As current law students committed to diversity and inclusion, we feel it is our obligation to help and support the next generation of underrepresented applicants of color gain admission to law school. Despite 12% of all law school applicants identifying as Black, Black candidates made up only 8% of all first-year law students in 2023. When you compare this to Caucasian/White candidates, who made up 51% of all law school applicants and 58% of all 1Ls in the same year, one can reason that inequities exist within the pipeline to the legal profession.
The Executive Director of the AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence Aaron Taylor’s article titled The Marginalization of Black Aspiring Lawyers argues that law schools’ overreliance on the LSAT in the admissions process effectively limits the enrollment of Black candidates in law schools. Moreover, when candidates apply directly affects their chances for being accepted to law school due to rolling admissions. Mr. Taylor’s research reveals that “43% of Black law school applicants applied in March or later,” when there are limited numbers of seats and scholarship monies at most law schools.
With so many people online and in real life offering various and differing opinions, we decided to partner with our Law School’s Admissions Office to dispel common myths and demystify the admissions process. On December 3 at 5:30 p.m. ET, we will host a webinar that is focused on providing you with guidance about studying for the LSAT, compiling your application materials, selecting law schools, deciding when to apply, and financing your legal education.