Information for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Applicants
Introduction
We live in exciting times. The movement for social and legal recognition of the rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is now a part of the national discourse, with new developments occurring at an unprecedented pace. While increasing numbers of corporations and churches are beginning to recognize and offer benefits to nontraditional families, the law is expanding at a dramatic rate. Issues like marriage, LGBT parenting, military service, hate crimes, and employment discrimination make headlines on an almost daily basis. Two recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court, Romer v. Evans, and Lawrence v. Texas, dramatically increase the civil rights protections afforded to homosexuals. Although the news is not always good, the fact that so many different issues are addressed so frequently speaks volumes about the mainstreaming of LGBT issues. Lawyers have played a key role in these developments, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Information
The legal profession itself has made great strides. Lesbians, gay men, bisexual, and transgender people have found places in law firms of many sizes and types of practice, succeeded in organizing their own small law firms, risen within the ranks of legal education, taken seats on the bench, and, of course, have worked in law firms specializing in the LGBT rights movement. The National Lesbian and Gay Law Association now has a seat in the ABA’s House of Delegates. Despite all of this progress, you may be wondering what kind of reception you will receive both in the profession and, more immediately, in law school. You also may have questions about the process of selecting and applying to law school. This section of the website is designed to address some of these questions, and to raise some issues that you may not have thought much about.
OUTlooks: The Video
In this video law students and admission professionals talk candidly about the issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender law school candidate. Some issues addressed include coming out (or not) on your application, identifying schools that are LGBT-friendly and supportive, and the importance of mentors. Several prominent LGBT attorneys from across the country are profiled as well. You can view this video here:
