IDEAL Program

Early June to Early August

Admitted students participate in 10 weeks of hybrid programming 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.

Summer I also includes virtual and in-person visits to law firms and the district attorney’s office, professional development and community building events, and opportunities to network with the Fordham Law community and practicing attorneys, all aimed at further developing the skills and tools necessary to succeed in law school and the legal profession.

Students will also attend workshops focusing on the law school admissions process, as well as be placed in selected legal internships to provide further exposure to different aspects of the legal profession.

Early June to Early August

Admitted students participate in 10 weeks of LSAT prep designed to prepare students for the LSAT exam, including virtual and in-person workshops on the different components of the exam, approaches and strategies to excel, and diagnostic testing, 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 attend additional workshops and events on professional development and community building. Students will also attend workshops in anticipation of the law school admissions process which takes place primarily during the Fall semester of the student’s senior year.

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.

• Admitted students in compliance with program requirements will receive a modest monetary stipend for each summer of full participation.
• Participate in The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Jumpstart the LSAT pre-law program hosted by Fordham Law School.
• As part of the Fordham Law community, attend relevant law school events sponsored by the law school.
• Travel to Washington, D.C. to visit the Supreme Court and other government agencies as well as prominent Big Law firms.
• (OPTIONAL) Upon graduation from college or university and confirmed enrollment in law school, students will have the option to intern at selected legal related organizations reflecting the student’s interest and work alongside mentoring attorneys in a practical setting.

Admitted students must be fully committed to the IDEAL Program’s schedule and requirements during each summer. Participation in other work, internships, programs, or similar commitments is strictly prohibited during the summer sessions.

This is to ensure students can dedicate their time and energy to the rigorous workshops, mentorship, and preparatory activities essential to achieving the program’s goals. By agreeing to participate in IDEAL, students affirm their availability and readiness to prioritize the IDEAL Program throughout each of the summers.

Noncompliance with this policy may result in dismissal from the program.

The program is free for all participants, including selected meals and activities throughout the summer. Additionally, we will provide each participant a modest monetary stipend. Housing is not provided nor are housing costs covered. Candidates must plan for their own living arrangements.

The IDEAL Program does not cover transportation costs for participants traveling to and from the law school campus. However, the program may be able to provide assistance with transportation expenses for certain off-campus events and activities directly related to the program. Participants are encouraged to reach out to program staff in advance to inquire about potential support for these specific instances.

The prep program begins early July and ends early August.

The IDEAL Program operates in a hybrid format, incorporating both virtual and in-person components to maximize accessibility and engagement. Certain classes, such as the Pre-Law Institute (PLI), workshops, and events, will be held virtually to facilitate participation and accommodate diverse schedules. Other components, such as LSAT prep classes, will take place in person at the law school campus.

These sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning and foster networking opportunities among peers and mentors. In addition to on-campus activities, some program events may occur off-campus at locations such as law firms, courts, or community organizations, offering participants valuable real-world exposure to the legal profession.

Participants are expected to attend all required sessions, whether virtual or in person, and must have reliable transportation to and from the designated locations for in-person and off-campus events. Further details about specific event locations and formats will be provided in the program schedule.

The IDEAL Program does not provide housing or cover housing expenses for participants. Admitted students are responsible for securing their own accommodations in the New York City metropolitan area for the duration of the summer program. To ensure eligibility for the program, admitted students may be required to provide evidence of secured housing in New York City prior to the program's start date.

This policy is in place to ensure participants have reliable access to the program's in-person events and activities. For any questions or concerns about housing arrangements, participants are encouraged to contact program staff for guidance or referrals to resources.

The IDEAL Program will occasionally provide meals, such as lunches and dinners, during specific program events and activities. However, the program does not provide monetary assistance for meals or meal plans beyond these occasions. Participants are responsible for covering their own meal expenses outside of the provided meals. For questions about meal arrangements during program activities, please contact the program staff.

Participation in the IDEAL program does not guarantee admission to Fordham Law School.

No. The number of students accepted to the IDEAL Program will depend on the capacity of the program administrators which will vary from year to year. Students who are not selected to participate (or choose not to apply) may still be eligible to apply to numerous other pipeline programs throughout New York and the nation. More information about other pipeline programs can be found here.