University of Mississippi School of Law Hosts 6th Annual HBCU Law Preview Day

Students representing seven institutions participated in this year's program: Grambling State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Rust College, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University and the University of Mississippi. While the program focuses on strengthening relationships with historically Black colleges and universities, HBCU Law Preview Day is open to students from all institutions. The initiative was launched in 2021 to strengthen partnerships between the university and HBCUs throughout the region and to broaden access to information about legal education. 

The day gave prospective students an opportunity to experience Ole Miss Law firsthand while receiving practical guidance on preparing for law school. Programming included law school tours, a "Pathway to Law School: Preparing, Applying & Paying" session led by Dr. Joshua Quinn Tucker, a law class taught by Professor Larry Pittman and a luncheon keynote from the Honorable Carlton W. Reeves, U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Mississippi and chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. 

"HBCU Law Preview Day is about helping talented students see that a legal education, and the many opportunities that come with it, is within their reach," said Frederick G. Slabach, dean and professor of law. "For six years, this program has allowed us to build meaningful relationships with students and institutions while providing prospective lawyers with the information, experiences and connections they need to take the next step toward law school." 

A central focus of the program was helping students better understand the path from undergraduate education to law school. Tucker's session addressed the application process, preparing for the LSAT, developing a competitive application and planning for the financial investment associated with earning a law degree. 

"Six years into this program, our goal remains both simple and intentional: We want students to leave Ole Miss Law with greater clarity about the law school journey and greater confidence that they belong in this profession," said Joshua Quinn Tucker, assistant dean for enrollment management, access, opportunity and community engagement. "More than 65 students joined us this year, and each one arrived with different experiences, questions and aspirations. HBCU Law Preview Day gives us the opportunity to meet students where they are, provide them with tangible resources and connect them with a community that can support their path to becoming attorneys."

Reeves delivered the keynote address during the program's luncheon. A federal judge and national leader in criminal justice policy, Reeves shared his perspective with students as they considered their own paths to law school and careers in the legal profession. 

For students in attendance, the program offered more than information about applying to law school. It also provided an opportunity to envision themselves as members of a law school community and future members of the profession. 

"It is important to have events like HBCU Law Preview Day because it shows that the law school is intentional about providing access to legal education and that students like me are welcomed," said Jocelynn McCoy, a senior at Tougaloo College. 

Since its launch, HBCU Law Preview Day has exposed hundreds of students to legal education and helped strengthen relationships between the School of Law and undergraduate institutions across the region. Previous participants have gone on to enroll at Ole Miss Law and enter the legal profession. 

As the program enters its seventh year, the University of Mississippi School of Law remains committed to expanding access to legal education, strengthening partnerships with colleges and universities across the region and helping prospective students navigate the path to a legal career. 

For more information about the University of Mississippi School of Law and the admissions process, visit law.olemiss.edu.