2012-13 Year in Review: Legal Diversity Pipeline Program for Law Firms

In 2012-13, high school students in seven cities across the country explored the legal profession through the NALP/Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program. More than 400 students at 10 high schools were involved in the program—which included classroom visits from law firm and law school volunteers, field trips to the partner law firms, and opportunities to network, build mentoring relationships, and
A student in Miami said, “The most important thing I learned was that I want to be a lawyer, and I can become one if I work hard.”

Pre- and post-program survey results indicate that the program is increasing students’ interest in and knowledge of legal careers:

• 76% of students said they were more interested in legal careers after participating in the program.
• “On a scale of 1 to 5, how much did the lawyers inspire you?” Average response = 4.11
• “On a scale of 1 to 5, how much did you learn about legal careers from the program?” Average response = 4.28

Interactive Legal Simulations

Every program site included a one-day student conference at the law firm. At these events, students took the role of lawyers as they simulated challenging legal problems. Students negotiated mock contracts, argued in mock trials, testified at mock legislative hearings, and designed mock policies.

Networking Opportunities

Each site featured a variety of networking opportunities during the law firm field trip. At these events, students had the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with attorneys, ask questions about the profession, and practice their networking skills. The students loved these activities and made some great connections!

Law School Partnerships

Several program sites included law students in teaching positions or featured a visit to a local partner law school. These visits allowed students to meet law students and ask questions about the process of applying and completing law school and career options.

Lasting Impact

Students, teachers, and volunteers agreed that this year’s programs were fun, worthwhile, and enlightening. When asked whether this program heightened their interest in the legal profession, an overwhelming number of students said yes. One student stated, “I learned from this program that being an attorney is awesome!”

In discussing what they learned, students said

• “I learned so much about the actual process of being in the court room.”
• “I learned you must stay professional and focus. Reading, writing and being able to communicate are important.”
• “I learned that legal careers are more exciting than I thought and that there are many different departments in law firms and many more people who work in law firms, outside of lawyers.”

Special thanks to the participating firms and law schools:

Sustainer Law Firms

Participant Law Firms

• Bernstein Shur (Portland, ME office)
• Fox Rothschild (Philadelphia office)
• Holland & Knight (Miami office)
• Hunton & Williams (Richmond office)
• McKenna Long & Aldridge (Washington, DC office)
• White & Case (New York office)

Participant Law Schools

• University of California-Berkeley School of Law
• University of California-Hastings Schools of Law
• University of Maine School of Law
• University of Miami School of Law
• New York University School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• William & Mary Law School