Diversity Matters at Wake Forest Law

At Wake Forest University School of Law, diversity—the mix of different perspectives and experiences that make up a healthy, stimulating classroom—is of paramount importance. Our commitment to inclusion and the spirit of Pro Humanitate creates a learning environment as rich and varied as the professional world awaiting you.

Icon that reads WFU Diversity Matters

Wake Forest University’s Non-Discrimination Statement

Wake Forest University is committed to diversity, inclusion and the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices and its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status.

Use your Wake Forest login credentials WFU username (your WFU email address without the “@wfu.edu”) & password to sign in.

Law Diversity Student Organizations

Photo of students reading in Worrell Professional Center library.

Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA)

APALSA provides a voice for Asian Pacific American students in the legal community through diversity & inclusion initiatives, professional development, and community building.

Black Law Student Association (BLSA)

The mission of the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA) is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. WFU BLSA mirrors this mission.

Latino Law Student Association (LLSA)

LLSA’s main purpose is to address the needs and well-being of Latino/a/x students at Wake Forest Law by providing a welcoming environment in which students feel comfortable and can thrive. The organization aims to ensure that students receive support to achieve academic and professional success. LLSA plans to sponsor academic, cultural, social and community service activities to strengthen the presence of Latinos in the legal profession. Finally, LLSA aims to increase the number of Latin American students at Wake Forest Law.

OUTLaw

OUTLaw provides an academic and social support network for sexual minorities and their allies at the law school. It also serves to educate the law school community about legal, political and social issues relevant to sexual minorities. This organization is open to all Wake Forest students and faculty.

The Veterans Advocacy Legal Organization (VALO(R)) is composed of law students with the shared goal to support current and former service members. The VALOR has three separate missions: (1) Addressing the legal needs of veterans seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (2) develop pro bono projects to provide servicemembers, who are financially eligible, with legal assistance in certain civilian legal matters that are impacted by their military service, and (3) to promote awareness among classmates and the larger WFU School of Law of issues facing veteran’s and service members.

Women in Law

Women in Law was founded to help students identify and face problems and issues that exist for women in the legal profession and in the law itself. The organization is open to both men and women and has various activities, including seminars, speakers, and social activities.

University Diversity Organizations

Image of WFU religious sculpture off the quad.
  • Office of Diversity & Inclusion – The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports the University’s mission of creating a more diverse learning community. Specifically, the Office and related Centers aims to influence policies, offer programming, and facilitate practice across the broad spectrum of inclusivity and equity. These aims promote a safe, equitable, growth-minded, and engaged campus community, wherein students, staff, and faculty – within and across multiple identities – can feel supported and valued in their personal and professional development.
  • LGBTQ Center – The LGBTQ Center is here to provide education, advocacy, and support to members of the Wake Forest community and is committed to fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive experience for all students. The LGBTQ Center is the campus location where students, faculty, staff, and alumni connect for resources, services, education, leadership programs, and more related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • Women’s Center – The Women’s Center strives to create an educational and professional environment that supports women and promotes gender equity. Toward that end, they foster spaces to reflect on individual and collective experiences and identities; develop co-curricular programming around women’s and gender issues; support professional and leadership development; and identify and advocate for policies to improve gender climate and inclusive practices at the institution.
  • Intercultural Center – Committed to enhancing the experience of domestic and international underrepresented groups by offering co-curricular programming, advising and advocacy that enhances intercultural knowledge, competency and leadership. By promoting a welcoming environment, we strive to uphold the Wake Forest mission of Pro Humanitate.
  • Learning Assistance Center & Disability Services – The mission of the Learning Assistance Center & Disability Services (LAC-DS) is to provide opportunities for all students to achieve academic success. Assistance is provided through academic coaching and individual and group tutoring. Students with a wide range of learning and other documented disabilities may also receive academic support, accommodations, training, and advocacy through the LAC-DS.

Diversity Recruiting Programs & Events

North Carolina Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession Committee:

  • Attorney-Student Diversity Socials | Facilitates networking and mentorship between law students and practicing attorneys.
  • 1L Summer Associate Program | Provides corporate legal departments and major law firms in North Carolina with a recruiting vehicle through which to interview and offer summer internship positions to 1L minority law students from each of North Carolina’s law schools.
  • ¡Adelante! Moving Forward Program | Teaches law students the skills necessary to successfully transition from law school into the work force as a well-rounded attorney.

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity:

  • LCLD Fellows Program | Identifies high-potential attorneys from diverse backgrounds and sets them on the path to leadership of their organizations.
  • 1L LCLD Scholars Program | Gives first year law students the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with attorneys from LCLD Member organizations. 
  • Success in Law School Mentoring | A comprehensive initiative for first-year law students from diverse backgrounds. Their goal is to ensure that talented law students receive the mentoring they need to maximize their potential, both during law school and afterwards as they prepare for the bar exam and launch their careers.

Local Community Diversity Resources

Support Resources

  • Sexual Harassment/Assault Support – When students, employees, or other individuals experience acts of sexual misconduct or other forms of gender discrimination or harassment, their sense of safety and trust are violated. This may significantly interfere with their success at the University.
  • University Counseling Center – Licensed mental health providers, administrative support, and graduate trainees committed to being a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential space to all members of the Wake Forest University community representing a diverse range of identities, backgrounds, and theoretical orientations –  all of which allow us to serve the range of mental health needs in our community.
  • Office of the Chaplain – The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life seeks to support a diversity of beliefs through the multi-faith character of the chaplaincy and its relationship to numerous religious life affiliates.
  • Wake Forest University Title IX – Wake Forest University is committed to ensuring an academic and work environment that is free from sex discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) and sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking). This commitment applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in University programs and activities.