Pre-Law Pipeline Program
Supporting a more diverse law school community and legal profession is a critical component of NYLS’s Institutional Diversity Plan and 2020 Strategic Plan.
As part of that commitment, NYLS is creating pre-law pipeline programs with the goal of providing individuals from diverse populations with a dedicated set of opportunities to explore the law and create a pathway to earn their J.D. degrees at NYLS.
In 2019, NYLS launched its Summer Pre-Law Program for college students.
Undergraduate Program
Participants in the Summer Pre-Law Program attend courses at NYLS for two consecutive summers. The program is open to rising college juniors who study in the New York City metropolitan area, or elsewhere in New York State. NYLS works directly with undergraduate partner institutions to identify candidates.
The program runs for four weeks the summer before students’ junior year and four weeks the summer before students’ senior year. The summer program for 2024 will begin on June 3, 2024 and will conclude on June 27, 2024. As part of the program, NYLS checks in with participating students throughout their junior and senior years and provides them with law school-related resources.
The curriculum, which includes four hours of class per day, four days a week, was developed and taught by NYLS’s faculty. It includes these topics:
- Introduction to Legal Method
- Written Legal Communication
- Introduction to LSAT Preparation
- Academic Success
- Professional Development
- Project-Based Capstone
The Project-Based Capstone represents the culmination of students’ work during each summer session and will engage students in simulated arguments on behalf of a “client.”
Note: The summer 2024 program will be in person at New York Law School (185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013).
The application deadline is March 30, 2024. Decisions will be communicated by mid-April.
Please contact Ella Mae Estrada, Associate Dean and Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services, and Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at 212.431.2888 with any questions.
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion • T 212.431.2854 • E diversity@nyls.edu