First Generation Law Students Association

FGLSA supports and empowers first-generation law students through law school and beyond!

Many first-generation students entering law school have little experience in the legal realm. Through our orientation programming and events/workshops, we are working to bridge this gap by providing the knowledge and experience necessary for first- generation students to be on an even playing field with their non-first-generation peers.

FGLSA offers a program for first-generation law students that supplements UMass Law's Orientation Program. Starting law school is incredibly overwhelming, especially for first-gen students, so FGLSA supports these students through debriefs, panels, tours, meet and greets, and Q&As during orientation week to make the transition to law school easier. This year we had two orientation sessions, sandwiching UMass Law's orientation, and a huge turnout of entering first-generation law students who attended.

We also hold a number of events/workshops throughout the school year, including resume-building workshops, networking events, exam preparation, bar preparation, etc. Through these events and workshop, we are supporting first-generation law students academically, professionally, and personally by exposing them to information that they may not have because of their first-generation status.
We're raising money for:

• Future events and workshops that will be beneficial to first-generation law students in adapting to law school. Last year's events including networking, resume building, exam prep., etc.
• Our Orientation Programs, which provide extra support to first-generation law students during Orientation Week. Programs include tours, debriefs, student- led panels, etc.
• Purchasing stoles/cords for our graduating 3L members.

Thank you so much for supporting FGLSA!