First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP)

The First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP) invests in first-generation students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, 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 College of 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 College of 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 College of 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 College of 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)

• With a Generous Gift from Two Alumni, DePaul Law Launches Comprehensive First-Generation in Law Scholars Program (College of Law News; February 8, 2022)

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

Do you have dreams of being a lawyer? Are you interested in attending law school?  If so, consider applying to LegalTrek. LegalTrek is a summer program designed to provide a hands-on, comprehensive overview of the legal profession to diverse college students, or recent college grads. LegalTrek meshes traditional legal learning with opportunities to build legal skills!   

LegalTrek’s mission is to diversify the legal profession by encouraging and supporting college students from historically underrepresented groups to attend law school. We are seeking diverse applicants from racial/ethnic minority groups, as well as socio-economically disadvantaged students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities, who are from the Chicago area or interested in working in the Chicago area after graduation. LegalTrek is a collaboration between the Chicago Committee for Minorities in Law Firms (Chicago Committee) and DePaul University College of Law, where legal diversity champion, Jennifer Rosato Perea serves as Dean. LegalTrek offers practical and engaging weekly seminars virtually or at DePaul University College of Law.  

Students will participate in classroom lessons, and in a variety of exercises including: a mock jury trial, a simulated client negotiation, and much more. Students will be assigned an attorney mentor from one of Chicago’s top law firms or corporate legal departments. The LegalTrek course content will help students understand the role of the law and lawyers in our society, the different kinds of lawyers and what they do, and successful strategies for applying to law school. Students will be expected to participate weekly in class discussion, complete assigned readings, and turn in response papers.  

LegalTrek is a rigorous program that requires your full participation. Attendance at all LegalTrek sessions is mandatory. If you miss more than two sessions, or are late to more than 2 sessions, you will be asked to leave the program. LegalTrek 2020 will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 – 4:30 pm virtually or at DePaul University, College of Law’s Loop Campus. LegalTrek will begin on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 and will go through Tuesday, July 20, 2021. 

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 23, 2021. If you are interested, please submit your completed application with your transcript and 1 page resume to Anna Lloyd, Executive Director, either by email or mail (see mailing address in FAQ sheet). Applications submitted without a transcript or resume will not be reviewed. The LegalTrek committee will be contacting you to interview either by video or by phone in April. If you have questions, please see the included FAQ sheet or e-mail alloyd@chicagocommittee.org.

Access the LegalTrek Application

LegalTrek Application FAQ’s 

1. I am not sure what LegalTrek is- what exactly will I be doing?

A: Please read the 2021 summer syllabus to see exactly what you will be doing each week and what types of assignments and preparation you must make in advance. Please read the beginning of the syllabus that sets forth the expectations and level of commitment expected from each scholar. 

2. I see that LegalTrek is a program for undergraduates. I recently graduated from college and I would like to participate. May I apply? 

A: Yes you may. While this program is designed and targeted for undergraduate students, there are limited spaces available for recent grads. Feel free to apply. 

3. If I am selected as a finalist, I see that I must interview in April. I will likely not be able to make it to Chicago for an interview as I go to school in another state. Can I still participate?

A: Yes. We will be interviewing by phone. Not all students will be asked to interview, only those students who advance through the initial application stage. 

4. When will I know if I am accepted to LegalTrek?  

A:  We would like to notify everyone of their admission acceptance by May 1, 2021.

5. How much does it cost to participate in LegalTrek?

A: There is no cost to participate in the LegalTrek program, but individuals are responsible for their own living and travel expenses.

6. Does the program offer housing options?

A: No, unfortunately we are unable to provide housing assistance at this time. Individuals are responsible for arranging their own housing.

7.  Will I have access to a legal internship if I participate in LegalTrek? 

A:  No, an internship is not part of the program at this time. All LegalTrek scholars regardless of year in school will be assigned a law-firm mentor and you will meet with your mentor throughout the summer. You may be able to build relationships for future internship opportunities through this mentor, or your LegalTrek network.  

8. How should I submit my transcript? 

A: You or your school may mail a hard copy of your transcript to Anna Lloyd (see mailing address below). Your school may also send an electronic copy to alloyd@chicagocommittee.org, or you may email a scanned copy of your transcript.

9.  If I decide to submit a hard copy of my application and/or official transcript what is your mailing address?

A: Please address all mail to: 

Anna Lloyd

Executive Director

Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms

P.O. Box 06411

Chicago, IL 60606

In its 18th year, the annual Illinois Latinx Law Student Association (ILLSA) Forum helps increase the Latinx presence in the legal community. DePaul’s Latino's Law Student Association, in collaboration with the DePaul College of Law Admissions Office and Student Affairs, hosts law school admissions professionals, financial aid professionals, local Latinx judges, lawyers and current law students from Chicago area law schools. The target audience is middle school, high school and college students, and the forum is usually held in the Spring.

The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) is a national organization that was founded to expand opportunities for minority and low-income students to attend law school. CLEO offers a plethora of programs, including their flagship Pre-Law Summer Institute and Road to Law School seminar. For more information, visit the CLEO website.

Visit CLEO Website

In early 2020, DePaul Law partnered with Back of the Yards College Preparatory to expose high school students to a variety of legal professions, individuals and institutions, as well as to strengthen the prospective student pipeline to law school.  Students were invited to weekly excursions and events at local legal institutions and organizations such as the Cook County Courthouse, the Dirksen Federal Building, an alderman’s office and Chicago law firm Tressler LLP, among others.