The REAL Scholars program takes a holistic approach to a student's law school experience. The program is designed to orient students to the study of law and help incoming 1Ls feel prepared, confident and welcomed in the Fordham Law community. Through mentorship, in-depth instruction, and community building, the REAL Scholars program provides incoming JD students with the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in law school and the legal profession. It is important to note that the REAL Scholars program is a supplement not a substitute to attending Fordham Law School’s general orientation. Students will still have to attend Orientation.

The REAL Scholars Program is a year-long commitment that begins with the REAL Pre-orientation (prior to Fall Orientation for the entire Fordham Law incoming class) and culminates at the end of 1L year. If selected, students are required to participate in all aspects of the Pre-orientation agenda as well as programming during the academic year, including study group sessions, peer mentor meetings, events, workshops, etc.

The REAL Scholars program provides support to incoming JD students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in law school and the legal profession, including but not limited to underrepresented racial, ethnic, geographic, socioeconomic and first generation college backgrounds.

The pre-orientation program provides incoming JD students with an opportunity to participate in simulated classes, enhance leadership and professional skills and meet faculty, senior staff and upper class students. During the pre-orientation program, you will read and brief legal cases, build community with fellow students and obtain the necessary skills for professional and academic success in law school and the legal profession.

The program will begin with a week-long pre-orientation program from Monday, July 31, 2023 through Friday, August 4, 2023.

No. The pre-orientation week is a mandatory component of the program. REAL Scholars are expected to participate fully in all scheduled programs that week. The program hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with a few required evening events. In addition, throughout the year there will be co-curricular programming designed to complement the first-year coursework, assist with career development and provide community building opportunities.

The REAL Scholars program will continue to offer students support throughout the school year. There will be various academic and social offerings to build upon the skills that were introduced during the pre-orientation week. Additionally, you will have access to peer mentors and teaching fellows who will be available to assist you throughout the semester.

The REAL Scholars program will accept a maximum of 35 students per year. Students who are not selected to participate (or choose not to apply) can expect to engage in robust programming and resources to orient them to the law school experience such as  community building, wellness and more beginning at Orientation and continuing throughout the school year. You will also be able to participate fully in the Academic Success Program, which provides students with tutoring opportunities in the fall and spring semesters.

Yes. REAL Scholars are assigned a REAL Peer Mentor and a REAL Teaching Fellow. Your REAL Peer Mentor will assist with your transition to law school, provide you with resources and answer any questions you have as you acclimate to the law school environment. The REAL Teaching Fellows the necessary tools for academic success such as study skills, class preparation, and exam writing. REAL Scholars will also have various touchpoints with staff, faculty and alumni.

Please fill out this application form, which opens on April 15 and closes on July 15. Selected students will be notified starting in June 2023.

The program is free for all participants, including selected meals and activities throughout the pre-orientation week. Additionally, we will provide each participant a small stipend to cover meals and other incidentals not provided during the week.  Room and board are not covered.  Candidates must plan for their own living arrangements and pay their own travel expenses to and from Fordham University School of Law.

 We expect you to move into your planned first year living arrangements on or before July 31. Accepted students who are enrolled in on campus housing during the academic year, we may arrange for early move in.

We continue to monitor the CDC guidelines around COVID-19. At this time, we do not anticipate that there will be any cause for the program not to take place. At most, we would take steps to offer some or all of the week in an online or hybrid format.

If you have questions regarding the REAL Scholars program, please contact us at [email protected].