First Generation Law Students

According to the Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE), 29% of law students are first-generation. First-generation law students, those who are the first in their families to pursue legal education, may face unique challenges. To support their success, various resources are available. See the list below for helpful resources.

Photo by Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash

USC First Generation Plus Success Center

The First Generation Plus Success Center at USC (FG+SC) serves as a resource hub for current first-generation, undocumented, transfer, and former foster youth students as they navigate campus. Their mission is to foster a sense of belonging and a culture of holistic well-being through intentional mentorship, supportive services, and leadership opportunities. (Cited directly from their home page)

CAS Fee Waiver

A CAS (Credential Assembly Service) fee waiver from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is a financial assistance program designed to help eligible candidates offset some of the costs associated with applying to law schools. The CAS is a service provided by LSAC that compiles and standardizes undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores, making it easier for law schools to assess applicants.

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

LSAC’s diversity initiatives, including the PLUS program and DiscoverLaw.org, provide valuable resources for first-generation college students interested in law school.

Collective Success Network

As per their website, the resources in this website are “designed to help FGLI (first generation, low-income) college students in all aspects of their college experience, career exploration, physical and mental health, and personal success.”

Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO)

CLEO offers pre-law summer institutes, workshops, mentoring, and other resources to support underrepresented students on their journey to law school.

7Sage LSAT Prep

For those who qualify for a CAS fee waiver, 7Sage offers its LSAT Prep for just $1. 

AccessLex Institute

AccessLex provides resources and tools to help students understand the financial aspects of law school, including student loan management and repayment options.

Ask Edna (by AccessLex)

One stop shopping for TONS of resources for aspiring law students!

First Generation JD

This website aims to support and connect first-generation law students, providing valuable advice, resources, and community engagement opportunities.

Street Law Pre-Law Pipeline Program

Street Law’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program offers opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students to learn more about the law and legal careers.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

This fund provides scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities for first-generation students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

LSAC Plus Program

The PLUS Program is specifically aimed at undergraduate students and prospective law school applicants one year away from applying who are from minoritized groups that are underrepresented in the legal profession.

MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide

2024-2025 edition

Immigrants Rising

Designed to help undocumented people attend college and start their career development journeys in the United States.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal

As per their website, “The Higher Ed Immigration Portal (the Portal) is a platform that integrates data, policy analysis, and resources to support DACA and undocumented, refugee, other immigrant, and international students.”

USC Gould Immigrant Legal Assistance Center (ILAC)

California Dream Act

As per the California Dream Act website: “The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.” Citation: https://www.csac.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/california_dream_act_faq.pdf

Immigrants Rising: Law School Resource Guide for Undocumented Students- Getting to Law School

Revised Date: June 2024

finaid

Financial aid resources for undocumented students.

My Undocumented Life

Resources for undocumented college students