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Future Latino Leaders Law Camp
Summer 2011 in Washington, DC
Applications Available in Spring 2011
The Future Latino Leaders Law Camp is a week-long program held by the HNBF in Washington, DC and provides 25 Latino high school students with the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession. Established by the HNBF in 2005, the Law Camp offers students the chance to come to Washington and learn more about the college application process, meet influential Latino leaders, and tour national monuments and various government agencies.
The Law Camp is offered cost-free! There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 (fee waivers are available based on demonstrated need-form available upon request) and the cost of transportation to DC. The HNBF is committed to working with accepted applicants and their families to ensure their ability to attend.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Latino high school students who are interested in law to travel to Washington and connect with their peers from across the country as well as meet other successful Latinos.
Eligibility
In order to apply and participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school student entering your sophomore, junior, or senior year, or be a recent graduate
- Have an interest in learning about law school and becoming a lawyer
- Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or be a legal U.S. visitor with a valid visa and passport
- Have a demonstrated interest in helping your community and building your leadership skills
Want more information?
Contact our Interim Executive Director, Christie Lewis at clewis@hnbf.org.
Do you know a student who would be interested in applying to participate in the Law Camp?
Please direct them to our web site, www.hnbf.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Law Camp?
The Future Latino Leaders Law Camp is a week-long program that provides 25 high-school students with the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession. Students will travel to Washington, DC and stay at a University campus. Together with their Law Camp Counselors, students will visit various government buildings and offices and meet with lawyers, judges, and officials of the United States government. They will also have the opportunity to attend sessions on the legal profession and participate in a Mock Trial Competition, in which different students will play the part of an attorney as part of a legal team.
When is the Law Camp?
The next Law Camp will be held in the summer of 2011 in Washington, DC. Applications will be available early spring 2011.
What do Law Camp students do?
Below is a list of sample activities from the previous Law Camps.
- Visit the Supreme Court, Department of State, U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, Department of Justice, DEA Museum, White House and other government agencies
- Tour the monuments and visit the National Archives and view the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence
- Visit foreign embassies to learn about international law
- Take courses taught by current law professors, to learn more about what a law school class is like
- Be part of a Mock Trial legal team
- Learn from experienced attorneys about how they approach a case and prepare for oral argument and cross examination
- Attend workshops on college and law school admissions, financial aid, scholarships and internship programs
- Participate in a Kaplan workshop to learn strategies for improving performance in the SAT.
- Attend the HNBF Annual Arards Dinner and Ceremony with lawyers from around the country
Who is eligible to apply?
In order to apply and participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school student entering your sophomore, junior, or senior year, or be a recent graduate
- Have an interest in learning about law school and becoming a lawyer
- Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or be a legal U.S. visitor with a valid visa and passport
- Have a demonstrated interest in helping your community and building your leadership skills
 Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Yes. In order to apply and participate, you must have a GPA of at least 2.5. If your GPA is lower than a 2.5, please do submit your application with an explanation outlining your academic performance. We will consider all applications received.
My parents aren't U.S. citizens. Can I apply?
Yes. Each participant, however, must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or a legal U.S. visitor with a valid visa and passport.
I am in eighth grade but will be in high school this summer. Can I apply?
No. The Law Camp is open to high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years or recent high school graduates. In our experience, students who are sophomores or above get the most out of the Law Camp experience. Eighth graders, we hope you'll apply in the future!
I am really interested in learning more about the Law Camp, but I'm not 100% sure I want to be a lawyer. Should I apply?
The Law Camp is especially designed for high school students or recent graduates who have an interest in learning more about the legal profession and meeting influential Latinos. We also understand that deciding on a career is a long, ever-developing process. Past Law Camp participants, however, have typically had an interest in justice, the U.S. legal system, or becoming a lawyer. We look for some level of interest in the above; however, you do not have to be 100% committed to becoming a lawyer in order to attend the Law Camp.
Why should I consider applying?
Has anyone ever told you that you are great at arguing or that you are a good story-teller? Do you like to learn about new things? Have you ever wanted to know more about what lawyers do, besides what you see on TV? If you are curious about becoming a lawyer, the Law Camp might be right for you. The Law Camp is an excellent opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, learn more about the legal profession, and meet influential and successful Latinos.
What do you look for in an applicant? What makes someone an outstanding applicant?
The HNBF does not use a one-size-fits-all formula in deciding to accept an applicant. We will consider your application as a whole -- including your academic background, essays, personal background, interest in the legal profession, and any leadership experiences you have. We look for your potential as a future Latino leader and demonstrated interest in the content of our program.
Who should I ask to write me a letter of recommendation?
The best letters of recommendation come from teachers, supervisors, or others who know you well and can attest to the quality of the work that you do. This might mean, for example, a teacher whose class you earned an 'A' in, or it could mean a supervisor from a part-time job. (On the other hand, teachers/supervisors who do not know you well, close friends, and family members are almost always a poor choice for a letter of recommendation.)
What is the cost?
There is no cost to participate in the Law Camp. However, applicants must pay a $50 application fee, unless a waiver of this fee is requested and granted. Students are also responsible for arranging transportation to Washington, DC. Do not let the cost of transportation to DC deter you from applying! Upon your acceptance to the program, we are committed to working with you and your family to ensure your ability to attend.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the Law Camp, contact our Interim Executive Director, at (202) 496-7206 or clewis@hnbf.org. More information is also available on the HNBF web site (www.hnbf.org).
I'm ready to fill out an application. How do I apply?
The 2011 Future Latino Leaders Law Camp application will be available in early spring. Contact our Interim Executive Director, at (202) 496-7206 or clewis@hnbf.org if you have questions.
When is the application deadline? When will you notify me of your decision?
The deadline to apply for the 2011 Law Camp will be determined at a later date.
Where do I send my application?
Send your complete application to:
Hispanic National Bar Foundation
Attn: Law Camp
1900 K St. NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006
E-mail: HNBFLawCamp@hnbf.org
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