What is CLEO
In 1968, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) was founded as a non-profit project of the ABA Fund for Justice and Education to expand opportunities for minority and low-income students to attend law school. CLEO is committed to diversifying the legal profession by expanding legal education opportunities to minority, low-income and disadvantaged groups.
Since its inception, more than 8,000 students have participated in CLEO's pre-law and law school academic support programs, successfully matriculated through law school, passed the bar exam and joined the legal profession. CLEO alumni, many who had less than traditional academic indicators of success, yet were given an opportunity to attend law school, are represented in every area of society, including: private law firms and corporations, law schools, federal and state judiciaries, and legislatures across the country. The influence of CLEO alumni in the legal profession, in particular and throughout the country in general, is an indication of the important role CLEO has played in helping to provide a voice to underrepresented groups.
To ensure the success of students who participate in the CLEO Program as well as accomplish its mission to diversify the legal profession, CLEO provides placement assistance, academic support and counseling, and weekend seminars and workshops. The seminars and workshops generally address the continuing need for legal services to under-served and low-income communities, and stress the importance of the students' commitment to serve those communities upon graduation. In addition, as a means of extending the legal education pipeline, CLEO also provides training and workshops to college students who are interested in attending law school and pursuing a career in the legal profession.
Interested Pre-law Students
Who Is Eligible: College students or graduates interested in attending law school.
What: Log on to www.cleoscholars.com and click on "Request More Information" to receive the CLEO Edge, a magazine for pre-law students. College freshman, sophomores, and juniors may also receive the College Scholars Road to Law School Calendar upon request.
When: At your convenience.
CLEO College Scholars Program
Who Is Eligible: Freshmen, sophomores or juniors interested in attending law school.
What: The Road to Law School, Sophomore Super Saturdays, Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT and Achieving Success in the Application Process pre-law seminars designed especially for undergraduate students.
Where: Six locations across the country.
When: One-day programs held between September and March
Deadline: Varies (Log on to www.cleoscholars.org for deadline dates).
Cost: Free.
CLEO Ambassadors
Who Is Eligible: Juniors who have participated in CLEO College Scholars programs or the Sophomore Summer Institute.
What: CLEO Ambassadors will distribute information on their campus and receive a stipend.
Where: CLEO seeks representatives from as many campuses as possible.
When: Rising juniors may apply at the end of their sophomore year.
How: Contact the CLEO Pre-Law Coordinator at 240.582.8600.
CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute
Who Is Eligible: Graduating seniors or graduates who plan to attend law school in the fall.
What: A multi-week residential program designed to prepare participants to be more competitive law school students. Those who successfully complete the program become CLEO Fellows.
Where: Various U.S. law schools.
When: June - July.
Deadline: November 30th (early deadline) and March 1st (regular deadline).
Cost: $2,000 (includes room, board and instructional materials)
Achieving Success In The Application Process (ASAP)
Who Is Eligible: College juniors, seniors and post-graduates who plan to apply to law school.
What: Intensive weekend to help participants develop the tools they need to understand the application process and become competitive law school applicants.
When: late-June thru early-August
Where: Seven locations: Washington, DC; New York City; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Chicago; Austin; and North Carolina (TBD)
Deadline: May
Cost: $100
1L Prep - Attitude Is Essential (AIE)
Who Is Eligible: College graduates who have been accepted into an ABA-accredited law school.
What: Intensive pre-law weekend designed to introduce and prepare students for the rigors of law school. Those who successfully complete the seminar become CLEO Associates.
When: late-June thru early-August
Where: Seven locations: Washington, DC; New York City; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Chicago; Austin; and North Carolina (TBD)
Deadline: May
Cost: $100