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Multicultural Cornell

Multicultural Law Students
The results of Cornell Law School’s commitment to having a diverse classroom and legal profession are obvious. Our students:

  • Come from nearly every state and twenty countries
  • Vary in age and experience
  • Represent a range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and economic groups
  • Account for more than a quarter of each entering class

Community
While small, Ithaca is also a friendly, open-minded, and cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and a wide range of activities. Ithaca was even voted number one in the Utne Reader's list of the "most enlightened" places in the US.

The presence of both Cornell University and Ithaca College ensure an extensive range of student organizations as diverse as the interests of the students themselves.

Diversity Weekend
For more than 10 years, Cornell Law School and its diverse student organizations have sponsored a spring-semester event that focuses on issues of importance to multicultural lawyers and law students. This event features panel discussions and provides excellent opportunities for students to meet diverse alumni.

Student Organizations
Law student organizations offer networks of support, and include:

  • Native American Law Students Association
  • Asian American Law Students Association
  • Black Law Students Association
  • Lambda Law Students Association
    (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Students Association)
  • Latino American Law Students Association

Leadership Roles by Multicultural Students
In recent years, multicultural law students have served as officers (including president) or have played leading roles in organizations as diverse as:

Financial Aid
We are particularly interested in making law school accessible to members of traditionally underrepresented groups and have determined that financial constraints should not discourage motivated, energetic, and dedicated students from realizing their scholarly goals.

  • Average awards are $14,000+ per year
  • 50 percent of law students receive grants

If you are interested in Financial Aid, our office can help you identify what types of financial aid is available and whether or not you qualify.

Supportive Environment
Cornell Law School understands the complexities facing a diverse student body at the start of a rigorous program. To meet these needs, we have developed orientation programs and ongoing networks of support to ensure all students are provided with the foundation for an enriching law school experience.

  • Week-long orientation for first-year invited students, which includes class simulations, workshops, and discussions to review the skills and techniques of academic success while giving students the opportunity to meet one another
  • A full-time academic support coordinator to provide individual assistance for all law students
  • On-going support and counseling by upper level students
  • Small classes with illustrious scholars committed to teaching
  • Readily accessible faculty and administration
  • Warm and friendly academic environment
  • Supportive student body