Should I Include A Diversity Statement Law School?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Yes,

every applicant is required to write a personal statement

explaining their transition into law school, but law schools like to throw out the phrase “optional” when it comes to writing additional essays.

When should you write a diversity statement for law school?

Who should Write One? A diversity statement is open for

any applicant who is a racial or ethnic minority

as well as any applicant regardless of race or ethnicity, who has experienced some adversity that would make them diverse.

What do you write in a law school diversity statement?

“[Describe]

how your background, life and work experiences, advanced studies, extracurricular or community activities, culture, socio-economic status, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression

, or other factors would contribute to the diversity of the entering class (and hence to …

How long should a law school diversity statement be?

How long should my diversity statement be? Most diversity statements should be

one double-spaced page

. Make sure to check each law school’s instructions, though, for their individual page and word-count preferences.

Is it bad to not write a diversity statement for law school?

If not, don’t. Law schools really do want a class that’s diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, background, and experience, but your readers have finely tuned BS detectors and mountains of work. If you write an insincere

diversity statement, you’ll hurt your application

.

How important is a diversity statement?

A diversity statement is a personal essay that is a

depiction of your past experiences

and explains how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth. It allows the applicant the opportunity to explain to a search committee the distinct qualities and commitment s/he can bring to the table.

What is a diversity statement examples?

Example 1:

“Diversity is important but I can’t do it because my discipline is based on dead white men

.” Example 2: Or “I believe in diversity, but I have not been in a leadership position where I might make decisions. I would be supportive if there were some people of colour.”

Do all law schools accept diversity statements?

Not all JD schools ask for a diversity statement. For the majority of schools that do,

the essay is optional

.

How do you write a purpose statement for law school?

The personal statement is your chance to REFLECT upon your life and show the law school admissions committee who you are as an INDIVIDUAL. Tell the Admissions staff something about yourself, your experiences and your life. Use vivid, descriptive

prose

with the intent to draw readers in and keep them interested.

How do you write a law school resume?

  1. Use the right structure.
  2. Use the right format.
  3. Use an appropriate length.
  4. Include your name and contact information.
  5. Add your educational experience.
  6. List your honors, awards and scholarships.
  7. List employment and internship experiences.
  8. List volunteer work and leadership organizations.

How long is a law school personal statement?

Depending on the law school, your personal statement will range in length from

300 to 1000 words

. Most law schools require personal statements that are two to two-and-a-half pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12 point font.

How many pages should a diversity statement be?

Teaching, research, and diversity statements should be limited to

two single-spaced pages

.

What is a diversity and inclusion statement?

A diversity and inclusion statement

demonstrates a company’s commitment to building an inclusive, varied workplace welcoming to people of all backgrounds

. Much like a mission and values statement, the diversity and inclusion statement is, ideally, more than just a marketing exercise.

What percentage of law school graduates are black?

Black students represented the largest decrease. In 2018, Black students made up 7.91% of total incoming law students, but in 2019, they accounted for 7.57% of incoming law students. This drop caused the overall percentage of Black students in law school to decrease from 8.11% to

7.94%

.

Why is diversity important in law school?

Access to justice is essential for a democratic society, and diversity in the legal profession increases the likelihood of access for people from an increasingly diverse population. Law school diversity

enables individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to add their perspectives to the greater legal community

.

What does a good diversity statement look like?

A diversity statement is a one-page document explaining your experiences and commitments to diversity. … Three areas that might be included in a diversity statement are 1)

your values related to diversity

, 2) your experiences working with diverse populations, and 3) your future plans related to inclusivity.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.