If you are the first in your family to attend a four-year school and plan to pursue law school, know that there are people, resources, and programs dedicated to guiding and supporting you.
Career Advising and U-M Resources
- Schedule an appointment with the UM University Career Center to discuss your plans.
Networking at the University of Michigan
Here are a few resources to help you find other first-generation pre-law students and alumni who have pursued law school, as well as first-generation communities on campus:
- The University Career Alumni Network (UCAN)
- Maize Pages – U-M’s student organization directory, where you can discover and connect with pre-law, first-generation, and identity-based groups across campus.
Inspiration & Success Stories
- Get inspired by the experience of other first-generation students who have successfully pursued legal careers:
- First to Rise – Reflections from the journey of a first-generation attorney.
- Discover Law – Inspiring stories and key resources.
- Council on Legal Education and Opportunities (CLEO) – Support programs, workshops, and more.
- LSAC Blog Series: First Generation to Attend College – Stories from people at all stages of the legal education pipeline.
Programs & Diversity Pipeline Initiatives
- ABA's First Gen Initiative
- AccessLex Diversity Pipeline Program Directory – Comprehensive list of programs for first-generation and underrepresented pre-law students.
Law School First-Generation Communities
While not an exhaustive list, here are a few examples of first-generation communities at different law schools across the country: