Diversity at BU Law

Welcome, all. Open to everyone since the ’70s. The 1870s.

Since our founding in 1872, Boston University School of Law has offered legal education to all highly accomplished students without regard to race, gender, or religion. In fact, we were one of the first to do so long before most schools—which is why many of our students have gone on to become “firsts” in their fields.

BU Law’s commitment to a diverse student body begins well before you arrive on campus and extends far beyond graduation. You’ll find a well-developed system of support and mentorship to help you through your time in law school.

Our Administrators

Dean Onwuachi-Willig holds regular town halls, office hours, and other informal get-togethers as a platform for your voice. The Associate Dean for Equity, Justice & Engagement facilitates faculty hiring and trainings aligned with our institutional values for equitable educational experiences. The very accessible Student Affairs Office and Academic Enrichment Program offer numerous resources, both academic and personal, to support law students. And BU Law’s Associate Director of Equity, Inclusion & Engagement, is dedicated to cultivating a community that welcomes diverse individuals and a wide range of beliefs, ideas, and opinions.

Programming and Curriculum

BU Law also regularly holds programming designed to engage with pressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, our Barbara Jordan Lecture Series provides lectures, panels, and events on issues of social justice and diversity. Our In Real Law (IRL) program, connects first generation law students and law students of color to a diverse group of highly successful attorneys practicing in Boston. And the curriculum includes classes like Critical Race Theory, which explores topics of diversity head-on.

A Network of Support

Just a few of the people acting as resources for you include:

Members of a student organization pose for a picture in the atrium of the law tower.

Student Organizations

BU Law has more than 30 student organizations—including twelve affinity groups—focused on shared identities , professional or special interests, and social pursuits. These groups often hold networking events with alumni and professionals in the community.

Explore Law Student Affinity Groups
Two students in business attire converse in the atrium.

Preparing for Your Future

The Career Development & Public Service Office (CDO) will work closely with you to identify your career path and the steps you need to take to prepare for it. Your career advisor, an attorney who formerly practiced in the area of law in which you are interested, will introduce you to our robust recruiting programs, our vast alumni network, and the many other career resources available to you as a BU Law student.

Support doesn't stop at graduation. Not only will you have a tremendous professional network of BU Law alumni, the CDO continues to support graduates in their career searches, and programs like the Loan Repayment Assistance Program offer loan forgiveness for alumni practicing in the public sector.

Visit the CDO

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