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”) to reach out to minority high school students, particularly disadvantaged or academically at-risk students whose only exposure, generally, to the legal system is through television (at best) or the juvenile justice system (at worst). The program strives to provide these students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system. For one week in July, students 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 a field trip to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to meet with Judge Roger Gregory, the first African American appointed to that court, and the Virginia State Capital, home to the new Civil Rights Memorial commemorating the Moton High School student protest that led to the Virginia portion of the Brown v. Board of Education. The Institute culminates in a mock trial and graduation banquet, where a prominent African American member of the bar is featured.
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.