Prospective law students — whether LGBTQ or those interested in a career in LGBTQ advocacy — who want to find an inclusive law school should start by researching their options.
“Law school is a very, very tough environment in general,” says law student Zahar Lopez in the Law School Admission Council’s “ Choosing an LGBT-Friendly Law School video.” “So you don’t want to add to the stresses of being a law student, additional stresses of not fitting in because you’re gay.”
Here are six tips to keep in mind as you make a list of potential schools that could be the right fit for you.
[Consider these key data points when choosing a law school.]
1. Review LSAC’s Diversity in Law Survey: To help you identify a list of LGBTQ-friendly law schools to apply to, start by reviewing the LSAC’s LGBT Survey, which the LSAC conducts every other year. All participating schools have nondiscrimination policies.
To identify schools with inclusive campuses, take note of distinguishing factors, such as LGBT student organizations, LGBT faculty and adminators, LGBTQ courses and domestic partner or same-sex marriage benefits.
2. Identify law schools with LGBTQ scholarship and advocacy: Law schools conducting important LGBTQ work through clinics, centers and think tanks will provide invaluable opportunities to LGBTQ students and future advocates. For those who seek careers outside social justice, affiliation with these centers support a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ community.
The University of California–Los Angeles Law School, for example, is home to the renowned Williams Institute, which produces publications on topics ranging from employment discrimination to health services. It also hosts the only national moot court competition that focuses specifically on sexual orientation and gender identity law.
Columbia University Law School‘s Center for Gender and Sexuality Law gives students an opportunity to publish academic works on the center’s blog. The center also hosts several LGBTQ events.
And Cornell University Law School‘s LGBT Clinic gives students social justice experiences before graduation.
[Research to find law school concentrations, scholarships.]
Schools that publish articles concerning the LGBTQ community will also attract students interested in LGBTQ advocacy, as well as those simply looking for a progressive environment in which to study other legal issues.
Do not assume a gender journal will cover LGBTQ issues, alongside feminist scholarship. Pay attention to publication history. For example, Tulane University Law School‘s “Journal of Law & Sexuality” covers topics like child support for LGBT homeless youth and anti-sodomy laws.
3. Evaluate active student groups: LGBTQ student groups can reveal much about a law school’s inclusivity. However, just because a law school has an LGBTQ student group doesn’t automatically mean you will fit in.
Review the such student groups’ websites. How big is their membership? What are their mission statements? Do the clubs focus on scholarship, social engagement or political activism?
Santa Clara University Law School‘s EQ|SCU student organization, for example, provides support and career resources to students. Several law schools — including Loyola Marymount University, the University of Miami and Duke University — have affiliations with OutLaw, an LGBTQ student group.
4. Research faculty and courses: LGBTQ advocates and out faculty help create a campus that is not simply tolerant but also welcoming. Look for faculty with scholarship in LGBTQ issues, such as Leonore Carpenter at Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law and Susan V. Hazeldean, who founded the Cornell LGBT Clinic before founding and directing the Brooklyn Law School LGBT Advocacy Clinic.
Schools that support openly gay faculty, regardless of whether their academic research focuses on LGBTQ issues will also welcome LGBTQ students.
[Evaluate professors to find a law school with engaging classes.]
Also identity whether law schools offer LGBTQ classes that excite you. American University’s Washington College of Law, for example, offers a Family Law seminar on Children of LGBT Parents, in addition to a seminar on Sexuality and the Law.
Georgetown University Law School‘s curriculum includes courses on LGBT health law and policy, sexual orientation and the law, as well as an LGBT civil rights seminar.
When evaluating course listings, look for the number of LGBTQ-centric courses, as well as the frequency in which they are offered. A seminar offered every other year makes enrollment in that course more difficult.
5. Keep your career in mind: As you research schools, don’t only focus on atmosphere but also consider how will each program will serve your career goals. After all, you are going to law school to become a lawyer, not just to fit in.
If you are interested in sports Law, for example, prioritize schools with strong sports law programming alongside schools with active LGBTQ student groups and centers.
6. Explore additional resources: Last, as you finalize your list of schools, continue to educate yourself. The National LGBT Bar Association offers law student resources and hosts the annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair. And in addition to its diversity survey, LSAC provides prospective LGBTQ J.D.s with advice on selecting the right law school.
Questions about how to pick the right law school for you? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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6 Tips to Find LGBTQ-Friendly Law Schools originally appeared on usnews.com
