Nearly all people of color are underrepresented in the legal profession compared with their presence in the U.S. population. In 2020, 86% of all lawyers were non-Hispanic whites.
DRIVING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAWYERS
Lawyers are advocates for others.
They fight to keep people in their homes, break down obstacles for people with disabilities, and ensure protections in the workplace. They represent athletes and artists, and protect works of literature, film, art, music, and new products. They participate in writing, interpreting, and enforcing laws. Lawyers help people with disputes come to a resolution. And, so much more.
Yet, the law profession is one of the least diverse in the United States.
Piloted in two high schools serving Detroit students, Ford Law Career Academy is an emerging three-year or four-year pathway within an existing school. Designed collaboratively by educators and lawyers, Ford Law excites and empowers students who want to prepare now for their future as a lawyer or explore legal career opportunities in a focused educational experience.
And, the Ford Law curriculum and related materials are now available in whole or in part for schools, educators, and lawyers to explore and adopt, free of charge.
HFLI Studio is the homebase for Ford Law’s extensive educator and lawyer resources. Access is free for review and use, in full or in part. HFLI is available to schools and educators for implementation coaching.