Syracuse University College of Law held its Inaugural Consortium Summer Residency Program May 16-20. Twenty-one undergraduate students from the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), representing Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College, came to Syracuse Law ready to learn through a week full of academic, preparatory, social and cultural events.
Thanks to a grant from AccessLex, these students, interested in pursuing a law degree, were able to travel to Syracuse Law to learn about the legal profession and how to prepare for law school.
Each day began with classroom lectures and panel discussions. Topics included a variety of subjects, encompassing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Developments; Constitutional Law; the study of the American legal system; admissions processes and LSAT information.
Instructors, speakers and panelists throughout the week included faculty and recent graduates. Outside of the classroom, students traveled to the Northern District of New York James M. Hanley Federal Courthouse and a visit to the law office of Bond, Schoeneck and King (BSK).
The final full day of the program included enriching cultural experiences for the students with a few historic Central New York stops.
Eric Jones, a student participant and rising senior from Morehouse College, said the experience was invaluable.
“I never had a formal introduction to law school,” Jones said. “I’ve talked about it with a few lawyers but haven’t had any exposure to it otherwise. When I came across this opportunity, I thought – why not? The special incentive here was that there was no financial burden for us as a student. We could come and participate for no extra charge.”
This residency is a part Syracuse Law’s partnership with the AUC schools, aiding young students in their path to determine how they can achieve their law degrees, the many paths to becoming a successful lawyer, and why the study of law is so important within our society.
