The Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a 12-week training program designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition into meaningful careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills. Applications are now open for the upcoming Spring 2025 class, and PPI wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible.
Application Requirements: Interested individuals should submit an application online through this link. The application package includes:
- Resume
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Response to a writing prompt (350-450 words)
- Two references
- [Optional] Additional materials/information
PPI encourages applications from individuals from marginalized communities, including those based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 years old or older
- Ability to commute to New York City
- Have been formerly incarcerated and at least one year post-release
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field
- Commit to attending an in-person two-hour class one night a week for 12 weeks, and additional programming and workshops
- Commit to contributing to a collaborative learning environment
- Complete an interview
Application Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024
Contact Information: For more information, contact the PPI team at [email protected] or follow @paralegalpathways_cls on Instagram. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in applying.
