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).

Immigrants Rising

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

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.

LSAC Plus Program