in the same format and it is required to be “posted conspicuously and in 2. The Period of Enrollment a readily accessible location”.

The same is true for the period This data for all ABA approved of your enrollment.

The law school can also be obtained three basic questions to ask from the ABA’s website: www. when starting the process of abarequireddisclosures.org comparing the cost of individual law schools are: a) what is the 3. The Year of Licensing total cost of attendance; b) After you graduate there are what is the tuition portion of still expenses you will incur that cost of attendance; and c) to get licensed and prepare what is most recent graduating for practice. This will include class’s average debt. These are bar exam registration and starting point questions you can preparation, licensing fee build on based on your financial once you pass the bar, moving situation. expenses, updating technology, and entering repayment on There is a helpful data source your student loans. As part of for this information: the ABA this process, it is important to Standard 509 disclosures. All know that most government and ABA accredited law schools public service organizations are must post this document on not able to hire new attorneys their websites. This document 76

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until the they have passed the bar and been sworn-in. For some large jurisdictions this can take up to nine months after graduation. While some firms and organization do provide help with some of these costs, it is important to prepare for meeting those expenses on your own, if necessary.

Early in this process you need to also consider your debt aversion.

This is similar to deciding on a level of risk aversion one contemplates when considering stocks in which to invest. As you consider law school, know the level of debt to which you are willing expose yourself.

Then balance that with the employment and salary data as well as the essential elements for your job satisfaction and long term earning potential. A general understanding of what

© Alphaspirit | Dreamstime.com - Money And Success Photo

all-inclusive list. You will need to take time and consider the costs you will incur associated with applying to law school

money matters the costs (debt) and benefits (earnings and job satisfaction) are is essential in determining if attending law school is the right route for you.

Resources Acquisition

© racorn / ©mediaphotos

Once you have identified the costs associated with financing a law degree, you will need to work on finding the resources to meet those costs. Gather information, do the research, and set aside the time necessary to develop this part of your plan.

These resources come in a variety of forms that may include: loans, scholarships, work-study, VA Benefits, wages, employment benefits, gifts, and savings. Helpful website links for information on financial aid generally and loan programs in particular are below: Law School Admission Council www.lsac.org/jd/financing-law-school/financial-aidoverview

Heather Jarvis Student Loan Expert www.askheatherjarvis.com

Student Loan Borrower Assistance www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org

Federal Student Aid www.Studentloans.gov

Get the Details Once you receive offers of admission, you will need to sort through your choices and come to a decision about the school that is right for you. As part of that process, you need to get detailed information about your financial aid packages, student debt and employment to plan for your next three years of law school costs and gauge the feasibility of the investment paying long-term dividends.

Tuition and other education related costs change from year to year. Don’t rely exclusively on the general information you gathered earlier to determine what your package would be for the next school year.

Know the elements of the cost of attendance budget (tuition, books, technology, room & board, travel, and miscellaneous) and understand what changed from the previous year. These costs will vary from school-to-school and studentto-student.

For scholarships, know the details of the award and understand conditions that must be met to maintain an award.

It is often the case that renewable or multi-year scholarships require a minimum GPA or class standing. GPA distributions vary greatly so it is important to know what percentile ranking a required GPA has so you can understand the relative standard you will be held to in maintaining your eligibility for the scholarship.

If you will be borrowing student loans, salaries should be considered as a resource in repaying those loans. While one should certainly look to those early employment rates and salaries statistics, also consider the other things that matter most to you. Compare that with the areas of practice or the types of jobs skills developed in law school that would best suit you. Then look at the salaries and employment rates in those fields. Be sure to include both the early-career information as well as mid-career data. The law schools’ career services offices and the NALP website will be helpful resources.

Exercise Prudence Be wary of debt. It is essential that you acquire debt in a prudent manner and at a reasonable level. Education related debt can be sensible, but too often there is over reliance on loans-especially credit cards or other consumer debt. Know that law school WINTER/SPRING 2016

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money matters graduates are subjected to credit checks and review of their financial history as part of the character and fitness evaluations they go through when applying for bar admission.

Š stephen coburn

It is important to comprehend the expenses of attending law school. Before simply deciding whether or not to enter law school based on cost alone, get the full picture. For some it may be too high a financial cost. However, do consider the other things that matter most to you in entering a profession that will fulfill you. This may include essential elements that are hard to measure in gauging job satisfaction. Some of these elements may include independence, making a difference in the lives of others, long-term earning potential, civic engagement, and others. You get to make the list. It is necessary to weigh employment and salary data, but include more than just the at-graduation and nine months after graduation data. Remember this is a long-term plan you’re a constructing.

AccessGroup.Org

How will you get through the financial aid process for law school?

Rely on us.

Access Group helps law students and graduates understand how to finance their education, borrow wisely and repay successfully.

