JTB-APO is a multiracial, nonprofit organization that has served the legal community for 30 years.
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.
Just the Beginning” began as a celebration of the Integration of the Federal Judiciary in 1949. 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
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Summer Legal Institute, or "SLI", is JTB's cornerstone youth program. During this one-week legal immersion program, scholars participate in interactive, legal-focused activities that enhance their reading, writing, critical thinking, professional etiquette, financial literacy and public speaking skills.
Los Angeles, CA: June 26-30, 2023
San Diego, CA: June 26-30, 2023
Chicago, IL: July 17-21, 2023
Washington, DC: July 24-28, 2023
Student registration: https://tfaforms.com/5024000
Law School 101 exposes undergraduate students to the various legal career paths and helps them navigate the law school admissions process. Topics include problem solving, critical thinking, research and analysis, legal career pathways, interview and resume skills, internships, public service, and promotion of justice. This virtual program takes place May 23 - 25, 2023.
Student registration: https://www.tfaforms.com/5034160
Volunteer registration: https://www.tfaforms.com/5034162