3 Things Black Law School Applicants Should Look For In a Law School
Every law school applicant hopes to gain acceptance to the “perfect” law school. Often, they're looking for an institution that allows them to pursue their academic interests and offers community. Finding schools wherein you feel culturally accepted is challenging for any law student.
However, this quest can be particularly difficult for Black applicants. Black law students represent only 8% of the entire legal student population. These bleak statistics can cause angst among Black applicants who want to find a school wherin they feel included. This is a perfectly normal and valid concern.
In this blog post, we’re going over some things Black law school applicants should look for to find the right law school for them.
Class Profiles
All law schools have a class profile, which gives readers explicit data on the race and gender of the current 1L class. The class profile is typically found on a school’s website and statistics are updated every year. You can also find similar information regarding race, sex and gender composition in a school’s ABA 509 report*. This document is also found online and will give you more detailed information.
It’s important to note that the percentage of Black/minority students at each institution varies. No two law schools will have the exact same racial and gender composition.
For students seeking to attend a law school with mostly Black students, consider applying to an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). These institutions are likely to have high minority representation. For example, the Howard University School of Law has an African American student population of 78%.
There are also institutions that are predominately white and have a high population of Black students. For example, Columbia Law School has a higher proportion of Black students than the national average. Make sure to review a school’s demographics to learn more about the culture and racial composition there
*Note: We still expect this data to be reported, even following the Supreme Court ruling. If this changes, we will update this blog post.
Black Law Students Organizations
You should also inquire about Black law student organizations at your prospective law schools. These clubs can have a variety of names including Black Law Student Association (BLSA), Black Legal Society, etc. These organizations are present at both HBCUs and predominately white institutions.
Typically, you can find information about these organizations on the school’s website. If you feel comfortable, send a message to the organization’s email and ask to speak with a student representative. You can ask this student about their experience as a Black law student at their institution. They will be able to provide valuable insight about the community and culture at the law school in question.
Unfortunately, some law schools do not list contact information for students organizations on their website. If this is the case, you can ask if the organization has their own website or search for the club on social media. Don’t be afraid to direct message the organization and ask to speak to a student ambassador. Once connected, this student will be able to tell you more about what club membership entails and describe the school’s environment with you. Moreover, they can become an upperclassman mentor if you decide to attend that institution.
Programs for Students from Underrepresented Groups
Several law schools have special resources for minority students. Resources could take the form of special scholarships funded by diverse alumni or fellowship program. This is an excellent opportunity to receive funding and connect with alumni who can help you navigate your career.
Some law schools also offer networking events for underrepresented groups. For example, several universities offer a Black Alumni event where current students can connect with established lawyers. Information about special events and programs may not be available on the institution’s website.
Make sure to ask an admissions office about any events or programs for underrepresented groups at their institution. They should be able to provide insightful information about the resources available.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to find a law school where you can feel welcomed and accepted. To do this, you must be willing to reach out to new people and do a lot of research. Once you do this, you can make more informed choices and feel more confident about the schools you apply to.
This process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want additional guidance, book a consultation with us to learn more about our services. We offer decreased prices for minority and underrepresented applicants who want help on their law school journey. You can book an appointment here. We would love to work with you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com!
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