Guide to Applying to Law School as an LGBTQ+ Student
Congratulations on starting your journey to pursue law as an LGBTQ+ student! This will not only be a thrilling experience, but you will be in a better position to fight for equality. Besides, with the number of openly LGBTQ+ lawyers growing every day, nothing should stop you from enrolling into law school.
According to NALP's diversity report 2020, LGBTQ+ lawyers increased by 0.3%, rising to 3.31% of the total number of lawyers in the US. This is nearly three times the number recorded in 2002 when NALP began collecting data. Plus, LGBTQ+ law students are more likely to be open about their status than practicing lawyers. According to ABA Profile of Legal Profession 2022, 8.4% of law firm summer associates were open about their LGBTQ+ status, more than double that of lawyers at 3.7%.
This steady increase in out LGBTQ+ lawyers and law students proves that more members are considering pursuing a career in law. However, there are several challenges associated with the application process. This includes finding schools where you feel safe and factors you need to consider during application. Thankfully, this article pieces together crucial aspects you need to know while applying to law school as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading to learn more.
Finding a School that You Feel Safe Should Be Your First Priority
Everything you'll look into in your preferred law school should sync with your definition of an LGBTQ+-friendly school. Programs like LSAC's Diversity Initiative can help you identify an LGBTQ+ -friendly law school and other relevant information you may need. However, even though most schools promote a diverse and inclusive community, you should be more critical while assessing your options. Here are some of the things you should look out for:
The Presence of Out LGBTQ+ Student Organizations and Facilities
Current law students can provide relevant information on LGBTQ+ student life, alum networks, and career services in your preferred law school. Don't miss out on your college tours since they offer the best opportunity to interact with current students and start building your network.
One of the best ways to identify whether there's an existing LGBTQ+ organization or club in your prospective law school is by checking the school’s website for a list of student organizations. Your search can start with The LGTBQ+ Bar’s list of affiliated organizations, but some of the common organization names include OUTLaws, Lambda Law Society, or Gay-Straight Alliance.
You should also check whether the campus center offers a place where LGBTQ+ students socialize, study, or access resources specifically for their community.
Visible Pride Signs
Different signs of pride prove that your preferred law school is LGBTQ+ friendly. Look out for pink triangles, rainbow flags, or other visible pride signs that may be in classrooms or offices. This indicates that the campus's socio-environment influences the sense of inclusion, openness, and safety.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Courses
In addition to the campus culture, an LGBTQ+-friendly law school should represent the LGBTQ+ community in its academic programs. Explore their course catalog and check whether they offer LGBTQ+ affiliated courses along their main curriculum. Schools like Stanford University Law School and Harvard Law School offer Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Law courses, and Transgender Law and Politics courses. These courses are particularly crucial in impacting your career and fighting the continued attack on LGBTQ+ rights by state legislatures.
Presence of Out LGBTQ+ Staff Members
An LGBTQ+-friendly law school should not only include LGBTQ+ - related classes and students but also include professors who are members of this community. The presence of diverse law professors indicates that the school celebrates them, and there are chances for mentorship opportunities for new students who are afraid to disclose their sexual orientation. It also suggests that organizations affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to thrive since they have support from some administration members.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies
Finally, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ inclusive policies demonstrates whether your preferred law school is committed to inclusivity. One great place to consider is the college's student code of conduct or policies. You can typically find these on a website, but reach out to an admissions officer if you can’t find it.
Think About Where You Want Practice
Is the state or region where you want to practice friendly to lawyers who are members of the LGBTQ+ community? Are there any LGBTQ+ affiliated lawyers groups in the region? These are some of the questions you must answer while applying to law school. Of course, it's easier to practice law in the state or region of your law school since you'll be more familiar with its legal environment than in a completely new environment. Therefore, knowing about its LGBTQ+ friendliness should be a priority while applying for your law school admission.
So, what makes a particular place friendly for LGBTQ lawyers? Regional or state policies on inclusivity and the presence of LGBTQ+-friendly law firms. In an Out Leadership 2023 survey for LGBTQ+ friendly states, New York was ranked as the friendliest state, followed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado.
You can also determine whether a particular state has the best environment to practice law as an LGBTQ+ member with the availability of an LGBTQ+ affiliate program. You can check whether your preferred state has an LGBTQ+ affiliated program at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association website.
Don't Disclose Your Status if You Don't Feel Safe to
No one should force you to indicate your sexual orientation or gender identity while applying to a law school. You can avoid giving information about your LGBTQ+ status in your college essays or other application processes provided by your preferred school.
We understand it can be tempting to tie your essay with information about your experiences as an open LGBTQ+ member. While this can definitely play a key role in your decision to attend law school (personal statement) or what sets you apart (diversity statement), you do not have to use that story if you don’t want to.
However, if being an LGBTQ+ member is truly the reason behind your decision to pursue law and you feel comfortable revealing your sexual orientation, you can include this in your essays.
Some law schools may have options to identify as a member of the community on their online application portals. This usually comes as a drop-down indicating whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community and your specific sexual orientation. Again, this doesn't necessarily warrant that you should reveal your sexual orientation. You still have the option to skip this option if you feel uncomfortable.
For transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary clients, please read more here about deadnames and gender identification in the law school application process.
Seek Support from LGBTQ+ Organizations
Many law schools have LGBTQ+-friendly organizations you can join. Organizations such as The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation, OUTLaws, Lambda Law Society, and Pride Alliance are easy to come by across different law schools in the US.
There are also scholarship options for LGBTQ students to seek financial support from. Campus Pride has a national database you can search for scholarship options. The Point Foundation is another suitable option, especially if your parents do not support your education due to your sexual orientation. We recommend that you speak with your preferred admissions or financial aid officer to learn more about scholarships you can pursue if your family does not support your choice.
Get the Help You Need While Applying to Law School
You deserve to pursue a career in law, and your sexual orientation shouldn't be a barrier to your application. Unfortunately, narrowing down to a school that offers the environment needed to thrive and pursue your dreams without discrimination and with the support you need can be challenging. That's why seeking help through your college application is crucial.
At S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting, we're eager to help you through your law school application as an LGBTQ+ member. We offer the support you need to narrow down on an LGBTQ+-friendly law school that will provide a safe environment and the help you need. Besides that, you can use our admission essay writing method to brainstorm and structure your essay to impact the admission committee. On top of that, we offer several discount opportunities to LGBTQ+ applicants as part of our support for an equitable higher education landscape.
For more information, please don't hesitate to write to us or call us at 301.417.5167