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First-Gen Initiative

Bridging the gap, breaking down barriers, and developing resources for First-Generation lawyers and law students.

Videos
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Supporting Aspiring and Licensed First-Generation Attorneys: Transforming the 2022 Profile of the Profession into a Plan

How are we supporting the first-generation students studying at our law schools? What are we doing to support practicing first-generation lawyers who lack the social networks of many of their peers?

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Thriving as a First-Generation Lawyer: From Law Student through the Practice of Law

With economic disparities and differing educational, social, or cultural backgrounds, current and future first-generation lawyers often face a new set of challenges and struggles, often without a blueprint for a path to success. During this program we’ll provide a framework to thrive as a first-generation lawyer.

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Articles

Surviving the Transition from Public Service to Private Practice

Four years after graduating from law school, switching to a career in litigation seemed intimidating, and I didn’t know if I wanted to start over.

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To Going First

An interview with the founders of FirstGen5, a platform that provides tips, resources, and community for first-generation law school students.

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Law School Resources

First Generation Law Students at Michigan Law

The First Generation Law Students (FGLS) group is an organization focused on fostering a caring community of law students facing similar issues with joining the law school community and legal workplace.

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Suffolk University Boston First Gen Students

Career resources and opportunities, industries you can work in, funding experiential learning, connecting your knowledge to your community, and seeking mentorship and sponsorship.

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Non-Profit Organizations

Just The Beginning: A Pipeline Organization

JTB works to illuminate the path to law school by lighting the spark of recognition that it is possible to become a lawyer and a leader.

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The Girl's Guide to Law School

The Girl’s Guide to Law School® exists for one reason: to help you get what you want from your law school experience.

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Ms. JD Corporation

Ms. JD is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the success of women in law school and the legal profession.

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FirstGEN Fellows

The First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship Program is a paid summer program for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college and who intend to pursue careers in social justice.

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Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO)

The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization that was founded in 1968 to expand opportunities for underrepresented students to attend law school.

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Youth Justice Alliance

Youth Justice Alliance provides mentorships, institutional knowledge, and resources to help students achieve their academic and professional goals, while working toward a more inclusive legal profession.

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Informational

Law School Toolbox

The Law School Toolbox was created in 2012 by Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess to help demystify the law school and early legal career experience, so you’ll be the best law student and lawyer you can be.

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NALP Report on Employment Outcomes for First-Generation College Students

The National Association for Law Placement measured the law school employment outcomes for graduates who do not have at least one parent/guardian with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree and the new data show that these students fare less well than their peers in the competition for jobs.

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Further Reading

First-Generation Lawyers Faring So Much Worse In Employment Outcomes Should Be An Outrage

From Above the Law.

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More Grit, Less 'Polish.' What It Means to Be a First Generation Lawyer

From Law.com.

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First-Generation Law Students Struggle in Post-Grad Market Compared With Peers, Study Shows

From Law.com.

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Helping First-Generation Lawyers Thrive

From Law Practice Today.

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