Diversity and Inclusion Programs and Initiatives

Affinity and Inclusion Grant Initiative 

The Affinity and Inclusion Grant Initiative encourages efforts that support diversity, inclusion and collaboration at the Law School. To achieve this, the Dean of Students Office will fund student-led proposals up to $5,000 for initiatives that enhance collaboration, build community and embrace diversity and inclusion of all students with respect to race/ethnicity, gender, viewpoint, religious affiliation, sexual orientation and more. 

For more information and to apply »

Bridges: The First-Person Writing Project

Student-led initiative intended to give selected students an opportunity to reflect on their unique 1L experiences with depth and nuance—and share those insights with the wider community and prospective students. Supported by the Office of the Dean of Students and the Communications Office, students will take part in an intimate roundtable series with like-minded peers where they will share their stories, develop a creative writing skillset, and produce narratives for the Law School website.

For more information and to apply »

Pre-Orientation Program

The University of Chicago Law School Pre-Orientation Program is a new five-day initiative designed to strengthen the academic, professional, and personal skills of incoming 1L students as they enter law school. Program curricula and competencies will be delivered in modules, and are complemented by professional development and social activities. Participating students will receive a stipend for their completion of the program. 

For more information and to apply »

Affinity Student Organizations

The UChicago Law School is home to more than 60 student organizations with a wide variety of purposes, and new student groups are always being formed to meet the changing needs of the student body.

Explore the full list of affinity student organizations »

Martha C. Nussbaum Student Roundtables

A series of conversations with students hosted by faculty members and other members of the Law School community.  The roundtables are styled after the faculty weekly roundtables, where faculty members gather over lunch to discuss various topics of legal and societal import. 

View our past roundtable discussions »

Inclusive Workshops and Trainings

At the Law School, we are eagerly working on professional and cultural initiatives and community engagement. To achieve this, we hold workshops that help build inclusivity among various stakeholders. 

  • Hearing One Another Workshop – Provides an opportunity for students to better appreciate the richness of one another’s identities and start developing conversation habits that can promote more meaningful interactions and a stronger sense of belonging.
  • Lecture on Inclusive Leadership & Implicit Bias  Conversations and workshops on topics including: lawyers as leaders, why diversity matters, the legal profession and diversity & implicit bias in the academic and legal profession..
  • Chicago Day of Service – A group training and service opportunity to introduce law students to the South Side of Chicago. This day of service will begin with a training on entering, engaging and exiting communities appropriately, followed by an opportunity to serve those who share this community with UChicago.