In June of 2005, PRLDEF launched a new initiative, LAWbound®, a pilot project focused on increasing the number of Latinos who successfully stay on the path to law school. On August 15, 2005, LAWbound commenced with the start of the first-ever Luis J. DeGraffe Summer Academy. 2007 will be our fourth consecutive year offering this innovative pre-law program.
Overview
With the support of the Minority Affairs Committee of the Law School Admission Council (MAC-LSAC), LAWbound builds upon PRLDEF’s current pre-law programming with the primary objective of identifying Latino students early in their college career. The program seeks to provide targeted services that address some of the most common barriers to admission to law school, and help students effectively navigate the law school admissions process and underwrite their own success through Empowerment, Skill Development and thorough Preparation (ESP). Our goal is simple. To increase the number of Latinos who go to law school.
The LAWbound program plan includes: 1) outreach, recruitment and college activities; 2) PRLDEF LAWbound Summer Academy; 3) mentoring and networking; and 4) wrap around programming that improves access from law school to lawyering.
The Curriculum
Associate Professor Luis J. DeGraffe from CUNY Law School – and former PRLDEF education director –developed the curriculum and served as the first Academic Director. The summer program has been renamed the Luis J. DeGraffe Summer Academy in his memory. The LAWbound curriculum was designed based on several programs that Professor DeGraffe had developed and implemented including the Academic Empowerment Program, sponsored by CUNY students of color law student organizations, CLEO’s Attitude is Essential curricula, among others.
Within the week-long intensive, LAWbound demystifies the law school application process, introduces legal methods and processes, covers the importance of course selection throughout a student’s undergraduate program to prepare for law school, and introduces career paths and options for law school graduates. Students have the opportunity to establish relationships and ask questions in informal, relaxed and social settings throughout the week with the Summer Academy Director, guest speakers and practitioners, and law student teaching assistants.
Students also visit practitioners in their professional settings. In the program’s first two years, LAWbound scholars have visited a judge’s chambers, a small private law practice, a major NY law firm, the NYS Attorney General’s Office, the Legal Aid Society and an area law school. These are wonderful networking opportunities for students who are considering a legal career.
Click here for more information about LAWbound’s inaugural summer 2005.
Recruitment and Selection
During the academic year, PRLDEF conducts systematic outreach and holds presentations on college campuses in the New York metropolitan area to raise awareness about careers in law and the importance of diversity in the legal profession. Application packages are distributed at these events. Additionally, PRLDEF distributes applications to area pre-law advisors and other counselors including C-STEP, HEOP and career counselors. You may also obtain an application package by clicking on the link at the end of this page.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be Latino/a currently enrolled as a college sophomore or freshman during initial application to the program.
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Demonstrate strong academic potential with a minimum overall B average or better and permit PRLDEF access to your academic record.
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Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a legal education.
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Must be able to attend the full summer prep program, which takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM, August 11-15, 2008.
Up to 30 applicants will be accepted as LAWbound Scholars, and attend the LAWbound Luis J. DeGraffe Summer Academy. LAWbound scholars will also receive a law student mentor through our partnership with the Hispanic National Bar Association National Mentoring Program. LAWbound Scholars also receive wrap-around services – such as a discounted LSAT preparatory class and in-depth counseling on law school admissions provided by PRLDEF – that will improve access to law school.
For more information about the PRLDEF LAWbound Program, please contact Ms. Sonji Patrick, Director, Education Programming, (212) 739-7497 or via e-mail at Sonji_patrick@prldef.org. Applications for the 2008 LAWbound class are now available.
Download both files to apply: LAWbound application Nomination form
Register HERE to receive e-mail announcements!
“It is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.” – Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
