February is without a doubt an important month for aspiring lawyers. February 8 was the final qualifying LSAT test date for those seeking admission into law school this fall, and February is also a month in which many law school applications are due. Thousands of hopeful applicants now eagerly await admission decisions.
Similarly, hundreds of law school graduates will take the Illinois Bar exam this month to become licensed attorneys. These are our future advocates, litigators, judges, lawmakers, and public officials. The law dictates almost every facet of our day-to-day lives, and we must wonder, who exactly are the faces behind the law?
Similarly, hundreds of law school graduates will take the Illinois Bar exam this month to become licensed attorneys. These are our future advocates, litigators, judges, lawmakers, and public officials. The law dictates almost every facet of our day-to-day lives, and we must wonder, who exactly are the faces behind the law?
In the past few decades, the number of women in law has increased. Today, roughly a third of licensed law practitioners are women.
On the other hand, very slight changes have taken place in the racial and ethnic identities of licensed law practitioners.
Today, very little racial and ethnic diversity exists within the legal profession. As a Hispanic attorney himself, Mr. Hugo Ortiz is a strong advocate for higher education in minority communities. On the importance of increasing the prominence of minorities in the legal field, Mr. Hugo Ortiz adds:
"Diversity in law practice should reflect the diversity in our country. My clients come from many different backgrounds, as do other lawyers' clients. In my experience with predominately Hispanic clients, I have learned that many people with legitimate legal issues often forego legal help because they don't know any lawyers who can relate to them. The presence of more minority practitioners would certainly encourage more people to exercise their rights."
A myriad of reasons exist for why it is beneficial to diversify the field of law, in terms of both gender and race. Generally, law schools see an equal number of male and female applicants, but a small number of minority applicants.
There are many academic and financial resources available for any and all students seeking to explore a possible career in law, particularly within the crucial undergraduate and post-graduate years. College advisers, personal career mentors, and online resources can provide students and young college graduates with the knowledge necessary to prepare themselves for becoming well-rounded, mature, and competitive law school applicants and, in turn, successful lawyers.
The Law Office of Hugo A. Ortiz is committed to this goal. Please call our office or submit an online contact form to inquire about internship opportunities and professional mentorship.
Posted by DMM at the Law Offices of Hugo A. Ortiz.
Graphics adapted from www.legallybrunette.org.
Statistical source: "Lawyer Demographics." American Bar Association, 2011.
This site is intended solely for Illinois residents. Click here to read our full disclaimer. Copyright © 2014 Law Offices of Hugo A. Ortiz, P.C. Content may not be reproduced without written consent.
There are many academic and financial resources available for any and all students seeking to explore a possible career in law, particularly within the crucial undergraduate and post-graduate years. College advisers, personal career mentors, and online resources can provide students and young college graduates with the knowledge necessary to prepare themselves for becoming well-rounded, mature, and competitive law school applicants and, in turn, successful lawyers.
The Law Office of Hugo A. Ortiz is committed to this goal. Please call our office or submit an online contact form to inquire about internship opportunities and professional mentorship.
Posted by DMM at the Law Offices of Hugo A. Ortiz.
Graphics adapted from www.legallybrunette.org.
Statistical source: "Lawyer Demographics." American Bar Association, 2011.
This site is intended solely for Illinois residents. Click here to read our full disclaimer. Copyright © 2014 Law Offices of Hugo A. Ortiz, P.C. Content may not be reproduced without written consent.
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