DIVERSITY AT PENN LAW

At Penn Law we have been, are and will continue to be committed to diversity in our community. This commitment includes diversity in all of its manifestations: culture, intellectual perspective, philosophy, race, politics, socioeconomic background, religion, sexual orientation, work experience, and much more. Having a rich tapestry of people teaching and learning in our classrooms enhances the process of legal education and contributes greatly to the Penn Law experience.

Penn Law has been and is successful in matriculating a diverse student body. In 1883 we graduated our first woman, Carrie Kilgore, and in 1888 our first African American, Aaron A. Mossell, both of whom went on to stellar careers in the law; today, students of color represent fully 38 percent of the J.D. class of 2008 and women represent 46 percent of the class.

We also seek to enroll students from a broad geographic distribution. In a typical year, J.D. students come from more than 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and numerous foreign countries, and from more than 100 undergraduate institutions.

Additionally, Penn Law welcomes some 70 to 80 internationally trained lawyers to our graduate programs. These students participate fully in the Law School, adding an international component to classroom discussion and providing opportunities to form relationships with lawyers from all over the globe.

Penn Law students are actively involved in numerous Law School and University student groups and organizations, reflecting the broad diversity of their interests and affiliations. Penn Law prides itself on providing a welcoming and open environment. But don't take our word for it – click on the students and alumni pictured above to read their perspectives on diversity at Penn Law.