Three students who previously participated in the Legal Education Access Pipeline (LEAP) program have begun their legal studies at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.  

LEAP is a program that helps build access to law school education for groups of people who are underrepresented in the legal field. Through a nine-month fellowship, LEAP helps provide comprehensive law school admissions assistance, giving students access to and exposure to practicing attorneys and a designed curriculum. 

Eva Cervantes ‘29, a LEAP fellow now participating in McGeorge’s JD Program, recalled that due to financial hardships, paying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) was going to be difficult for her. But, LEAP was able to provide resources about scholarships and financial aid that covered the cost.  

“You have to make a commitment to the program, but it’s so worth it because they help you in every sense,” Cervantes said. “I remember that the CEO had said, ‘If you’re ever struggling, we can get you a tutor. We’re going to help you in every sense. We’re gonna help you not only after you get into law school, but past that so that you can make it.”’ 

Cervantes also mentioned that she always recommends LEAP to first-generation students like herself, as LEAP was able to guide her and answer questions when it came to applications, deadlines, and access to individuals in the legal field to connect with.  

Nathaneil Mendoza ‘29 enjoyed how the LEAP program was dedicated to keeping students on track by hitting milestones and constantly working toward improving students’ LSAT scores.   

“They really helped us prepare for the LSAT. They provided experts in identifying how to improve your applications, what to look out for, and the pitfalls of being a 1L. It really gave a holistic view of law school,” Mendoza said. “Another thing they discussed is the importance of finding your village, and they continuously emphasized that throughout the program.” 

Mendoza found his village throughout the McGeorge campus, having friends within his JD Day section, in the Hybrid Evening JD Program, and among 2L and 3L students. 

After being a paralegal for five years, Edgar Hernandez ‘29 decided to continue his legal education and go to law school. He pointed out that the connections he was able to make through LEAP were instrumental.  

“Being able to build my network with people in Southern California was great,” Hernandez said. “I got to mingle with judges, attorneys, and learn about the kind of areas that they practice into kind of grow what’s possible in the legal profession.”  

Hernandez mentioned how LEAP connected him with an attorney mentor, a house counsel for Disney, who exposed him to a role he otherwise would not have been drawn to. The new exposure to different positions in the legal field has only broadened his perspective on the different career paths available.  

“If anyone is interested in applying for LEAP, it’s worth applying because you never know how much of a benefit it might be until you try it,” Hernandez said.