Drake University Law School is partnering with Des Moines-area employers to establish the Law Opportunity Leadership Program.
The program, which will begin in fall 2017, provides internships, mentorship, and leadership training for five qualified Drake Law students from underrepresented groups.
“Drake is committed to helping students of all backgrounds succeed in law school and in the legal profession,” said Jerry Anderson, dean of Drake Law School. “This new program will offer unique opportunities for diverse students to build their leadership skills, form connections with local employers, and gain practical experience.”
Students in the Law Opportunity Leadership Program will participate in a special mentorship program throughout their first year of law school and attend weekly leadership training sessions in the summer.
They will also participate in two five-week, paid internships with Des Moines-based sponsor employers—one with a company and one with a law firm. The internships will allow students to gain legal experience and an understanding of the employer's culture.
Drake Law School has partnered with the following sponsor employers:
- Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
- Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C.
- EMC Insurance Companies
- Davis Brown Law Firm
- Meredith Corporation
- Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
- Principal
- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Wells Fargo
- Whitfield & Eddy Law
“We are excited to work with local companies and law firms to provide students with valuable, hands-on opportunities in a professional legal environment,” Anderson said. “I look forward to growing these partnerships and building the Law Opportunity Leadership Program even more in the future.”
The program will be offered to students whose enrollment will significantly contribute to the diversity of the Drake Law student body or to those who have overcome economic, educational, or other disadvantages. The five participants will be chosen by Drake Law School’s Admissions Committee.
Learn more by visiting the Law Opportunity Leadership Program webpage.
For questions, contact Alicia Hilligas, assistant director of admission and diversity initiatives at Drake Law School, at 515-271-2483 or alicia.hilligas@drake.edu.