IDEAL Program
The Program
Fordham Law School’s Increasing Diversity in Education and the Law (IDEAL) is a pipeline program that identifies motivated and talented underrepresented students in the New York City area and exposes them to the many facets of the legal profession. With this initiative, we are embracing our responsibility to increase diversity in the legal profession. If our legal system is to provide equal justice, it must provide equal opportunity to become a lawyer.
—Matthew Diller, former Dean of Fordham Law School (2015 – 2023)
Our Mission
The IDEAL Program engages college students who are interested in pursuing a law degree or who have an interest in the law. Through the program we seek to address issues relating to disadvantaged and underrepresented students in law school and the increasing need for diversity in the legal profession.
In collaboration with Fordham University and other educational institutions who aim to serve underprivileged populations, IDEAL exposes promising students to a rich and dynamic educational curriculum starting with an early introduction to the study and practice of law through numerous varied opportunities to learn about the law school experience and the legal profession and culminating in providing support for the law school application process. The hope is for students who complete the program to become leaders in a variety of areas impacting issues of diversity and social justice in the legal profession.
The Experience
The structure of the IDEAL Program is arranged in a 1 + 1 format comprising Summer I Prep Program and Summer II LSAT Prep (and Law School Applications support). An initial application is required for admission into Summer I as well as a reapplication for admission into Summer II.**
* Activities, events, and timeline are tentative and subject to change.
** See “Eligibility” for more information on the application process.
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Mid-June – Early August
Admitted students participate in an 8-week hybrid program introducing them to the study and practice of law, including enrollment in Fordham Law’s Pre-Law Institute which is an online summer course designed to give students insight into law school and an introduction on foundational subjects in U.S. law.
The Summer I program also includes a dialogue with a judge, virtual and in-person visits to law firms and the district attorney, events aimed at professional development and community building, and opportunities to network with the Fordham Law community and practicing attorneys, as well as insight into the law school application process, aimed at further developing the skills necessary to succeed in law school and the legal profession. Students will also be placed in selected legal internships to provide further exposure to different aspects of the legal profession.
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Early June – Early September
Admitted students participate in a 3-month LSAT preparation course designed to prepare students for the LSAT exam, the law school entrance exam, including virtual and in-person workshops on the different components of the exam, approaches and strategies to excel, and numerous diagnostic tests, as well as access to a vast online database of LSAT prep resources.
Students will also be placed in selected judicial internships to provide further exposure to different aspects of the legal profession, as well as additional workshops and events on professional development and community building. Students will also engage in sessions and workshops aimed at gearing them up for the law school application process which takes place primarily during the Fall semester of the student’s senior year, including an LSAC walk-through.
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Admitted students will receive in-depth support in applying to law school, including assistance with selecting the right law school, reviewing personal and diversity statements and resumes, and best practices in obtaining letters of recommendations.
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- As part of the Fordham Law community, attend relevant law school sponsored events and diversity related programming and special events hosted by Fordham Law School entities
- Participate in The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Jumpstart the LSAT pre-law program hosted by Fordham Law School
- (OPTIONAL) Upon graduation from college or university and confirmed enrollment in law school, intern at selected legal related organizations reflecting the student’s interest and work alongside mentoring attorneys in a practical setting. Internship placements include:
- Public interest organizations
- District attorney’s offices
- Judge’s chambers
- New York City law firms
IDEAL students will receive a monetary stipend for each summer of participation. Admission in the IDEAL Program is free for all participants.
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Daniella Lopez IDEAL Program alumna; Fordham University, Class of 2023; Fordham Law School, Class of 2026 As a first-generation college student from a financially disadvantaged background, I am grateful for the IDEAL program because it has provided me with a sense of security in moving forward with a legal career. The program has afforded me the opportunity to participate in enlightening legal preparatory courses and attain judicial internship opportunities. Finally, this program has allowed me to pursue my passion for immigration law with a degree of legal awareness that many of my peers might lack. |
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Jordan Joachim-James IDEAL program alumna, Fordham University at Rose Hill, Class of 2021; Fordham Law School, Class of 2024 I am so grateful for the IDEAL program and all they taught me. The program provided me with unique exposure to the field of law that has been beneficial. |
Apply to the Program
Applications to the IDEAL program are currently closed.
| December 2024 | Application Opens for Summer I and Summer II |
| February 15, 2025 | Priority Due Date for Summer I Applications and Final Deadline for Summer II Applications |
| March 14, 2025 | Final Deadline for Summer I Applications |
| Starting March 2025 | Selected Applicants Notified |
| April – May 2025 | Enrollment and Onboarding |
| Mid-June 2025 | Early August 2025 Summer I |
| Early June 2025 | Early September 2025 Summer II |
Eligibility
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• Undergraduate students enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited college or university
• Students must be in their sophomore year at the time of application (entering junior year the upcoming Fall semester)
• Demonstrates an interest in law or a strong interest in applying to law school upon graduation -
• Undergraduate students enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited college or university
• Students must be in their junior year at the time of application (entering junior year the upcoming Fall semester)
• Demonstrates an interest in law or a strong interest in applying to law school upon graduation
• Minimum 3.5 GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
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For students who are applying to the Summer I program, you are eligible to apply if you are an undergraduate student currently enrolled as a sophomore in a full-time program of study at an accredited college or university AND will be enrolled as a rising junior during the Summer of 2025.
For students who are applying to the Summer II program, you are eligible to apply if you are an undergraduate student currently enrolled as a junior in a full-time program of study at an accredited college or university AND will be enrolled as rising senior during the Summer of 2025.
College students who are beyond their sophomore year or junior years, or college graduates, are ineligible for the program. No particular academic major is required, however applicants must plan to attend law school upon graduation from their undergraduate institution.
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The time commitment to the IDEAL Program depends on whether you start IDEAL as a Summer I participant or a Summer II participant. As a Summer I student, you are committed to the IDEAL Program for the duration of your first summer with the IDEAL Program.
You have the option to continue your participation in IDEAL by reapplying to the program to join the Summer II program. As a Summer II student, you are committed to the IDEAL Program for the duration of the Summer II program as well as the Fall semester of your senior year during which time you will be applying to law school.
As a result, the maximum time commitment to the IDEAL Program can be up to two and a half years.
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At this time, the summer program will be hybrid. If required, the IDEAL program will cover relevant costs associated with travel.
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The prep program begins early July and ends early August.
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The Pre-Law Institute courses will take place virtually, however students will be required to attend in-person afternoon sessions on select days. Students enrolled in Summer II will take an LSAT prep course in-person.
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The IDEAL program does not cover housing or meal expenses.
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Participation in the IDEAL program does not guarantee admission to Fordham Law School.