Visit AccessGroup.Org today to access: • financial education publications, such as: Financing Your Legal Education • free events and webinars, • our Budgeting and Loan Repayment Calculator, and • Access Assist®

Founded in 1983, Access Group is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of 199 nonprofit and state-affiliated ABA-approved law schools. Our staff works to further access, affordability and the value of legal education through research, policy advocacy, and direct member and student educational services.

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©2015 Access Group, Inc.

Brigham Young University Law School Preparing Students to Balance Legal Expertise with a Moral Perspective that Motivates Them to Become a Force for Good in the World

BYU Law’s solid education gave me a competitive edge in my first summer externship with other law students from top schools.

— Stephanie Cotton-Betteridge ‘16 BYU Law provided me with a oneof-a-kind professional network of alumni, professors, and friends of the Law School.

— Miriam Allred ‘17

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Q&a Q: How has the CLEO programs influenced your preparation for law school?

A: By helping me to

determine which factors are important to me in choosing a law school, planning ahead for unforeseen circumstances, and utilizing my resources effectively.

COURTESY OF SUBJECT

CLEO COLLEGE SCHOLAR

LAURA WHARTON Q: How did you find out about CLEO? A: I found out about

CLEO from my Pre-law advisor in college.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to attend law school?

A: As a college senior,

when I was studying the Civil Rights Movement in my history class.

Q: What did you learn during the various CLEO programs?

A: I learned about the

process of getting into law school, getting through law school, passing the bar exam, and life after law school.

Q: Select one of the CLEO programs you attended. What portion of that program was most beneficial to you and why?

A: I liked the Achieving

Success in the Application Program (ASAP) program because I was able to see that there are so many people interested in law school at different stages of life.

The most beneficial portion of the program was the “Financing Your Legal Education” presentation. I found this to be informative; I was able to see all of the aspects of the law school process from starting law school to graduation and it helped me to plan for different pockets of time that I did not consider before.

CLEO spotlight

Q: Do you plan to attend any future CLEO events?

A: I plan to attend future CLEO Events.

Q: Do you have any advice for other aspiring lawyers?

A: To be well-informed

of all factors of the decision to attend law school. Make sure you surround yourself with people who will help you and support you through the process.

Also, make sure you are prepared to go full-throttle. And, remember getting a law school education is a marathon, not a sprint.

Q: Do you have any additional comments about CLEO?

A: CLEO is an excellent organization with a lot of benefits to offer and a lot of resources to take advantage of.

If you are seriously interested, get in the game and fight to stay in the game!

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Neal Newman Business law professor Avid runner and triathlete Pushes students to go the extra mile

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DIVERSITY IN ACTION Since its founding in 1891, New York Law School has emphasized diversity, seeking to find students from widely varying backgrounds to add depth and vigor to our community.

• Minority students make up 33 percent of our most recent entering class.

• We are located in TriBeCa, the heart of New York City’s legal, financial, government, and emerging tech districts.

• Our Evening Division is a part-time, four-year course of study. Students are fully integrated into co-curricular activities such as law review and moot court.

• Our new two-year accelerated J.D. Honors Program offers admitted students at least a $50,000 merit scholarship. Students can participate fully in co-curricular activities and obtain paid fellowships following graduation.

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A World of Legal Issues. A Degree with Strength.

A School That Will Help You Make a Difference.

A legal education sharpens your mind and prepares you to find solutions to complex problems. Our students develop strong analytical and writing skills, and they pursue successful careers in government, private practice, corporate law, intellectual property, immigration and human rights, public service and many other specialties.

Founded in 1845 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Office of Admissions | 919.962.5109 www.law.unc.edu | twitter.com/unc_law

Q&a

requirements was a civil liberties course which primarily focused on 1st amendment rights; I enjoyed it very much. Many of my classmates were already lawbound; they had either taken the LSAT or had already been accepted into law school. I started to think about law school seriously because I figured that if so many of my political science classmates were on that path, I should explore it further.

Also, I had a strong interest in immigration policy, and began to think that maybe I could be an immigration lawyer.

C L EO FELLOW SPOTLIGHT

Q: What was your course of study in college at Bernard M. Baruch College - CUNY? A: As an undergraduate student,

I first intended to major in corporate communication and pursue a career in marketing or public relations. As I was nearing the end of my undergraduate studies, I took a political science class to fulfill an elective requirement. For the first time in my college career, I felt challenged and academically stimulated, so I stayed an extra year to complete

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a Political Science major. I was nearly done with my corporate communication requirements, so I ended up doing a double major in Political Science and Corporate Communication.

Q: How did you become interested in pursuing law?

A: I remember wanting to be a lawyer when I was very young, but I had largely forgotten about my desire to pursue a career in law until I took up a political science major at the end of my college tenure. Among the courses I took to fulfill the

A: The first step I took in preparing for law school was to find a job.

