The Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars Program, powered by Latham & Watkins, aims to further diversify the legal profession by equipping participants with the tools and resources they need to apply to the law schools of their choosing and succeed as law students and legal professionals. This innovative program is designed to support Scholars in every aspect of their law school application process.
What to Expect
The Launchpad Scholars Program includes a Welcome Summit hosted by Latham & Watkins, substantial LSAT preparation, monthly leadership and career preparedness workshops, as well as mentorship opportunities with Yale Law School students and Latham lawyers. The program culminates in a weeklong residential program featuring application workshops, opportunities to engage with Yale Law School faculty and alumni, and visits to legal employers. There is no cost to apply to or participate in the program, and Scholars will receive financial support for LSAT preparation, LSAT fees, and application fees.
Learn more at an information session.
Please note that participation in the Launchpad Scholars Program will not provide a preference in the Yale Law School admissions process or for career opportunities at Latham & Watkins.
Discover the Program
Welcome Summit
A two-day Summit on August 8–9, 2024 at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP in New York City is centered on community-building, career exploration, and leadership development.
Saturday Academies
Five Saturday Academies, held live online and facilitated by Yale Law School and Latham & Watkins representatives, will include interactive activities designed to develop key skills in preparation for the law school application cycle, law school, and a career postgraduation.
Residential Institute
Scholars will be welcomed to New Haven for a weeklong Residential Institute at Yale Law School from June 22–27, 2025. Scholars will focus on the law school application process, participate in field trips to legal employers, and engage with distinguished members of the Yale Law School and Latham & Watkins communities.
Mentorship
Scholars will be paired with a lawyer mentor from Latham & Watkins and a student mentor from Yale Law School who will support them throughout the program and the law school application process.
Costs Covered
There is no cost to apply to or participate in the program, including domestic travel and lodging for the Welcome Summit and Residential Institute. A $3500 stipend will be provided for participation in the program. Scholars will receive reimbursement for up to six law school application fees, as well as the costs associated with LSAC‘s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), including up to six CAS Reports, and up to two LSAT administrations.
Whom the Program Is For
The Launchpad Scholars Program is designed for anyone who plans to apply to law school in the fall of 2025, with the goal of enrolling in the fall of 2026.
The program is open to everyone, but especially welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who are (or will be) the first in their families to graduate from college, individuals from low-income backgrounds, members of racially and ethnically underrepresented groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and veterans or military service members.
Scholars will be selected based on their potential for academic excellence, leadership promise, engagement with their communities, and ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives.