The CBA LSAT Scholarship initiative aims to address the lack of representation in the legal field and to increase the pipeline of diverse talent that enters the legal profession in Connecticut. As part of the scholarship, Scholars will participate in events and programs to prepare them for their law school journey and engage them with the Connecticut legal community.

Background

The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and certain signatories to Connecticut's Legal Community Diversity & Inclusion Pledge & Plan (Pledge & Plan) have teamed up with Kaplan Partner Solutions in order to implement the first collaborative Pledge & Plan LSAT Initiative (LSAT Initiative). The purpose of the LSAT initiative is to provide scholarships for diverse candidates to enroll in an LSAT preparation course. The scholarship is available to qualified applicants who are representative of a diverse demographic.

Goals

  • To increase the number of diverse individuals entering the Connecticut legal community
  • To produce a new generation of legal professionals that reflects diversity in intellectual perspectives, life experiences, and cultures
  • To assist scholars in their law school journey and engage them with the Connecticut legal community



Eligibility

  1. Must be currently enrolled, or recently graduated from, a Connecticut college or university

  2. Must be committed to taking the LSAT and pursuing a law degree at an accredited law school in Connecticut

  3. Record of academic achievement and public service

  4. Preference will be given to a member of at least one of the following underrepresented diverse identities:
  • Women
  • LGBTQ+
  • Religious minority
  • Indigenous group
  • Asian
  • Black/African-American
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
  • Hispanic/Latinx
  • Individual with a disability

Application 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis!

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Application Checklist

  • Completed scholarship application form
  • A letter of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Official college or university transcript
  • Two personal statements

Application Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for the scholarship?
You can apply at any time. We suggest applying at least 3 months before your scheduled LSAT test date.

When are scholarship applications dues?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

What is the timeline for review of applications?
Applications are reviewed as they are submitted. The committee typically provides an application decision within 30 days of receipt.

Can I apply if I am not from Connecticut but have graduated from a Connecticut college or university?
Yes. The scholarship requires submitting an application and intent to attend a law school in Connecticut.

Do letters of recommendation need to be from professors?
No, we will accept letters of recommendation from anyone who is able to speak to your professional/scholarly work.

Resources

LSAT Committee

Cecil J. Thomas, President-elect and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair, Connecticut Bar Association; Greater Hartford Legal Aid Inc.
Gideon Asemnor, Updike Kelly & Spellacy PC
Richard M. Dighello, Updike Kelly & Spellacy PC
Amani R. Edwards, Director of Diversity and Human Resources, Connecticut Bar Association
Evan S. Goldstein, Updike Kelly & Spellacy PC
Christine Jean-Louis, Office of the Attorney General
Alexis H. Smith, New Haven Legal Assistance Association
 

Sponsors

Contact Us

Amani Edwards

Director of Diversity and Human Resources
Connecticut Bar Association
30 Bank Street
New Britain, CT  06051
(860)612-2025 
aedwards@ctbar.org

 

LSAT Scholars

2020

Elizabeth Castro, University of Connecticut August 2020; Major: Political Science
Natasha Claudio, Connecticut College Class of 2021; Major: English
Maman Cooper, University of Connecticut Class of 2017; Major: Political Science
Christina Cruz, Connecticut College Class of 2020; Major: Sociology and Latin American Studies
Frankie De Leon, Wesleyan University Class of 2020; Major: American Studies
Debaditta Ghosh, Wesleyan University Class of 2020; Major: Government
Fernecia Smith, University of Bridgeport Class of 2020; Major: Political Science