Although I knew that I wanted to go to law school, I was aware that it was something I could not do in the immediate future. Law school is incredibly expensive and I had very little money saved up. I also knew that I was not prepared to put together a competitive application by the time it was due. I had begun to think about law school too late in my undergrad tenure to go straight into law school after graduation, so I deferred law school for a later date. Throughout that time, I saved money by living at home.

I also used my evenings to study for the LSAT, researched the law school application process, and met with mentors about the process.

COURTESY OF SUBJECT

Steven Nuñez

Q: What steps did you take to prepare for law school?

CLEO spotlight Q: How did you find out about CLEO? A: Through one of my mentors

during the application process.

He was already a student at Indiana University and was a CLEO Associate. He learned about CLEO’s ASAP program and Six-Week Institute when it was too late for him to participate in either of them, but he stressed the importance of taking advantage of every program CLEO had to offer. He said participating in all the CLEO programs would have prepared him better for the challenges of law school.

Q: Which CLEO programs did you participate in?

A: I first participated

an opportunity to speak oneon-one with admissions officers about the application process.

At the CLEO ASAP program, speakers will give straightforward and candid advice about the process, and you’ll walk away a stronger applicant. I remember thinking I was nearly ready to apply to law school

school. Keep in mind that the deadline to apply is likely before you have heard back from any schools, so apply early. The SixWeek Summer Institute prepared me for law school better than I could have ever imagined. I entered law school confident, prepared, and aware of exactly what I needed to do to succeed.

For many students, law school is a “trial-and-error” experience, especially the first two semesters.

Thanks to the Six-Week Summer Institute, I knew what to expect in my first semester, and my grades reflected that. Additionally, the friendships I made at the Six-Week Summer Institute were everlasting. I keep in touch with many of the students I met that summer, and I am so proud of everything they have accomplished.

don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

in the Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) program. The year I participated in it, the program was held in Atlanta, Georgia. I also participated in the Six-Week Summer Institute, the summer before I started law school.

Q: What helped you cope with the stress of law school?

A: I think keeping in touch with

Q: What benefits did you receive by participating in CLEO’s ASAP, Six-Week Summer Institute and/or Attitude is Essential?

before attending the program.

After participating in the program, I realized that I still had a lot of homework to do. Without the help of CLEO’s ASAP program, I would have submitted a much weaker application and would have had a much tougher time getting into law school.

instrumental in helping me put together a strong application packet. It is very unique to have

The Six-Week Summer Institute is a MUST for any student that has already been admitted to law

A: CLEO’s ASAP program was

loved ones was very comforting for me through stressful times in law school. Other than that, I did very little to distract myself from law school and the stress of the course work. Law school is an incredibly competitive environment with very brilliant individuals. While some of my classmates have been better at balancing school work and social life, I’ve always felt that I need to devote every minute of my day to law school, just to keep up.

That doesn’t mean it is the best approach. You’ll have to find what

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CLEO spotlight works for you. If an hour at the gym every morning will help you focus better throughout the day, then that is what you should do.

Q: After law school, what are your legal career plans?

A: I hope to secure a judicial clerkship after law school, which is typically a 1-2 year commitment. Afterward, I’d like to work either as an employment or housing attorney (which typically works to protect tenants’ rights). Specifically, I am interested in housing discrimination litigation or fighting against massive displacement due to gentrification. At the moment, I’m exploring the possibility of seeking employment at one of the NYC legal service non-profits or a civil rights organization.

Q: What are you doing presently?

you know deep down inside you can do better, or if you know that you’re not ready to commit three years of your life to law school, then don’t go. But, if you are sure you’re ready for it, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

A: Right now, I am a summer intern

at LatinoJustice PRLDEF, which is a civil rights legal defense fund.

After my internship is done, I will return to Indiana University to finish my final year of law school.

Q: Do you volunteer with any legal organizations?

A: This past year, I served on the

board of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s (“HNBA”) Student Division and plan to stay involved with the HNBA after graduation.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: Once you’re in law school, start

thinking about internships, make sure you’re always networking, and don’t miss out on Law Review or Moot Court.

Q: Do you have any advice for future lawyers?

A: I think the best advice I have is to believe in yourself, but always be honest with yourself about the effort you are putting forward. If

boston college law one community "What makes BC Law so special? My answer has always been the same: this is an unbelievably supportive community, where faculty, administrators, students, and alumni come together to create a vibrant academic and social experience."

—Tracey West, Associate Dean for External Relations, Diversity and Inclusion ad.indd 1

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.

• 25% Students of Color • 16 Moot Court Teams • 5 Law Reviews • #1 for most 'superlawyers' in New England • LAHANAS diversity program • Top 30 clinical programs • Top 20 school where big firms recruit • #16 for JD required/advantage employment

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

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Accreditation Statement Lincoln Memorial University - John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law is provisionally accredited by the American Bar Association. Students at provisionally accredited law schools are given the same recognition as students at fully accredited law schools. Upon the award of provisional accreditation, students enrolled in the institution and who subsequently graduate are deemed graduates of an ABA-accredited law school.

