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NIU College of Law and Lincoln College establish new pipeline partnership

October 27, 2021

Pictured from left: Lincoln Vice President Donna Bradley, Lincoln President David Gerlach, NIU Law Dean Cassandra L. Hill, and NIU Law Assistant Dean Kellie Martial.

Northern Illinois University College of Law is excited to announce a new partnership with Lincoln College to create the NIU Law Lincoln Scholar and Diversity Pipeline Programs.

Under the partnership, qualified Lincoln College students working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Law, as well as those with other majors, may participate in the NIU Law Diversity Pipeline Program. The Diversity Pipeline Program will include working with a set cohort of students from freshman year through senior year. The program is designed to introduce students to all the benefits of law school and being a practicing lawyer, provide mentorship, LSAT test preparation, and the opportunity to experience the life of a law student through field trips.

“Our goals are to make sure diverse students know about the benefits of a legal education and career and have the information they need to be successful in the law school application process and in law school,” said NIU Law Dean Cassandra L. Hill.  “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to work together to make an impact on diversity in the legal profession.”

In addition, the NIU College of Law will annually award one exceptional Lincoln graduate with the designation of NIU Law Lincoln Scholar based on eligibility and demonstrated academic performance.  The NIU Law Lincoln Scholar Program will help to further the NIU College of Law’s commitment to diversity, by positively impacting diversity in both legal education and the legal field.

“The partnership between NIU College of Law and Lincoln College provides a strong pathway for our students interested in the legal profession,” said David Gerlach, President of Lincoln College. “The Bachelor of Arts in Law is one of our newest programs, and we are proud to be one of only a handful of institutions in the nation offering it.”

NIU College of Law remains committed to facilitating access to the legal profession for members of traditionally underrepresented groups by countering the effects of societal discrimination, increasing the number of lawyers who will serve in communities that are currently underserved, and obtaining for our students the educational benefits that flow from a diverse faculty and student body.