Empowering Disadvantaged Students with Tools for Legal Success
Approximately 60 undergraduates, some from as far away as Florida, got a glimpse of what it’s like to be a law student at the Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program’s 8th Annual Pre-Law Diversity Conference in Camden. The purpose of the conference is to increase the number of disadvantaged students admitted to law school. Prospective law students received information on how to develop a strong law school application, prepare for the LSAT, and draft an inspiring personal statement. Participants attended a law school lecture and heard from Rutgers Law students, faculty and staff about the law school experience. They also networked with practicing attorneys and entered raffles for LSAT prep materials during the closing reception co-sponsored by Alianza, the Latino Law Students Association.
“The discussions and guidance shared throughout the event further reinforced my passion for pursuing a legal career, and I hope to one day be a part of the Rutgers Law community,” said Stetson University student Vera Bendiksen.
Iveliz R. Crespo’14 (they/them) served as this year’s distinguished conference keynote speaker. They are an accomplished attorney and global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader with over a decade of experience in fostering inclusive and equitable environments. Born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Crespo’s personal and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. In 2024, Crespo was appointed as the first Director of DEI and Talent Development at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (MSK), reaffirming the firm’s dedication to advancing diversity within the legal profession.
They said, “Standing in a room filled with future lawyers, leaders, and advocates was a full-circle moment—one that reminded me why this profession needs voices like theirs.”
The Minority Student Program (MSP) hosts the event every year under the leadership of Rhasheda Douglas ’02, Assistant Dean of Camden’s MSP.
“I am always delighted to welcome future leaders of the legal profession to this annual conference,” she said. “Many attendees of past years’ conferences are now practicing attorneys, so I know that this initiative is impactful and effective. I am proud to serve at an institution that remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring equal access to legal education.”
This year’s event was held on February 15. Dean Johanna Bond was part of the Rutgers Law community that spoke with students.
She said, “I am so proud of our Pre-Law Diversity Conference. Dean Douglas does an extraordinary job introducing pre-law students to the law school application process. Our MSP program continues to offer a pipeline to legal education, to support students once they enroll in law school, and to increase the diversity of the legal profession.”
MSP is committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting all students who have faced socioeconomic or educational disadvantages. This nationally acclaimed program is designed for individuals of underrepresented groups in the legal profession who have encountered discrimination or overcome social or socioeconomic challenges. MSP takes a proactive approach to ensure the success of its students by providing essential resources such as legal skills development, academic support, mentoring, networking opportunities, internships, and more.
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