The reason why “non-traditional” is in quotations is because increasingly, there have been more diverse incoming first years, taking into account gender, age, sexual orientation, creed, and race. However, many of these “non-traditional” students still face barriers, either overt, but mostly subtle, in every day legal practice, both in law school and once they are in the legal profession.
1. WOMEN
Looking around during orientation week and in your classroom, it does not seem like there is at all a lack of women in the incoming classes. However, the lack of females in large corporate firms, as partners at firms, and in certain branches of law, is quite evident.
It is noted that approximately 80% of partnerships in major law firms are held by men. 75% of men also hold tenured faculty positions at law schools and an overwhelming 90% of deanships are awarded to men.
At Windsor Law, you will find that we have many female professors, quite outstanding ones to say the least. Our incoming dean and temporary dean are also two females. There are some changes happening.
However, many maternity leave policies, expected billable hours, and time commitment at big firms and small firms serve as barriers to women. As women are still the primary caregiver in relationships, it becomes, at times, a competition between being a good “woman” or being “true to your profession.”
Always maintain a balance and ask yourself what you want. Do not succumb to working toward a partnership nor succumb to taking on everything at home. Make realistic time management and career plans, taking into account what you want. Make differences yourself – Windsor Law has a number of student groups aimed toward women and their education; has formal sources such as “Feminist Legal Theory” to take; etc.
2. RACIAL – VISIBLE MINORITIES
To this day, there are racial visible minorities in law schools. Statistics are illustrative of this as the percentages of racial visible minorities enrolled in law school are not reflective of the rates of potential racial visible minorities in the general population.
It is important to ensure that their own perceptions of themselves are kept in mind as many of these students believe that they stand out and because of it may try to dissolve to the background in many activities.
Because of stereotypes and myths regarding certain ethnic groups, these individuals may also strive a lot harder to break those stereotypes. While this may result in positive feedback near the end, the process in doing so may be challenging and so looking out for this is a proactive measure that anyone should take.
It is a lot harder for racial visible minorities to only see positive experiences because they are sensitized to perceived “slights”. Racial visible minorities also tend to be interested in a lot of social justice issues, perhaps due to their own life experiences. This could serve as a distraction as many resources at law schools across the board are still pooled toward more mainstream jobs.
3. OLDER STUDENTS
It is equally important to ensure that older, mature students feel at home in an environment which is predominantly full with students under the age of thirty. Such individuals often have other important priorities such as being with a spouse, taking care of children, and maintaining their previous job.
They may feel that the aforementioned priorities lead them to have an additional burden along with attaining good marks and studying. They may also feel that age is a disadvantage for hiring practices and study skills.
However, older students have a lot more experience usually that they can offer to hiring committees. They have shown themselves to be motivated by pursuing law school after being established and willing to take the challenge. The resumes would highlight these extensive experiences. Older students may also be more relatable to the hiring committee, who may be closer to them in age.
Often, when another priority is equally important, things do tend to get done on time. Deadlines are met. Other priorities often lead to better time management skills so having these is not necessarily a disadvantage.
At Windsor Law, an additional resource is provided through an association of parents who have a club that meets regularly.
4. LGBT STUDENTS
The University of Windsor – Faculty of Law has in place a non-discrimination policy and an LGBT organization named OutLawz. Last year, the University of Windsor – Faculty of Law was also able to provide students with a week-long course on law and sexuality by inviting students to sign up and indulge in classroom discussions.
It is important however to recognize the long-standing history of discrimination that LGBT individuals have faced. Their confidence may be easily shaken and they could be less likely to communicate to you their own concerns because of their fear that they may face backlash. They may also face the additional stress of being accepted as they are. Again, this group of individuals may be more likely to be interested in advancing social justice issues which can hinder their involvement in more “mainstream” activities at the law school.
Such students must be reminded constantly that they are very valuable assets to the law school community and bring a range of opinions that is needed in the legal sphere.
5. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
While Windsor Law’s building does create access for individuals with disabilities through its infrastructure, there may be one or two areas in which access may be limited. Windsor Law has been proactive in ensuring that social events and activities do not take place in such areas for the most part.
Windsor Law also provides students with disabilities to apply to have a note-taker for their classes who can make notes for them during lectures and seminars if a disability hinders effective note-taking given the time constraints and speed of a lecture.
Keep an open mind about students who have disabilities who may perceive themselves as not being able to fit in with other students as their participation in certain social activities may not be fully appreciated. Treating them like another student while being sensitized about their issues would be best.