Questions concerning ABA accreditation may be directed to: Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar; American Bar Association, 321 N. Clark Street, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 312.988.6738 Additionally, Lincoln Memorial University - Duncan School of Law is approved by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners.

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feature

We catch up with CLEO alumni to find out what they’ve been up to since law school and to reflect on their CLEO experience.

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©tai111

Where are they now?

#lawschoolistrending

PUBLIC. JUDGE.

NAME

Honorable Diane R. Navarrete

law school

University of Nebraska College of Law (1995)

current legal position

Texas District Judge

what your current (or former) legal job entails

My court is a criminal district court. It was created by the legislature to give priority to felony drug cases but my docket also includes other felonies and civil forfeitures arising from criminal cases.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

CLEO made it possible for me to succeed in law school. It provided knowledge of what to expect in law school. It also provided an extensive networking system.

I felt comfortable contacting my fellow CLEO fellows with questions about law school and employment opportunities.

federal government. Attorney.

NAME

Anand Sambhwani

law school

Notre Dame Law School (2008)

current legal position

Trial Attorney - Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch (Washington, D.C).

what your current (or former) legal job entails

I defend the United States in disputes involving government contracts, constitutional claims, government pay and personnel suits, veterans’ and other benefits appeals, and international trade and tariff matters. I practice before the United States Court of Federal Claims, United States Court of International Trade and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

CLEO gave me an advantage in that it provided me a foundation from which I could build upon during my law school tenure. I was part of the Six-week institute and having had exposure to contract law/legal writing and other 1L courses prior to my 1L year proved invaluable in understanding the nature of law school, the method of teaching law and the underlying thought process.

key

Attorney.

JUDGE.

government.

PUBLIC.

private.

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feature

#lawschoolistrending

private. attorney.

public/non-profit. attorney.

NAME

Edmund Vincent Yan

law school

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (2011)

current legal position

Principal Attorney of my law firm, Edmund Vincent, A Professional Law Corporation.

what your current (or former) legal job entails

My primary practice areas are Estate Planning, Business and Real Estate. I am a former litigator who worked for private law firms handling a range of cases from inception to trial preparation, including wrongful death, fraud, and trust disputes.

In addition to my full-time law practice, I am also an image consultant helping men improve their wardrobe and build their confidence for their professional and personal lives.

NAME

Jessica Price

law school

Harvard Law School (2008)

current legal position

Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Southern California

what your current (or former) legal job entails

Investigate, research, and litigate complex litigation involving access to public records, law enforcement surveillance technology, Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure, First Amendment freedom of religion, inmates’ rights to disability and religious accommodations, in-person parole hearings and due process, and English learner students’ rights to basic equality in education. I have argued in state trial court, federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and when appropriate, develop publications with Know Your Rights information and/ or identifying best practices. As a result of my litigation, I have had the opportunity to draft training for the Barstow Police Department and prepare training for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department on inmates with disabilities.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

CLEO surrounded me with other ambitious, like-minded individuals who were ready to hit the ground running in law school. It helped me get into the law school mindset and it motivated me to get ready to study more than ever. It exposed me to legal analysis, and because of CLEO and its support network, I was persistent during my law school experience, I had successful district court and court of appeals clerkships after law school, and I have been able to achieve my dream of becoming a civil rights attorney in my community.

Visit www.edmundvincentlaw.com for more info about my law practice,.

Visit www.edmundvincent.com for more info about my image consulting business. the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

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CLEO EDGE

As I shared with pre-law students a few weeks ago at the AIE and ASAP seminar at Whittier Law School, CLEO has had a profound impact on my legal and professional career. The Six-week prelaw summer program gave me a jump start to law school to which I attribute my solid 1L grades and writing onto Law Review. CLEO showed me that anyone can become an exceptional attorney with hard work, passion, and the right support group, regardless of whether you fit the traditional profile that many people see in an attorney.

WINTER/SPRING 2016

#lawschoolistrending

Private. Attorney.

public. attorney.

NAME

Luis Segura

law school

University at Buffalo Law School (2009)

current legal position

Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York

what your current (or former) legal job entails

As an Assistant District Attorney, I investigate and prosecute criminal cases at the arraignment, grand jury, hearing, and trial stage. I have handled cases involving drugs, weapons, theft, assault, and homicide.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

I am an immigrant and the first lawyer in my family. As someone who did not know anyone in the legal profession, CLEO certainly gave me a much-needed push.

It gave me a jump start on law school by giving me a realistic, hands-on preview of what I would encounter as a first year law student. It gave me a confidence that enabled me to focus and press forward when the first semester got tough.

Excelling in that first semester laid the foundation for the career opportunities that were available to me coming out of law school. I greatly appreciate everything that CLEO did for me.

