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AccessLex Institute Celebrates Momentum and Impact of Grant Programs for 2024-25 Academic Year

AccessLex Institute®, recognized as the leading nonprofit organization in legal education, has announced a celebration of its ongoing success and the notable impact of its various grant programs. Since the program's inception in 2014, AccessLex has awarded over $26.4 million to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the research and study of legal education and the legal profession. Just within the last year, AccessLex has granted more than $2.6 million, continuing its mission to empower future legal professionals and address the diverse needs of the legal education landscape.

The grants are awarded through several distinct programs, including the Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program, the Bar Success Intervention Grant Program, the Bar Success Research Grant Program, the Directed Grants Program, and the Admission Innovation Project. Each of these programs targets specific challenges faced by legal educators and aspiring lawyers.

One of the most notable grantees of the past year is the Equity Accelerator, which has developed and tested an innovative intervention aimed at helping bar exam candidates navigate the challenges associated with preparing for the exam. This intervention has shown promising results, significantly increasing the chances of candidates passing the bar exam and securing their positions in the legal field.

In line with fostering inclusivity within legal education, another grant facilitated the establishment of the Association of Law School Diversity Professionals. This organization is dedicated to providing professional development and creating community-building opportunities for legal educators who are committed to fostering inclusive environments that prioritize student success.

Furthermore, a grant awarded to the Penn State Dickinson Law School has supported a three-day in-person event for legal educators focused on promoting antiracist practices within law schools. This initiative highlights the importance of fostering discussions and developing materials aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in the legal education system. The grant also aims to produce a three-week program and a related book series dedicated to antiracist institution-building.

Aaron N. Taylor, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence®, commented on the importance of these initiatives, stating, “AccessLex is firmly committed to advancing the field of research on law schools. Our mission is to empower the next generation of lawyers. Our grants play a pivotal role in supporting impactful research that enhances the collective understanding of legal education, guiding new approaches and necessary reforms.”

The impact of AccessLex Institute’s grants extends beyond financial support; they foster collaboration and innovation across the legal education sector, ultimately shaping the future of legal training and practice. The organization is poised to continue its valuable contributions to the field, ensuring that legal education evolves in step with society’s changing needs and expectations.

For additional details regarding AccessLex Institute's grant programs and their significant contributions to legal education, visit AccessLex.org. Get involved in promoting a well-rounded, inclusive legal profession and learn how these initiatives are paving the way for aspiring legal minds to thrive.

About AccessLex Institute

AccessLex Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students along their journey from aspiring lawyers to accomplished professionals. Collaborating with nearly 200 member law schools, AccessLex has focused on improving access to legal education since 1983 while striving to make a positive impact on the industry and legal profession as a whole.