An upstate New York law school is looking to the South in hopes of diversifying the legal professor.
Syracuse University College of Law has entered into 3+3 admissions agreements with three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) located at Atlanta University Center: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The agreement was signed in mid-April, during a ceremony at Atlanta-based law firm Taylor English Duma LLP with representatives from all three HBCU and the Syracuse Law participating.
The 3+3 program allows students to finish the bachelors and J.D. degrees in an accelerated format by completing all coursework required for the undergraduate major in three years and finishing their degree during their first year of law school at Syracuse.
“Partnering with these distinguished HBCU to create a 3+3 program significantly reduces the time and cost required for qualified African-American students to obtain a 21st-century legal education at Syracuse,” said Dean Craig M. Boise. “This is one of the ways we can address the legal profession’s need for more diversity among the ranks of lawyers. I join our faculty, staff, and students in looking forward to students from these renowned colleges becoming members of our College of Law family.”
“Developing the accelerated dual degree (bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees) between Clark Atlanta University and Syracuse University College of Law is mutually beneficial. This endeavor aligns with our efforts to expand academic pursuits for Clark Atlanta graduates,” said Dorcas Bowles, Provost, Clark Atlanta University. “As such, this partnership increases our students’ academic and career success and will serve as a beacon of access and opportunity for African Americans and other underrepresented populations in the field of law.”
In addition to the 3+3 agreements, Syracuse Law recently expanded its externship program to Atlanta to provide field placements in the city and its surroundings, allowing local students to network and to gain experience close to home.
