First Generation Law Student Programming
Navigating law school
Congratulations on joining the St. Mary’s Law School family! Getting into law school is a big deal. Law school is not always an easy experience, but it is an experience that will change the way you think about the world in many ways. That type of change can be challenging and also incredibly rewarding.
Being the first in your family to attend a professional degree program such as law school can be an intimidating experience in ways too numerous to capture in one paragraph. The Law School Admissions Council notes that: “Earning a law degree is never easy, and every student will face challenges along the way. But, first-gen students face particular hurdles on their path to a career in law.”
We recognize these challenges exist, but we also know how vitally important first-generation law students are for the legal profession. This profession needs your new perspective on life, on the practice of law, and on what it means to be a legal professional. You are valuable for who you are and the perspective you bring to the table. Remember that, and know that the challenges law school can pose don’t mean you do not belong, they are just part of the growing process in learning the new language and way of thinking that comes with the practice of law.
One of the biggest challenges is learning how to navigate the law school experience and knowing where to go when you need help. That is what this programming exists to do – to help introduce you to the ins and outs of navigating law school and to give you a place to go for help when you need to know more. Welcome to St. Mary’s! We are so excited to work with you as move through your time here.
Upcoming Programming
This webpage will be updated regularly. Please check back for future programming updates.
First-Generation law student programming kicks off with the First Gen Law Student Pre-1L Bootcamp. The online Bootcamp runs from July 25-28th and the in-person Bootcamp runs from August 1-4, 2022. Enrollment is complete for this summer, but we will have additional programming throughout the Fall semester.
Questions about First-Generation Law Student programming? Contact Arturo Zapata, the Law Success Coordinator, at azapata2@stmarytx.edu or at 210-431-4340.
Visit the Law School's Website
Learn more about the Law School campus, support offices, and upcoming events on the Law School’s webpage at St. Mary’s School of Law – San Antonio, TX (law.stmarytx.edu).
Review the Student handbook
Many of the answers you will need about how the law school operates are found in the Law Student Handbook. You should familiarize yourself with the Handbook and reach out to Assistant Dean Cavanaugh if you have any questions.