NAME

Lydia Obasi Hills

law school

Fordham Law School (2009)

current legal position

Solo Practitioner

what your current (or former) legal job entails

I have a general practice law firm in NYC, and practice in the areas of Estates & Trust, Divorce\Family Law, Immigration, Contracts and Real Estate. My practice keeps me very busy because I am not only practicing law (which includes advising clients, drafting documents, doing research and litigating), I am also managing a law practice, which requires time management, accounting and marketing skills as well. On any given day, I can argue a motion, have a client meeting, and draft a summons and complaint; all before 5pm.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

As a student, CLEO provided me with the tools I needed to navigate the LSAT and law school admission process through their AIE programs. Through the Four-week Sophomore Summer Institute, which I did at NIU school of law as a college student, I was given the opportunity to see what law school was really like. It helped me to determine whether this was the career path that I truly wanted to embark on. I was intimidated by the entire “law school” process, but at the end of the four weeks, not only was I comfortable and ready to embark on a legal career, I gained a confidence that has remained with me up until this very day. I am confident and capable because of CLEO and I constantly find myself referring anyone who is interested in law school to learn more and become involved in CLEO. The impact it had on me can not be overstated.

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feature

#lawschoolistrending

PRIVATE. attorney.

NAME

Oscar Rene Gutierrez

law school

Pepperdine Law School (2010)

current legal position

Personal Injury/Criminal Defense Trial Attorney with my father, Oscar H. Gutierrez at the The Law Offices of Oscar H. Gutierrez, APC in Los Angeles, California.

what your current (or former) legal job entails

I work as a trial attorney representing injured plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits and the accused in criminal defense cases. In my current position, we assist injured or accused individuals, not corporations. I would estimate 90% of our clients are people of color (Latino or African American). My work as a trial attorney has gotten me on TV and radio stations here in Los Angeles.

STATE GOVERNMENT. attorney.

NAME

Nicole Griffin

law school

University of Florida - Levin College of Law (2008)

current legal position

Senior Attorney at the Florida Guardian ad Litem program

what your current (or former) legal job entails

As Senior Attorney, I represent children that have been either abused or neglected by their parents and placed in either foster care or with a relative. It’s a really interesting and small niche of law -- a cross between family law, criminal law, estate planning and guardianship, and social work. I conduct trials almost on a monthly basis to determine if a parent can care for a child and in what capacity.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

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I definitely appreciate the CLEO Summer Institute (UMKC 2005). The Institute showed me the level of work and dedication needed to be successful in law school and later in my career as a lawyer. The lessons learned seem to be a recurring theme and because of my attendance I felt better equipped to handle whatever is thrown at me. I learned the best from my fellow colleagues in the program, CLEO Alumni, and our professors, Mr. Lasso and Mr. Ferguson.

Furthermore, this program has allowed me to make connections with other legal professionals that have lasted now ten years.

WINTER/SPRING 2016

I previously worked as a volunteer Deputy CIty Attorney for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. There, they taught me how to try a case and I conducted numerous jury trials there.

Additionally, I serve as Secretary for the Mexican American Bar Association here in Los Angeles and will be serving on the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Executive Committee to the Litigation Section. the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

I greatly enjoyed the CLEO conferences as they served as a congregation place for other like-minded individuals wishing to break the “glass ceiling” and make an impact in today’s legal world. It was an excellent opportunity to break bread with my colleagues, many of whom, I still keep in contact with to this day. The speakers and professors who spoke at the conferences were always polished, articulate, and very motivating. To this day, I am grateful for the support CLEO provided me before and during law school.

#lawschoolistrending

private. attorney.

NAME

Sammy Hooda

law school

Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (2009)

current legal position

Senior attorney

what your current (or former) legal job entails

I am a civil litigator that represents institutional clients. My practice focuses on defending and enforcing creditors’ rights in judicial and quasi judicial proceedings in state and federal courts throughout the state of Texas.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

I did not learn about CLEO until my campus visit to TMSL. I was fortunate to be accepted into CLEO’s AIE seminar that was held two weeks prior to my 1L orientation. At AIE I was shown techniques on receiving, retaining and recalling the voluminous amount of information that was about to be imparted on me. The CLEO programs (through all 3 years of law school) mentally prepared me on the upcoming challenges in law school. I truly believe CLEO was the guiding light to my success in law school.

PUBLIC. JUDGE.

NAME

Honorable Richard W. Roberts

law school

Columbia Law School (1978)

current legal position

Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of Columbia

what your current (or former) legal job entails

I preside over civil and criminal cases arising principally under federal statutes and the federal constitution.

As the Chief Judge, I carry additional administrative responsibilities involving overseeing the Clerk’s Office and the Probation Office, presiding over executive and ceremonial sessions of the court, and serving on the Judicial Conference of the United States which oversees and sets policy for the entire federal judiciary.

the impact CLEO made on your student and/or professional life

The CLEO institute demystified law study and gave me confidence to tackle it. My institute director, Walter Leonard, instilled in me the mantra I work by today: you must have a fetish for preparation.

WINTER/SPRING 2016

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Prepare for the practice.

No law school in the nation does a better job of preparing their graduates for the practice than Stetson in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Stetson is ranked #1 in trial advocacy and #2 in legal writing by U.S. News, and preLaw Insider magazine placed Stetson in the top 20 for bar exam preparation.

Stetson Law provided me with an outstanding opportunity to learn the law in a supportive and judgment-free environment. The ability to practice many of the skills I’ve learned helped to grow my confidence and prepare me for life as a legal professional.

— Ed Narain JD 2013 Florida House of Representatives

To learn about diversity at Stetson Law, contact 727-562-7802, lawadmit@law.stetson.edu, or visit stetson.edu/diversity.

McGEORGE SchOOl Of law

McGeorge offers full-time and parttime J.D. programs, as well as M.S.L. and LL.M. programs.

Focus your talents with J.D. concentrations in Business, Capital Lawyering, Environmental, Health, Intellectual Property, International, Tax, and Trial & Appellate Advocacy.

Ashley Pane, ’17 Randy Tong, ’17 Samir Malik, ’17

Apply today.

916.739.7105 | mcgeorge.edu/admissions Sacramento, California

Gain direct experience in our eight innovative clinics, including Criminal Appellate Advocacy, Elder and Health Law, Federal Defender, Immigration Law, Legislative and Public Policy, and Prisoner Civil Rights.

college scholars

Summer Reading List for the Secondary School Student The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well by Paula LaRocque Countdown to College: 21 To Do Lists for High School: StepBy-Step Strategies for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders 2nd Edition by Valerie Pierce and Cheryl Rilly Emily Post’s Teen Etiquette by Elizabeth L. Post Essay Writing: Step-By-Step: A Newsweek Education Program Guide for Teens by Newsweek Education Program and Newsweek Financial Aid for…

African Americans, 2014-2016 Hispanic Americans, 2014-2016 Native Americans, 2014-2016 Asian Americans, 2014-2016

by Gail Ann Schlachter and R. David Weber Get to the Top of the Class: How to Succeed in High School: Your Personalized Guide to Academic Success by Grace M. Charles

©xstudio3d

How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out) by Cal Newport

Keys to Success: Building Analytical, Creative, and Practical Skills by Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, Sarah Lyman Kravits, and Judy Block

by Cindy Post Senning, Peggy Post, and Sharon Watts

Law 101: Everything You Need to Know about the American Legal System by Jay M. Feinman

The Thinking Student’s Guide to College: 75 Tips for Getting a Better Education by Andrew Roberts

Moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary: Strategies for Preparing for College and Scholarships by Sharnnia Artis Ph.D.

What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy

by Thomas Nagel

The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

Painless Vocabulary by Michael Greenberg

Where’s My Stuff?: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide by Samantha Moss, Lesley Schwartz, and Michael Wertz

Reasoning Skills Success in 20 Minutes a Day by LearningExpress Editors

Who Moved My Cheese? for Teens by Spencer Johnson

Should You Really Be A Lawyer?: The Guide To Smart Career Choices Before, During & After Law School by Deborah Schneider and Gary Belsky Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades

by John Meany and Kate Shuster The Strategic Student: Successfully Transitioning from High School to College Academics by David Cass

Words You Should Know In High School: 1000 Essential Words To Build Vocabulary, Improve Standardized Test Scores, And Write Successful Papers by Burton Jay Nadler, Jordan Nadler, and Justin Nadler Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark

Teen Guide to Personal Financial Management by Marjolijn Bijlefeld and Sharon K. Zoumbaris Teen Manners: From Malls to Meals to Messaging and Beyond

WINTER/SPRING 2016

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OPENING DOORS QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW IS A DISTINCTLY PERSONAL, REMARKABLY POWERFUL LAW SCHOOL.

12:1 DAY ONE MENTORING

STUDENT/ FACULTY RATIO

DIVERSITY-BASED

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

FIRST-TIME BAR PASS RATE*

88

%

*CONNECTICUT BAR 2014

OPENING MINDS. OPENING DOORS.

law.quinnipiac.edu

DWIGHT CROOKS ’16

Your Success Story Begins Here Superior Education Uncommon Support Real World Experience

Mississippi College School of Law | 151 E. Griffith St. | Jackson, MS 39201 | 601.925.7152 | www.law.mc.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.

