Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Prelaw Institute
With an ever-growing diverse population, the need for diversity in the legal profession has become even more important. Although a disproportionate number of minorities are affected by the criminal justice system, the membership of the bar is not proportionately comprised of minority members. In 2000, the VSB leadership recognized a need to increase the number of minority attorneys in the bar, and developed the Millennium Diversity Initiative (“MDI”), a private, non-profit organization, to develop programs to that end. In 2001, at the request of the MDI, the YLC implemented the Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Institute (the “Institute”). Named for legendary civil rights attorneys Oliver Hill and Samuel Tucker, the Institute reaches future lawyers at an early age to provide them with exposure and opportunity to explore the legal profession, all at no cost to the participants.
The Institute targets a diverse group of students. We seek to attract minority high school students who would not normally have access to or positive interactions with members of the Virginia State Bar. For one week in the summer, Institute participants are introduced to the legal profession by living on a college campus and attending a number of mock classes and seminars on career opportunities in the law, test-taking strategies, and the college admissions process. Students meet with law school professors, judges, practitioners, guest lecturers, and state and local bar association members. Students also take field trips to places like the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Virginia State Capital.. The Institute culminates in a mock trial and graduation banquet, where a prominent African American member of the bar is featured.
ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS (INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS) MUST BE RECEIVED BY May 1, 2013 IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION INTO THE INSTITUTE. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT VIA EMAIL.
(ATTN: LATOYA ASIA & PROVIDENCE NAPOLEON)
TO: hilltuckerinstitute@gmail.com
If you have questions about the Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute, please contact the Institute co-directors at hilltuckerinstitute@gmail.com
To learn more about the upcoming Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Institute, including its date and location, please see the Young Lawyers Conference upcoming meetings and events.
Interested in participating as a volunteer? Fill out the mail-in volunteer form (PDF) to have someone contact you with more information and opportunities, or view committee descriptions (PDF) to learn more.