First Generation in Law scholars visited Chicago City Hall in July to see how attorneys work in public policy and local government. (Lavanya Chetal/DePaul University)Move over Superman, Wonder Woman, and Black Panther. To DePaul sophomore Ramy Idrissi, lawyers are superheroes. Idrissi has been learning the basics of the profession through DePaul College of Law's First Generation in Law Scholars Program.“Being a lawyer is a way to advocate for your community. You have a voice," Idrissi says. “That's incredibly important."
Launched to support aspiring legal minds early in their college journeys, the First Generation in Law Scholars Program provides a rigorous, three-year summer experience that holistically prepares undergraduate students for law school and careers in law. This is the fourth summer of the program, which opens doors to the legal profession for first-generation and historically underrepresented students.
“For more than a century, DePaul Law has worked to ensure that the legal profession is open to students who are the first in their families or communities to attend law school," says Geoffrey Rapp, dean of the College of Law. “The First Generation in Law Program reflects that commitment. We help participants gain new insight into the profession and guarantee they are in the best position possible to excel as law school applicants."
The program welcomes rising college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from any college or university. In the first summer, students explore the foundations of legal education and engage directly with law students, faculty, and leaders in the legal field.
Idrissi studies economics and is in the second summer of the program, when scholars are introduced to the LSAT and are shadowing various attorneys during site visits in fields aligned with their interests. Scholars witness legal practice firsthand through these shadowing opportunities. DePaul professors teach mini courses on legal topics that help sharpen scholars' skills in legal analysis and critical thinking, setting the stage for success in law school.
Scholars witness legal practice firsthand through site visits, such as a recent tour of Chicago City Hall and conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson (right). (Lavanya Chetal/DePaul University)The cohort of 10 scholars also meet attorneys working in different industries. This summer, they have planned excursions to Chicago City Hall, the office of a family law judge, and the Illinois Attorney General's office, as well as many law firms.
Arseny Acosta, a First Generation in Law Scholar and sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago, says the visits have helped her understand the breadth of the legal field and its opportunities.
“We learn from so many different lawyers with different backgrounds," Acosta says. “Something that has been repeated is the law journey is not linear, and you can move from sector to sector."
Internships, LSAT prep and more
Both Acosta and Idrissi are looking forward to next summer when scholars are immersed in paid internships at law firms and legal and law-adjacent organizations.
Scholars in their third year this summer are getting hands-on experience through internships with the Family Law Clinic at Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, DePaul's Immigration and Asylum Law Clinic, nonprofits Chicago United and Changing Worlds.
Acosta and Idrissi will also continue with LSAT preparation they began this summer. The daily class and accompanying reading can be tough, admits Idrissi.
“Four hours a day is long, but it's a blessing. And it's going to pay off," he says.
With the continued leadership and generosity of Winston & Strawn LLP, Edelson PC and dozens of lawyers and judges, including many who graduated from the College of Law, the First Generation in Law Scholars Program provides financial support to eliminate barriers to participation and hosts year-round programming that keeps scholars connected and inspired.
Both Acosta and Idrissi say thanks to the summer program they feel more confident in their decision to pursue law school and more prepared to handle ups and downs. For these aspiring lawyers, those skills just may turn out to be superpowers.