EARLY PATHWAYS TO ESQUIRE

Early Pathways to Esquire is a diversity initiative

It's aimed at providing aspiring lawyers with resources and guidance to pursue their goal of attending law school.

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ABOUT

EPE is an initiative designed to provide information about the law and the legal profession to high school and college undergraduate students from traditionally underrepresented communities and to encourage them to pursue legal careers.

EPE Programs and Workshops

EPE’s flagship program is the Shadowing for Success summer job shadowing cohort. Additional workshops and seminars are offered throughout the year.

OUR GOAL

The focus of our program is to:

Introduce students to the law school experience.

Develop personal and professional skills and confidence to prepare for law school.

Create networking opportunities with lawyers who work in a range of fields.

Develop professional contacts and mentors.

Enhance your academic record, resume, and skills.

Participants will gain valuable work experience, a better understanding of the law, and built a mentor relationship.

EVIDENCE-BASED

PROGRAMMING

This program is built upon the premise that it is important to employ evidence-based strategies. Research in career choice and counseling psychology has shown that career pathway education, providing career role models, and an opportunity to experience and enjoy career-related activities are among the most efficacious ways of successfully encouraging young people to pursue a particular career.

Research also shows that involving students in authentic simulations, like the activities in this program, can boost student interest in the subject matter and build important skills common to the legal profession. The program also builds in the vital components of exposing students to a variety of law-related professions and practice areas, generating opportunities for them to meet and interact with people from different career tracks.

EARLY PATHWAYS TO ESQUIRE

Shadowing for Success:

Job Shadowing Experience

Shadowing an attorney as they go about their daily tasks allows participants to learn firsthand from working lawyers. Job assignments may vary, but participant duties typically include assisting paralegals, filing, record keeping, assisting library and back-office personnel, data entry, and document and exhibit organization.

*** There is no cost to apply or participate in the program. ***

Program Details

Lunch With Judges

Lunch with Judges is designed to allow participants to meet and interact with Federal and State judges in an informal setting, ask questions of the judge, and receive advice related to their career paths in the legal profession.

Observing Legal Proceedings

Participates will attend open hearings on motions, trials, sentencing, and similar proceedings that are open to the public.

Law School Tours

Through campus visits and enrichment electives, we provide a deeper understanding of the law school admissions process and life as a law student.

Panels & Networking Events

We host virtual panels and networking events highlighting diversity programs and initiatives at large law firms featuring panelist of diversity leaders and diverse lawyers from some of the top law firms in the country, including breakout rooms where students in the EPE cohort will have the opportunity to meet representatives from each of the participating firms.

General Counsels’ Dinner

This always-popular opportunity to interact with professionals who work inside corporate legal departments for major brands. Students gain firsthand perspectives about what pursuing a path in law, outside a law firm, could look like for them.

APPLICATION

The application period for Summer 2024 will open January 1, 2024. Completed applications (online application with accompanying personal statement, and resume) will be reviewed on a monthly basis starting in February.

The deadline for the application and supplemental materials is June 1. Any completed applications submitted after June 1 will be considered on a space-availability basis up until the first day of the program.

Fill out the online application here