Diversity: Why It Matters
Access to justice is essential for a democratic society, and diversity in the legal profession increases the likelihood of access for people from an increasingly diverse population. Law school diversity enables individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to add their perspectives to the greater legal community. The profession needs lawyers who look just like you, and who share your life experiences. Race or ethnicity, LGBTQ status, and disability are just some of the backgrounds that contribute to the diversity important in law school and the legal profession. Diversity of age, geographic region, socioeconomic status, and nationality also add to a richer experience in the law school classroom for all students.
To learn about what U.S. law schools are doing in the fight for justice and equality, we encourage you to visit the AALS’ Law Deans Antiracist Clearinghouse Project . This resource is one of the ways that the law school community is responding to racism in the United States, a scourge that threatens both our democracy and the rule of law. The page includes links to Solidarity and Antiracism statements from over 160 ABA-approved law schools.
Diversity: One Admission Factor Among Many
Diversity of perspective and thought is essential to understanding and interpreting the law. To achieve the intellectual diversity they seek, law schools welcome applicants from previously excluded or currently underrepresented groups.
Law schools will select candidates who fall somewhere on a flexible continuum of the school's academic parameters and who contribute to a diverse class. Each applicant may offer something distinctive to a class — diversity is one factor among many in a holistic file review. Other factors include your LSAT score and undergraduate GPA, strong letters of recommendation, personal statements, work experience, community service, a special interest, or demonstrated strength of character. Each of these factors will contribute to a robust exchange of ideas in the law school community.
The Diverse Candidate
Racially & Ethnically Diverse Candidates
The inclusion of African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students, as well as other students of color, enriches the learning process for all students. Many law schools seek out students of color to diversify the perspectives in their classes. We provide resources and inspiration so that you can take advantage of the opportunities legal education offers and make sure your voice is among the many contributing to the discussion.
LGBTQ Candidates
LGBTQ individuals have found places in every area of legal practice as well as in legal academia. They have succeeded in organizing their own small law firms, risen within the ranks of legal education, taken seats on the bench, and, of course, worked in law firms specializing in the LGBTQ rights movement. We survey law schools every two years to gather the information you need about LGBTQ resources at all participating campuses.
Candidates with Disabilities
People with disabilities are part of the rich diversity in law schools and the legal profession. State and federal laws ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to educational and employment opportunities. Law schools are required to accommodate students with disabilities, and the Law School Admission Council is committed to helping you request the accommodations you need to take the LSAT.