The Section on Pre-Law Education and Admission to Law School gratefully acknowledges the Law School Admission Council for its support of the Section and this program.
As law schools across the country confront systemic inequities in the admissions process, one area undergoing significant change is the character and fitness section of the application. Recognizing the deep racial disparities in the criminal legal system, an increasing number of institutions are reconsidering how—and whether—to ask about applicants’ involvement with the criminal justice system.
This session will offer admissions professionals and law school administrators an in-depth look at the evolving practices around character and fitness questions, with a focus on strategies to support formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals. These applicants often opt out of applying to law school entirely due to fears of rejection or further punishment. This session aims to equip participants with policy insights, admissions strategies, and student-centered approaches that promote inclusion while maintaining institutional integrity.