In a strategic initiative to expand opportunities for students in the Philadelphia School District, the Law and Justice Mentorship Project participated in a dynamic event at Penn Carey Law School, bringing together twenty high school students from Lincoln High School, members of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA), UPenn Black Pre-Law Students, Philly Heights chaperones, and legal professionals from Troutman Pepper. The event highlighted various pathways into the legal profession and provided valuable mentorship opportunities for high school students interested in pursuing careers in law.
The day’s agenda was packed with informative sessions designed to expose students to the realities of legal education and the legal profession. Highlights included an interactive attorney panel focusing on immigration law, featuring legal professionals from Troutman Pepper. This panel not only shed light on the intricacies of immigration law, but also provided students with invaluable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of practicing attorneys.
Additionally, a panel of current law students who are members of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) offered a glimpse into life as a law student, sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs on the path to becoming legal professionals. The candid discussions provided the visiting high school students with a realistic understanding of what to expect in law school.
The day ended with a lunch “mixer” where high school students interacted with pre-law UPenn students and current Penn Carey Law students. This informal networking session fostered connections between aspiring legal professionals and provided a supportive environment for students to ask questions, seek advice, and forge mentorship relationships.
This program represents a collaborative effort to remove barriers to legal education. It was organized by Amy Gineskey, Fellow at Pepper Center for Public Service; Ayana Lewis, Executive Director of the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP); and Yolanda Ingram, Director of Access to Law School Education Programs.