This is the second Issue of Aspiring Lawyer magazine. It is designed to provide helpful hints and advice to students who aspire to be lawyers. Our goal for the publication is to inform students of the various pathways to success in achieving a law degree. We want to make sure that the process of applying to law school is transparent and that college students of all backgrounds have the knowledge and information to succeed In the admissions process. Read More
The national conversation regarding what factors to consider in the law school admission process has increased over the last few years, and there have been similar conversations in hiring decisions across the legal profession. These conversations demonstrate the recognition that there is still a critical need for lawyers who represent a wide variety of backgrounds and communities. Read More
Natalie Diala Ugwu currently works in-house at Maverick Natural Resources in Houston, Texas. The 2020 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center was introduced to the legal profession through her alma mater’s Pre-Law Pipeline Programs. Read More
My experience in the Pre-Law Pipeline program was nothing but great. I had the opportunity to learn from professors in simulated law school courses, prepare for the LSAT, and complete an externship at Lone Star Legal Aid. I made lasting friendships as well, many of whom I still speak with today. In fact, the Program’s Teacher Assistant has been my friend and mentor throughout my law school career. I highly recommend that anyone interested in law school attend a pipeline program. Even if you are a “non-traditional” student, like I was (married and had a 6-year-old daughter at the time) I still believe attending a pipeline program is 100% worth the time and investment. Read More
As a former chair of the National Black Law Students Association and former chair of the Southwest Black Law Student Association, Anthony Collier has partnered with the University of Houston Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program to diversify the legal profession. Read More
The Pre-Law Pipeline Program was a fantastic experience. Before the program, I had no real idea of what practicing law looked like. The program was an immersive experience in the legal field, and I enjoyed the trial advocacy component and my externship with Judge Vanessa Velasquez at the state court. I also appreciated the academic side of the program with unique classes and LSAT preparation. It gave me something tangible to grab onto, and I committed to law from then on. Read More
It was good. I've told people to apply. I think a lot of it just gave me the tools that I needed and always had, teaching me how to apply them to get into law school and succeed. I think it just took those tools and showed me how to use them. A lot of it was very transferable to 1L, and I think just getting those early on and being able to have the support system from them was very helpful. Read More
HIGHER EDUCATION EXCELLENCE
IN DIVERSITY (HEED) AWARD
INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY
The University of Houston Law Center received its eighth Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine in 2023. The national award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate best practices in campus diversity and inclusion.
In addition to the HEED awards, the UH Law Center was named a Diversity Champion in 2021 for its “unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels.”
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS
The University of Houston Law Center's Pre-Law Pipeline Programs were honored in 2016 with the Academic Excellence Award from the University of Houston System Board of Regents. The Academic Excellence Award recognizes University of Houston System institution programs and initiatives that exemplify excellence in teaching, research, or public service.
The Pipeline Programs intensive preparatory sessions help students develop their best law school application portfolios by helping them craft personal statements as well as prepare for the LSAT. The program’s teaching faculty are recognized as leaders in their fields and are well-poised to prepare these graduates for future careers in law.
CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS
The University of Houston Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Programs received a Congressional Recognition from the 18th Congressional District of Texas for “commitment and dedication to leveling the legal plain for students of all backgrounds for the future of our great nation reflect the pride that exemplifies the spirit of Houston and the Great State of Texas.” The certificate was presented to Pre- Law Pipeline Programs Founding Director Kristen Guiseppi in 2022 by Turab Abbas, a University of Houston student who nominated the program for recognition while serving as a senior intern at the District Office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Abbas, a Pipeline Scholar, is a 2023 Bridge Intern at Jackson Walker LLP and plans to attend UH Law Center in the fall.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
THE RAYMOND PACE AND SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PIPELINE DIVERSITY
The University of Houston Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program was honored in 2019 by the American Bar Association’s Council for Diversity in the Education Pipeline for its efforts on behalf of diversity in the legal profession.
The Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Award for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity was presented at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas. The Pipeline Program was established by University of Houston Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes and Founding Program Director Kristen Guiseppi.
Holistic Approach
Students are able to build portfolios that make them highly attractive candidates for law schools through four distinct study tracks:
Professional Development Workshop
The UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Programs offer professional development workshops to improve the overall caliber of a student's academic career. Workshops include speaker sessions with members of the legal community, introductory legal research methods, and study and networking techniques.
Bridge Internship
Pipeline alumni are placed in an 8-10 week internship with law firms prior to starting the first year of law school. This placement allows the pre-1L students the opportunity to gain deeper exposure in law, undergo additional personal and professional development, increase their network, and gain valuable legal experience.
If you would like to learn more about the University of Houston Pre-Law Programs, please contact Pre-Law Pipeline Programs Director Mariesha Keys at uhprelaw@central.uh.edu.
If you are interested in sponsoring the University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Programs or offering scholarships for students, kindly contact Director of Development Abby Trahan at atrahan@central.uh.edu.
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One institution and an EEO/AA institution.
Needs some quick tips Read More
What are your Pipeline Program options? Read More
