Law school looks to diversify by reaching out to high schools

This month may be women's history month, but The University of Memphis' law school program is highlighting the month for other reasons. March is also DiscoverLaw.org month, and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is hosting an event this Friday geared toward diversifying the law school program.

The Diversity Outreach Program is a daylong event where minority high school students have the opportunity to learn more about getting into the law program.

This is the seventh year for the program to be offered at The U of M, and there are 200 people signed up to attend the seminar.

Aside from discussing undergraduate admissions, students who attend the seminar will learn about the summer internship program sponsored by the Memphis Bar Association.

Attendees will have the chance to meet with the dean of admissions, current law students and practicing lawyers. Students will also get an up close and personal experience by attending a mock law class.

The event will wrap up with a presentation by the Black Law Student Association's mock trial team.

Van Turner Jr., practicing attorney and adjunct law professor, said the program is a great way to provide support for minorities who might not have anyone else to go to for advice.

"I think a lot of times, in African-American families, you have first timers," Turner said. "I'm the first lawyer in my family. There aren't many people that we can meet with in the community to get encouragement, so I think this is a great program to offer."

Yolanda Ingram, assistant dean for student affairs and director of the Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law, said the goal of the event is to increase awareness about the admissions process and to inform students on the importance of having a great transcript.

She said minority students do not perform as well on tests, so having a high grade point average is really important.

"Nationally, minority students tend to perform 10 points lower on the law school admissions exams than other applicants," Ingram said.

By doing well in class, they could have a better chance of being accepted into law school, she said.

Bruce Shanks, third year law student at The U of M, said he went to a law school preparatory program after receiving his undergraduate degree.

Although he said there is currently a good representation of minorities at The U of M law school, programs like this one are still needed.

"Without those types of programs, I don't believe there would be as many minority law school students in the program," Shanks said.

Natasha Hughes, assistant for student affairs, said she also thinks programs like this are important and should remain available to students.

"To me, I think it is important to have all aspects of The University diversified," Hughes said.