Pipeline Programs & Collaborations

First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP)

The First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP) invests in first-generation students and students who demonstrate an interest in attending law school in the future.

The intensive three-year, in-person summer program provides rising freshmen, sophomores and juniors of any college or university with an immersive, holistic experience that introduces them to law school, the legal profession and the practice of law.

Year One: Rising Freshmen (one week)

• Introduction to Law School: FGLP scholars visit DePaul Law and other area law schools. Scholars also participate in programming featuring current law students, law faculty and senior leaders, including deans.
• Introduction to Law Firms: Scholars visit area law firms to spend quality time with associates, senior partners and senior leaders and learn what it is like to work at a law firm.
• Mentor/Mentee Program: Each scholar is matched with a mentor who is an attorney at a local law firm. Mentors and mentees stay connected throughout the duration of the three-year program.

Year Two: Rising Sophomores (six weeks)

• Introduction to the LSAT: Preparing for the LSAT is critical to ensuring that scholars have the tools and confidence to earn the highest possible scores and increase their chances of being admitted to law school. Scholars participate in an introductory course to help them understand and prepare for the LSAT exam, with additional programming in the third year of the program.
• Job Shadowing: Scholars are matched with local attorneys who work in a specialty area that aligns with their passions and interests to learn and observe “a day in the life” of a practicing attorney.

Year Three: Rising Juniors (six to eight weeks)

• Legal Internship: Scholars receive paid internships at local law firms and legal organizations to gain skills and experience to help build their résumés as they prepare to apply to law school.
• Intensive LSAT Preparation: Scholars take an intensive course to help prepare them to take the LSAT exam.
• Law School Skills Classes: Scholars participate in mini-courses at DePaul Law to better prepare them for their first year of law school. Courses may include critical thinking and legal analysis, as well as introductions to substantive areas of the law.

Additional Program Details

• Financial Support: Scholars are eligible for a stipend in each of the first two years of the program and receive a paid internship during the third year to cover travel expenses and offset missed wages to ensure that everyone is able to participate in the program, regardless of financial need. Scholars who complete the three-year program, apply to and are admitted to DePaul Law also are eligible to receive up to a $40,000 annual law school scholarship renewable for three years.
• Ongoing Programming: Scholars have the opportunity to stay connected with their cohort throughout the year through career panels, skills workshops and special events at DePaul Law and other program partners.

Application Details

FGLP is a pilot program of three cohorts, starting with summer 2022. Programming concludes in summer 2026 for current cohorts and, as a result, FGLP is not accepting new applications.

Program News

• After a Successful Pilot Summer, DePaul Law’s First Generation in Law Scholars Program Sees Promising Future (Winston & Strawn; September 8, 2022)

• DePaul Law Partners with U of I College of Law on Comprehensive Prelaw Pipeline Program (University of Illinois; September 2, 2022)

• DePaul University Program Aims to Develop More First-Generation Lawyers of Color (ABC7 Chicago; June 25, 2022)

• DePaul Law Strengthens the Pipeline to Law School and the Legal Profession (DePaul Download Podcast; April 8, 2022)

• DePaul Law Launches Three-Year Summer Program for First-Generation Students (Law.com; March 16, 2022)

Program Sponsors

We are grateful to Winston & Strawn LLP and Edelson PC for serving as lead sponsors of FGLP and for their continued investment and support.