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Over the last 16 years the number of Black, Hispanic, and other students of color admitted to law school has at best held steady at a very low rate, and at many institutions actually has decreased. Importantly, the percentage of students of color graduating from law schools has not increased significantly in nearly two decades. Additionally, the first time bar passage rate is relatively low for minority students. These facts, taken together with the relatively high attrition rates for minorities in the legal profession, means that, at a time when diversity is becoming more and more important, the diversity of the legal profession is at best stagnant.. The lack of equitable representation of minorities in the legal profession is a serious problem not only for minority communities but also for society as a whole. The rule of law is based on voluntary respect and adherence to the legal system. For groups to respect the system, it is essential that they feel the system will fairly protect their interest. The lack of minority attorneys and judges is a significant factor in the disillusionment that many minorities feel with our legal system. The mission of the The JD Project is to increase minority communities’ trust of the legal system by increasing the number of traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities in the legal profession. In particular our goal is to increase the admission of traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic groups to law school, to help those students excel in law school and summer clerkships; and finally, to increase their first time bar passage rate. THE JD PROJECT will achieve its mission, goals and objectives by assuring that participants have the skills, tools and support necessary to be admitted to law school, to excel in law school, to pass the bar the first time, and to excel professionally. THE JD PROJECT consist of five components:
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Vision |
| A racially diverse legal profession that reflects the racial diversity of the United States |
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Mission |
| To increase the number of Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Pacific Island American and Asian American by increasing admission to law school, improving academic performance in law school, decreasing attrition rates from law school, increasing first time and eventual bar passage rates, increasing employment opportunities and involvement with communities-of-color. |
