Historic Hampton Pipeline Program Launched

A “once in a lifetime opportunity.” This is how one Hampton undergraduate student described the new pipeline program Scalia Law has developed with Hampton University.

Hampton University, one of Virginia’s historically black colleges and universities, and Scalia Law have collaborated on a new pipeline program that provides talented and motivated Hampton undergraduates interested in going to law school with an educational pathway that culminates in admission to Scalia Law as “Hampton Scholars” with a full scholarship. The program includes pre-law training in Arlington, faculty and staff visits to Hampton, and ongoing mentorship from members of the Scalia Law community.

“This program is fairly unique among law school recruitment,” said Scalia Law Dean Ken Randall. “Most schools recruit applicants from the same limited pool. But this program expands the pool itself, resulting in more applicants and, ultimately, a more ethnically diverse legal profession.”

In June, 10 Hampton students arrived in Arlington for the inaugural summer immersion program. Professor and Director of Bar Support Amanda Compton served as the students’ main point of contact before and during the week’s events. The students attended class each day, giving them practice in reading cases and the Socratic method. Each class concluded with attorney panelists to tie the theoretical to the practical. Lunches and dinners provided opportunities for professional development training and networking with additional attorneys and Scalia Law faculty and staff. Venable, the National Security Institute, the Northern Virginia Black Attorneys Association, the Virginia State Bar, and AccessLex Institute all partnered with the law school to host events. Of course, there was also plenty of time to explore the Washington, DC area as well. Students enjoyed a Mystics game, tour of Capitol Hill and various restaurants.

The program received rave reviews from the first Hampton class. Students described the experience as a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” and all praised the opportunity to spend time with so many attorneys working in different areas of the law. Said Senior Associate Dean Alison Price, one of the creators of the program: “We have been developing this pipeline program for several years and are very pleased to have received ABA approval. The students were so engaged. We are thankful for the many faculty, staff and alumni helped to make the immersion week a success.”

Professor Compton, Professor Rachelle Perkins, the admissions office and career counselors will continue to work with the Hampton students in the fall and through the applications process. Visits are planned in Hampton and once again in Arlington.