Summer for Undergraduates Program gives students a glimpse of life in law school

The Florida State University College of Law is currently accepting applications for its free, four-week Summer for Undergraduates Program for students interested in learning about law school. This year’s program will run May 23 – June 17, 2005. The application deadline is March 25, 2005.

The Summer for Undergraduates Program is designed to acquaint students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession with the study of law and to encourage them to pursue careers in the legal profession. Each year 60 students are invited to attend the intensive four-week program held at FSU’s College of Law in Tallahassee.

The program is structured around daily law classes and legal writing classes taught by FSU law professors. Other activities include visits to the Florida Supreme Court and area law firms, presentations by prominent guest lecturers, an off-site retreat and oral arguments.

Throughout the four weeks, participants have access to College of Law resources and numerous opportunities to interact with law school professors, administrators and law students. FSU admissions officers familiarize participants with the law school admissions process. Test preparation experts conduct workshops on the LSAT and administer a full-length exam with test results and feedback for improvement. “This program, now in its fourteenth year, represents a continuing commitment on the part of the College of Law to undertake efforts designed to increase minority access to, and promote minority participation in, the legal profession,” said Nancy Benavides, associate dean for Student Affairs.

Students enrolled in two- and four-year institutions, in all majors and from all backgrounds, are invited to apply for admission. Students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession are particularly encouraged to apply. Since the purpose of the program is to help students direct their remaining time in college to best prepare for law school, applicants must be freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree before August of 2005 are ineligible to participate. Sixty students will be selected to participate in this year’s program.

There is no charge for participating in the Summer for Undergraduates Program. The FSU College of Law provides room and board in residence hall accommodations, course materials and a $500 stipend to all participants. Students are responsible for their travel to and from Tallahassee.

Although many participants attend schools in Florida, a number of students have come from out-of-state institutions, including Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Michigan, California and New York.

Applications are available online at www.law.fsu.edu, through the Summer for Undergraduates link. They must be postmarked by March 25, 2005. Call the College of Law Office of Student Affairs at (850) 644-7338 or email saffairs@law.fsu.edu with any questions.