Diversity and Disability
DIVERSITY
One of the best ways to learn about a law school's diversity is to visit the school and talk to the students, if possible. If you are unable to visit, talk to the admissions department and see if they could put you in contact with students that could give you information. Most schools will provide information on their website about diversity and what is available on their campus, including information about any special programs and student organizations. If you can, try getting in touch with a student organization that would be able to help. Here are some links to various websites involving diversity (for information only - no endorsement of any organization or website is implied. Use at your own risk).
- LSAC - for racial/ethnic minority applicants
- LSAC - for LGBT applicants
- CLEOinc. - Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.
- Scholarship opportunity from the American Bar Association
- The National Black Law Students Association
- Hispanic National Bar Association
- National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
- Native American Bar Association
- The National LGBT Bar Association
SPECIAL NEEDS
On the LSAT:
- Link to what accommodations are available on the LSAT
- Link to LSACs information page about accommodations, including the procedure to request accommodations:
LSAC no longer "flags" the scores of applicants who received accommodations, so law schools will not know that you received an accommodation. Applying for accommodations can take quite a while, so apply as early as you can once you have registered for the LSAT.
Should you disclose your disability on your application? This is a personal decision, there is no "right" answer. Remember, you cannot be discriminated against because of your disability. As a student who needs accommodations, including for learning disabilities or physical needs, it is important to check out ahead of time what a law school has to offer. Find out what office at the law school is responsible for providing disability services. Some law schools have their own office, at others the University disability services cover the entire University. Ask about available accommodations and the procedure to request them. Don't wait until after you start law school to request accommodations. The process can sometimes take weeks. And as always, pay attention to all deadlines.
Links (for information only - no endorsement of any organization or website is implied. Use at your own risk).
- American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights resources page - in particular, under Law School Disability Programs Directory there is a section titled "Click on a State" - when you do, it lists the contact information for disability services at each law school in that state as well as other information and links for that school