Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some of the options selected already.

The options that have been selected are done so by default. To change that selection simply click on the option you would like. For any values that use a check box you can deselect that item by clicking on that option.

Why are ABA and LSAC gathering information about programs that promote careers in the law for minorities?

ABA and LSAC have had a long-standing commitment to encouraging law schools, law firms, legal organizations and agencies to promote law careers with people of color. The ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide initiative is an extension of those efforts and designed to profile the efforts of program sponsors so that others might replicate them.

Is the resource guide a listing of the "best" programs and practices?

No attempt has been made to attach a qualitative distinction to any of the programs that will be placed in the online guide. Our goal has been to generate a mixture of programs and practices that address people at varying life and educational stages and function in a variety of ways. Each project profile has been prepared and submitted for inclusion by its sponsor.

What types of questions will you ask me to answer?

In order to capture an accurate and descriptive profile of your program, the survey form will ask you to answer questions like the following:

What is the focus of the effort (e.g., recruitment, education and/or career transition)?
What minorities are targeted?
What is the age/educational level of participants?
What are the demographic characteristics of the population or community being served?
Who sponsors the initiative?

Finally, you will be asked to write a brief (150 word maximum) program description.

How long will it take me to complete the survey?

Most contributors should be able to complete the survey in 12-15 minutes.

What is the deadline for submitting information for inclusion in the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide?

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to complete and submit their survey form by August 31, 2005. Data received by this date will constitute the initial ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide, but program profiles can be added after the guide is up and operational. Make a sincere effort, however, to make the August 31, 2005 submission date.

I don't like to complete Internet survey forms. Can I submit a paper copy?

Yes. Send your full name and mailing address to Dr. Frank Burtnett at info@ednow.org and he will see that you get a print copy of the survey form to complete.

Will my entry for the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide be edited?

The principal investigator for this research project will review all survey submissions before they are officially posted on the web site. The purpose of this editing is to ensure completeness and consistency in the presentation of information. Any editorial adjustments will be returned to the individual submitting them for review and approval before they are posted on the web site.

How can I use the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide when it has been completed?

When the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide is operational, it will contain a comprehensive listing of programs and practices that are in place to serve people of color as they consider, study for and transition to careers in the law. Information about the focus of the program, how it functions and the key contact people will be included in each posting. Individuals and programs wishing to embark on similar programs will be encouraged study these efforts and build from them. Those presently engaged in similar practices can learn improvement and enhancement strategies by studying the contents of the resource guide.

When will individuals and organizations be able to access the Internet edition of the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide to get ideas and suggestions for their own programs?

While the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide will be a "work in progress" and reflect submissions during the summer 2005 months, the comprehensive resource guide will be online on or about November 1, 2005.

Is there an individual that I can contact regarding questions or to obtain additional information about the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide project?

Dr. Frank Burtnett, President of Education Now and principal investigator for this research initiative, is available to answer your questions or provide additional information about the ABA/LSAC Pipeline Diversity Resource Guide project. Feel free to contact him at info@ednow.org or 703/451-5889.

Focus: Narrows your search for programs specializing in career transitions; education and recruitment.

Career Transition would be initiatives designed to help future lawyers transition from law school graduation to bar exam and into employment.

Education would be initiatives designed to introduce students, K-12, College and University, to the judicial system including careers in the law.

Recruitment would be initiatives with a primary purpose to bring awareness to students, K-12, post-secondary and Law School, regarding various careers in the law.

Target: To select more than one targeted student, hold down the ctrl key and left click on your groups.

Education: To select more than one educational level, hold down the ctrl key and left click on your levels.

Sponsor: To select more than one primary sponsor, hold down the ctrl key and left click on your sponsors.