Diversity Resources
The American Bar Association expresses a strong commitment to full and equal participation in the the legal profession by all persons, and this extends to those applying to and enrolling in law school. While demographics among those entering the legal profession still do not reflect those of society as a whole, there are a variety of resources available to support law school candidates whose experiences historically have been underrepresented in the legal profession. The list of resources below is organized according to various identities and experiences, though these categories are not mutually exclusive of one another. This is an evolving list, and suggestions for improvement are welcome!
Race/Ethnicity
- Scholarship Opportunities – for students representing racial/ethnic identities underrepresented in the legal profession (LSAC)
- Role of Race and Ethnicity in the law school admissions process (LSAC)
- Legal Education Resources and Professional Organizations – a list of identity/diversity-related professional, student, and bar associations within the legal field
- ABA Required Disclosures – provides information detailing the ethnic/racial makeup of students at individual law schools
- LSAC Official Guide – provides a range of details regarding all law schools, including for many, information on diversity within the institution
- Legally BLK Fund – The Legally BLK Fund supports aspiring Black women attorneys by providing financial support associated with the law school application process
LGBTQIA
- Scholarships available through Point Foundation and Pride Foundation
- LSAC resources for LGBT law school applicants – information includes resources about coming out on your application, testimonials from LGBT students, professional associations, and more
- OUTLaw/OUTLaws are LGBT-focused student organizations present at a variety of law schools throughout the country, including the University of Oregon Outlaws, Willamette University Outlaw, and Lewis and Clark Outlaw
- LGBT Bar Association works to promote justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity. LGBT Bar also hosts the annual Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair
Student Veterans
- LSAC Information on Financial Aid resources – includes information the Post 9-11 GI Bill, as well as the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill – assists eligible individuals with tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, annual books and supplies stipend, and a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals
- Yellow Ribbon Program – assists with funding tuition and fee expenses not covered by the 9/11 GI Bill
- ABA Coordinating Committee on Veterans Benefits & Services – compiles resources designed to provide attorneys and veterans with assistance related to challenges in obtaining medical care, disability benefits, reemployment rights, consumer, housing, criminal and family law matters, and in obtaining legal counsel
- ABA Veterans’ Claims Assistance Network – provides unrepresented veterans who have pending disability benefits claims with the opportunity to work with lawyers who will help the veterans complete their claims packages for expedited review by the VA—at no cost to the veterans
- Study.com Scholarship for Military Children – The Study.com Scholarship for Military Children provides a $500 academic award to a student who is a child of a military member, either in active duty or a veteran. The student must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and all areas of study will be considered.
Students with Disabilities
- LSAC’s resources for Applicants with disabilities – including information on relevant professional organizations and resources
- National Association of Law Students with Disabilities – law student organization that provides extensive information regarding disability and the law school admissions process, accommodations available, disability law organizations, career and legal resources, and more
- LSAT accommodations for test takers with disabilities – provides guidance and instructions for requesting accommodations (e.g., extra time, use of readers) for LSAT test takers with documented disabilities