BOOKS 6 Keys to Writing Effectively

by Robert Harris 250 Things You Should Know About Writing by Chuck Wendig The Art of Styling Sentences

by K.D. Sullivan The Best Little Grammar Book Ever!: 101 Ways to Impress With Your Writing and Speaking

by Arlene Miller The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well

by Paula LaRocque

How to Not Write Bad: The Most Common Writing Problems and the Best Ways to Avoid Them

by Ben Yagoda How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin Line by Line: How to Edit Your Own Writing by Claire Kehrwald Cook The Little Red Writing Book

by Brandon Royal

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation by Jane Straus

Mastering the Craft of Writing: How to Write With Clarity, Emphasis, and Style

by Stephen Wilbers

The Classic Guide to Better Writing: Step-by-Step Techniques and Exercises to Write Simply, Clearly and Correctly

by Rudolf Franz Flesch

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

by William Zinsser

Edit Yourself: A Manual for Everyone Who Works with Words

by Bruce Clifford Ross-Larson

©Paul Hill

Gregg Reference Manual

by William A. Sabin

The Elements of Style

by William Strunk Jr. The Elephants of Style: A Trunkload of Tips on the Big Issues and Gray Areas of Contemporary American English

by Bill Walsh Grammatically Correct

by Anne Stilman

Words to Write By: Putting Your Thoughts on Paper

by Elaine L. Orr 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

ONLINE RESOURCES The Chicago Manual of Style: www.chicagomanualofstyle.org Dictionary.com: www.dictionary.com Merriam Webster: www.merriam-webster.com

The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need: A One-Stop Sources for Every Writing Assignment

by Susan Thurman and Larry Shea The Productive Writer: Tips & Tools to Help You Write More, Stress Less & Create Success

by Sage Cohen Roget’s International Thesaurus

by Barbara Ann Kipfer Sentences and Paragraphs: Mastering the Two Most Important Units of Writing (The Writing Code Series Book 8)

by Charles Euchner WINTER/SPRING 2016

CLEO EDGE

97

in every issue

INTERNET RESOURCES Council on Legal Education Opportunity: www.cleoscholars.org and www.cleodivercitynetwork.org ASSOCIATIONS

BAR EXAM PREPARATION

American Bar Association (ABA): www.americanbar.org

BARBRI: www.barbri.com

Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA): www.hnba.com Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA): www.mcca.com National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA): www.napaba.org National Bar Association (NBA): www.nationalbar.org National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA): www.nblsa.org

© arekmalang

National Native American Bar Association (NNABA): www.nativeamericanbar.org

Kaplan PMBR: www.kaptest.com/Bar-Exam FINANCIAL WEB SITES

SECONDARY SCHOOL RESOURCES

A2Z Colleges: www.a2zcolleges.com College Board: www.collegeboard.org

Access Group: www.accessgroup.org

The College Digest: www.collegedigest.com

FinAid!: www.finaid.org

College Goal Sunday: www.collegegoalsundayusa.org

United States Department of Education Federal Student Aid: studentaid.ed.gov

Next Step U: www.nextstepu.com

LSAT TEST PREPARATION

Griffon Prep: www.griffonprep.com

Quintessential Careers: www.quintcareers.com/teen_ college.html

Kaplan, Inc.: www.kaptest.com/LSAT Law School Admission Council: www.lsac.org The Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com TestMasters: www.testmasters.net Advantage Testing: www.advantagetesting.com LSAT Sensei: lsatsensei.com WINTER/SPRING 2016

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the CLEO advantage

2015-2016

CLEO Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education PARTNER SCHOOLS

Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School Florida A&M University College of Law University of Houston Law Center Lincoln Memorial University – John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law Marquette University Law School The University of Mississippi School of Law The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Samford University, Cumberland School of Law South Texas College of Law St. Mary’s University School of Law Texas A&M University School of Law Vermont Law School Western New England University School of Law

SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS Albany Law School of Union University Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Boston College Law School Brooklyn Law School Case Western Reserve University School of Law Chapman University School of Law Florida Coastal School of Law Fordham University School of Law Indiana University Maurer School of Law Liberty University School of Law University of Massachusetts School of Law-Dartmouth The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law The University of Michigan Law School Mississippi College School of Law New England Law | Boston New York Law School University of North Carolina School of Law University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

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CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2016

Quinnipiac University School of Law St. Thomas University School of Law Savannah Law School SMU Dedman School of Law Stetson University College of Law Syracuse University College of Law Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law University of Tennessee College of Law The University of Texas School of Law Thomas Jefferson School of Law Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center Valparaiso University Law School Western State College of Law at Argosy University University of Wisconsin Law School

SUSTAINING INSTITUTIONS American University Washington College of Law Appalachian School of Law University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University Boston University School of Law University of California Davis School of Law (King Hall) University of California Hastings College of Law California Western School of Law The University of Chicago Law School Creighton University School of Law University of Denver Sturm College of Law University of Detroit Mercy School of Law University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law Drake University Law School Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law Duke University School of Law Duquesne University School of Law

Emory University School of Law University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law Florida International University College of Law George Mason University School of Law Georgia State University College of Law Gonzaga University School of Law Harvard Law School The University of Iowa College of Law The John Marshall Law School The University of Kansas School of Law Lewis & Clark Law School Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law Loyola University Chicago School of Law Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law Michigan State University College of Law University of Missouri School of Law University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law New York University School of Law Northeastern University School of Law University of Oklahoma College of Law

University of Pennsylvania Law School The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law University of Richmond School of Law Roger Williams University School of Law University of St. Thomas School of Law University of San Francisco School of Law Southern University Law Center Suffolk University Law School Texas Tech University School of Law The University of Tulsa College of Law Vanderbilt Law School University of Virginia School of Law Washburn University School of Law Washington and Lee University School of Law Washington University School of Law (St. Louis) West Virginia University College of Law Whittier Law School Widener University School of Law Willamette University College of Law William Mitchell College of Law Yale Law School

Support CLEO on

www.

