Information for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Applicants
Application Process
Once you have decided where to apply, the next decision you may face is whether to come out in your application. Some people will conclude that their sexual orientation is irrelevant and choose not to mention it. Others view it as an integral part of themselves and need to discuss it openly. Many fall somewhere in between.
"The legal profession’s acceptance of diversity in sexual orientation has
grown tremendously, and that growth is nurtured every day by each law student,
each lawyer, each of us who is honest in our career about who we are. Because
there is still discrimination in legal education and in the legal profession,
however, you must first decide for yourself whether any school or job is one
that is worth being closeted for. Some law schools or employers may value your
experiences as an openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person,
particularly those experiences that have motivated you to seek a career in the
law. There are still those institutions, however, that do not recognize the
value of such diversity, and each applicant must weigh the costs of being out."
—Keith C. Wetmore, Chair, Morrison & Foerster LLP, San Francisco, CA
This decision is, of course, very personal and best left to your own good judgment. Because there is some risk that coming out might alienate a particular decision maker, however, it is probably best to provide some context for any discussion of your sexual orientation. If you have significant accomplishments that relate to your sexual orientation, such as leadership in a student or community group, or significant work experience in an LGBT-related organization, it almost certainly pays to discuss those accomplishments and experiences in your application. If your sexual orientation can help illuminate some aspect of your background, it may also be worth noting. For example, if you have been discharged from the military or otherwise discriminated against because of your sexual orientation and wish to discuss that experience in your personal statement, you probably should do so. Finally, if your sexual orientation or transgender status plays any role in your decision to attend law school or shapes your future career plans, that fact is probably worth mentioning in your application.
"From the perspective of a law school faculty member, the presence of LGBT students is essential for many reasons. Issues relating to LGBT people regularly arise in the classroom, in subjects ranging from criminal law to family law and constitutional law. Openly LGBT people add immeasurably to discussions of these issues. Also, the presence of a diverse student body enriches life on law school campuses, and helps prepare all students to practice law in a diverse world."
—Pamela D. Bridgewater, Professor of Law
Need to Know More?
If you’re in doubt, it is probably a good idea to seek the advice of the recruiter from each specific law school. Explain your situation and ask how they would respond. You should be able to seek this advice anonymously if you choose. Also, it may be a good idea to ask lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students at each school how they addressed this issue and to seek their advice. Whatever their decision, it worked for them.
Transgender applicants are likely to have concerns in common with, as well as distinct from, those of lesbian, gay, and bisexual applicants. If you are a transgender applicant, you should contact the law school admission professionals at the schools in which you are interested. While many law schools may not have previously confronted issues facing members of the transgender community, a school’s willingness to address these concerns when you raise them should give you a sense of whether the environment is likely to be a supportive one for you.
Do Your Homework: Research is the key to a good law school decision. Try to find out as much as you can from law school recruiters, students, faculty, and alumni. Admission-office personnel should be able to direct you to appropriate individuals. You also should consult your undergraduate prelaw advisor. To learn more about the role of lawyers and the law in the LGBT-rights movement, you may wish to contact the LGBT bar association in the city nearest you. The association may have members who are able to assist you. You also can contact LSAC at Box 40, Newtown, PA 18940 (e-mail: LSACinfo@LSAC.org).
In addition, LSAC, in partnership with the ABA, publishes the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, which contains descriptions and data about all LSAC-member law schools.
