Introduction

The New York Legal Education Opportunity Program (NY LEO) is designed to ensure a diverse legal community by promoting academic success in law school for individuals from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession.

Through an intensive five-week summer program, the NY LEO Program assists college graduates from groups traditionally underrepresented in the law in acquiring the fundamental and practical skills necessary to succeed in law school. The program is available to qualified candidates who are New York State residents and/or will attend law school in New York.

The NY LEO Program is administered by the Honorable Kathie E. Davidson, Dean of the New York State Judicial Institute. Students live on campus and participate in the program full-time. Experienced law professors provide instruction in first-year law school core courses as well as in legal research, writing and analysis. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to visit courts in session and meet with members of the judiciary and other legal professionals.