What to Know as a First-Generation Law School Student

Applying to law school — and beginning a formal graduate program — can be a daunting task in and of itself. Without an established family name already working in the industry, the process becomes exponentially more difficult. And while a lack of familial history can seem like a significant barrier to entry for the legal field, it doesn't have to be. 

Today, we're going to look at the concept of the first-generation law student, including programs, organizations, and systems of support designed to empower first-generation students to complete their J.D. 

What Does It Mean to Be a First-Generation Law School Student?

Before we discuss all the support systems that are available to first-generation law students, let's define what the term "first-generation student" actually means. 

A first-generation law school student is someone who does not have a parent, brother or sister, or another member of their immediate family working in the legal field. That means that they are the first in their family to attend law school. 

While a first-generation law student isn't the same thing as a first-generation college student, there is often significant overlap between the two. First-generation college students are more general, being the first person in their family to attend college (typically a four-year institution).

According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Education in 2021, 30% of all college students are first-generation attendees who hail from a BIPOC background. What makes this number so significant is how it translates into both collegiate success and ongoing success in the working world. Because first-generation law students have no direct familial model to guide them to support and resources during their law school years, they run an increased risk of not finding a job after graduation, or worse, not completing the program at all. 

With that in mind, let's turn our attention toward the programs and systems of support that ARE in place, highlighting their existence for incoming students.   

Financial Aid and Programs for First-Generation Students

The average cost of law school is far and away one of the most prohibitive factors preventing first-generation applicants from ever starting their journey. Fortunately, the legal field has made significant efforts to transition away from "an old boys club," into a more inclusive industry that values equity. To that effect, there are an increasing number of financial aid programs and scholarships available to first-generation students at institutions across the United States.  

In terms of scholarships, take NYU's law school for example. They offer the AnBryce Scholarship program to first-generation students of color. On the other side of the country, UC Berkeley's famous law program features a similar type of aid known as the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship which covers a full 3-year tuition for first-generation students.

The key takeaway is understanding that many – if not most – of the most prestigious law schools in the country will have financial programs in place to help first-generation law students pay for college. It's worth the time and effort for the prospective student to meet with their chosen institution's financial aid department for more details and opportunities. 

Financial aid for first-generation students can come in many forms besides the scholarship, however. There are also fellowships (which require commitment to either a specific area of law or a specific firm), as well as mentorship pipelines that can help take them from college all the way to the workforce. In some cases, first-generation students may also qualify for loan repayment programs to help them mitigate the overall cost of their degree. 

Organizations for First-Generation Students

Financial hardship isn't the only common stumbling block for first-generation law students of color. In order to thrive in such a rigorous and intense educational program, you need to be surrounded by a sense of community. It's the organizations that offer social and emotional support that help first-generation students thrive. You can split helpful organizations into two important subtypes: on-campus resources and off-campus organizations. 

On-campus resources include your various student unions and clubs. Most often, these clubs are organized to give people of common affinities a safe place to experience community within the larger university context. Sometimes they are organized along degree paths instead, allowing the first-generation student access to like-minded individuals striving toward the same goal. 

Off-campus resources come in the form of larger, nationwide organizations such as the Bar Association's First Gen program. It is the First Gen program's aim to offer guidance and support to the first-time student throughout all phases of their career, from their initial application to law school, all the way to post-graduate job placement. 

Many individual institutions offer access to a similar type of organization as part of campus life. For example, Seton Hall's law school offers first-generation law school students the ability to join the First Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA). This is one of the common organizations that can be found across law schools.

We also are excited to have a community in the Barrier Breakers® Facebook Group, where we promote professional development, work-life balance, and give free resources with a focus on BIPOC and first-generation students. There are other communities like this on Facebook or Discord, as well as other platforms, that are worth seeking out.

Empowering Yourself for the Journey

Attending and completing law school is a life-changing experience. It can also seem like a scary proposition. Everything from the application process to post-grad job placement carries a weight that's unique to the field. It doesn't have to be a scary experience, however.  

From scholarships to professional camaraderie, there are numerous programs and support pillars in place for aspiring lawyers of color. The important part is taking that first step toward your future. Even if you are the first in your family to attend law school, there are people in your community that want to help you break those generational barriers once and for all.

The team at Barrier Breakers® Admissions Advising is here to support you through this law school application cycle! Whether it's through discounted advising for BIPOC, first-generation, and LSAC Fee Waiver applicants, our essay review services and courses, or just downloading our free Essential Guide to Applying to Law School, we're here to help make this process easier.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at hello@barrier-breakers.org with any of your questions! You can also submit a question to be answered on our weekly Break Into Law School® Podcast, streaming wherever your favorite podcast service is.