.com Just imagine a “Google” that gives back!

Now you can support CLEO every time you search the web.

By using GOODSEARCH, CLEO benefits financially with every click.

To register, just log on to the site and make us your cause:

“Council on Legal Education Opportunity (Largo, MD)” It’s FREE! It’s EASY! It’s “GoodSearching!”

in every issue

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 2016 Consortium on Diversity in Legal Education’s Partner, Sustaining and Supporting Institutions and the following donors:

Corporate/Organizational Supporters Underwriting Partners

LSAC/DiscoverLaw.org Wal-Mart Diamond Supporters

Microsoft Corporation Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice Gold Supporters

The Ahmanson Foundation

Andrews Kurth

National Bar Institute

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP

Silver Supporter

Exxon Mobil Corporation Bronze Supporters

AT&T United Way Employee Giving Campaign

Bar Association of San Francisco Barry University – Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law University of the District of Columbia – David A. Clarke School of Law

102

CLEO EDGE

WINTER/SPRING 2016

Greenberg Traurig

New York Law School

Fordham University School of Law

South Texas College of Law

Magnolia Bar Association, Inc.

Texas A&M University School of Law

The John Marshall Law School (Chicago) McGuireWoods

University of Mississippi School of Law

Tatum & Wade

Whittier Law School

The Williams Companies

Individual Contributors Individual Gold Contributors

Rory Bahadur

Malcolm Morris

Charles Holmes

Denise Owens

Angela Cox

Raymond Jackson

Earl Robinson

Gloria Navarro

Pamela Rothenberg

Richard Roberts

Cleophus Washington

James Strazzella

Individual Silver Contributors

Oladipo Ashiru

Alphonso Eason

Bernard Recenello

Carl Boyd

Lonnie Johnson

Kenia Seoane

Wai Chi Ho

Robert Lee

Vanita Banks

Reuben F. Bradford Vanessa Cohn Arthel Crump

John Harris

Carlton Reeves

Gerald Lee

Peter Shane

Renard Shepard

Cassandra Ogden

Whitney Sims

Beverly Perry

Individual Bronze Contributors

Peter Alexander

Dorothy Evensen

Maxine Lawson-Conway

Iris Green

Daniel Lindsey

Leigh R. Allen II

Kuyomars “Q� Golparvar

Nanette Barragan

Samuel and Emelda Harris

Calvina Bostick

Turquoise Haskin

Robbin McNeal

Gary Hurst

Danielle Moore

Wanda and Al Ashley Armando Bonilla Joseph Bribiesca Widmon Butler Lynda Cevallos

Amanda Green-Hawkins Pierre Hines

Bernetta J. Hayes

Renee Lias-Sigler Julie D. Long

Colleen Malloy

Alfreda McNeill

Gay Polk-Payton

Clarence Clay

Wesley and Virginia Hayes

Chiquita Phillips

Lakisha Ann-Nicole Davis

Willie Jackson

Sheila Ruffin

Edward Collazo Stephen Davis

Monika Dobbs

Darrell Jackson Lorna John

Wilma Lanier

Maria Rubinos

Laurie Samuels

Diane Sims (AWE International) WINTER/SPRING 2016

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CLEO PRE-LAW PARTICIPANTS

PREPARE, PURSUE, PROFESS and

YOU

WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR FUTURE!

NATIONAL BAR INSTITUTE

Founded in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the National Bar Institute is committed to advancing minorities in the legal profession by promoting research, education and study.

CLEO EDGE is Online!

CURRENT ISSUE & ARCHIVES AVAILABLE! THE MAGAZINE FOR TOMORROW’S LAW STUDENTS

THE MAGAZINE FOR TOMORROW’S LAW STUDENTS

THE 3 HOTTEST LEGAL DEBATES:

Sunny HoSTin

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ALSO INSIDE:

#IsLawschooLstILLtrendIng? Pre-Law tImeLIne socIaL JUstIce

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MARIJUANA WHERE MARRIAGE DO EQUALITY IMMIGRATION YOU

ALSO INSIDE:

FINANCING A LEGAL EDUCATION FOOD JUSTICE CHRISTIAN SCOTT ATUNDE ADJUAH PRE-LAW TIMELINE LAW & DIVERSITY IN THE FILM INDUSTRY

STAND?

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