Law & Public Policy

Supporting first-generation students pursuing careers in law, public service, and advocacy.

Overview

The Law & Public Interest Pathway supports students interested in careers in law, policy, public service, and advocacy.

Barrier Breakers provides expert college admissions advising aligned with pre-law and public interest interests, paired with mentorship and long-term support throughout college and beyond. Our work begins by helping students select colleges and academic pathways that prepare them for law school, policy work, and related careers.

For students who pursue law school, Barrier Breakers offers in-house law school admissions advising, making this the one pathway where graduate admissions support is delivered directly by our team.

Legal and public service careers shape access, rights, and opportunity — yet students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented in the legal profession.

This pathway exists to ensure first-generation students receive the guidance, mentorship, and long-term support needed to navigate legal education and enter careers where their perspectives and lived experiences are deeply needed.

Learning, Community & National Access

Barrier Breakers also provides free, public-facing legal education and community-building resources, including:

  • Break Into Law Conference — the largest virtual conference for first-generation pre-law students, with thousands of students participating annually

  • Break Into Law Podcast — a free educational resource offering guidance, insights, and lived experiences from law students, attorneys, and legal professionals

These initiatives expand access to information and community for students nationwide — regardless of whether they are enrolled in a paid advising program.

What We Do

  • 1:1 College Advising

    Personalized 1:1 support aligned with pre-law, social science, humanities, and public interest pathways

  • Mentorship

    Mentorship from legal and public service professionals, including attorneys, advocates, and policy leaders

  • Career Opportunities

    Career exposure opportunities, such as internships, shadow days, court observations, and employer-led programming

  • Support During College

    Ongoing support during college and graduate school including persistence check-ins, wellness support, and preparation for law school or public service careers

Law School & Policy Graduate Pathways

Barrier Breakers provides comprehensive, in-house law school admissions advising. We offer comprehensive law school advising packages, small-group boot camps, and pro bono services through our Law School Scholars Program. Our law school advising team includes seven experienced advisors with a combined 90+ years of experience in law school admissions, legal education, and student support.

For students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Master in Law (LLM), this in-house team provides end-to-end guidance, including application strategy, school selection, personal statement and essay development, resume review, interview preparation, and decision support — all integrated with our long-term mentorship and wellness model.

For students whose goals include public policy, public administration, or related graduate programs — such as an MPP or MPA — Barrier Breakers refers students to trusted graduate admissions partners with specialized expertise in those pathways.

Regardless of whether graduate admissions advising is delivered in-house or through referral partners, Barrier Breakers continues to support students through mentorship, wellness check-ins, and long-term guidance throughout graduate school and early career transitions.

Learn more about Barrier Breakers® Law School Admissions Advising

Become a Mentor, Corporate Partner, or Student Sponsor

You can play a direct role in supporting first-generation students on their path to college, graduate school, and meaningful careers. As a mentor, you provide guidance, encouragement, and insight into professional pathways. As a corporate partner, you help expand access to internships, career exposure, and early professional experiences. As a student sponsor, you make it possible for aspiring low-income students to receive expert advising, continued wellness support, and long-term mentorship at no cost — ensuring they are supported every step of the way.

Student sponsorships directly support aspiring low-income students by funding college advising, mentorship, and continued wellness support throughout their educational journey.