ConnectED is a fun and educational virtual program designed to introduce middle & high school students to the legal field. Students will hear the stories of federal judges and their journey to the bench, take a virtual courthouse tour, learn what it takes to become a law student, discuss current legal topics, and participate in workshops that build legal skills.
High schoolers: apply HERE. Middle schoolers: apply HERE. More information is available HERE.
Application Open: Share the Wealth
The Share the Wealth Judicial Law Clerk Program is a referral program run by judges. Participating judges screen qualified law student applicants, conduct panel interviews with twenty (20) students, and consider them for 11 full-time clerkship positions. At the conclusion of this initial process, students who are not extended an offer by one of the judges may have their application packages shared with additional judges who have requested information on applicants through JTB.
Most clerkships are for a one-year term beginning in 2022. The application deadline is July 6, 2021. Applications are available on OSCAR.
More information is available HERE.
Register Now: Chicago ConnectED Volunteers
JTB seeks Chicago professionals in the legal field to virtually share their knowledge and experience with high school students in our summer ConnectED program! Pre-recorded and live opportunities are available throughout the summer on a variety of topics from social movements to law school admissions to business etiquette.
Our programs would not be possible without your help!
Register HERE. Questions? Contact programs@jtb.org.
JTB-APO is a multiracial, nonprofit organization that has served the legal community for over 25 years.
It is dedicated to developing and nurturing interest in the law among young persons from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession and to supporting their continued advancement.
By acting as a continual advocate for diversity and higher education, JTB sustains a cycle of academic and professional achievement and role models for underserved communities with a high proportion of at-risk-students.
JTB-APO
Lighting the spark in the next generation of diverse lawyers and leaders.
JTB educates hundreds of students about the legal profession through our school-year programs and Summer Legal Institutes (SLIs) around the country. These programs are all provided completely free of charge to the students we serve.
History
Just the Beginning” began as a celebration of the Integration of the Federal Judiciary on September 19, 1992, in Chicago, IL. Today, Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization continues this mission by offering pipeline programs directly aimed at inspiring young students and increasing diversity in the legal profession and judiciary.
Programs
JTB offers free educational pipeline programming for students in middle school, high school and law school with a mission to increase the diversity in the legal profession.
Impact
JTB annually measures the impact of the Summer Legal Institute and other programs by providing pre and post surveys to scholars to gauge their experience and acquired skills. In 2019, 90% of our scholars were more interested in becoming a lawyer after completing the Summer Legal Institute and 74% described their experience as positive or very positive.
JTB programs help Scholars to develop their leadership skills while introducing them to careers in law. In 2019, 90% of our Summer Legal Institute Scholars were more interested in becoming a lawyer after the week-long immersion.
OUR VALUES
Exposure
We provide exposure to a wide variety of legal careers and leaders. We believe you can become what you can see.
Education
We provide resources and guidance in helping JTB Scholars build legal, professional, and leadership skills; they then employ these skills in legal environments. We believe you learn more when you do more.
Connection
We connect our Scholars with our extraordinary network, which includes: lawyers, judges, corporate partners, and JTB alumni who are committed to passing the torch by providing inspiration, encouragement, and support.
Together We Make The Difference
We Light the Spark in Tomorrow's Leaders!
"I miss JTB so much! It has been influential in the way I carry myself professionally. During the Summer Legal Institute I was able to gain more confidence in my public speaking and networking skills!"
-Samantha Samano, Summer Legal Institute Alumnae
