LEAD Fellows Explore Opportunities Before Law School
The deferral program for highly qualified undergraduate applicants enables future Columbia Law students to work, study, or pursue special projects for two years before beginning their legal education.
For college students planning on a legal career, the LEAD Fellowship Program provides an opportunity to attend Columbia Law School—in the future.
Watch the video above to learn more about the LEAD Fellowship Program from Columbia Law students and recent graduates.
Undergraduate students apply to the Leadership Experience Admission Deferral (LEAD) Fellowship Program in their junior or senior year and, if accepted, defer entry to the Law School for two years following graduation. During the deferral period, LEAD Fellows may engage in a variety of activities, including work, graduate studies, volunteering, or entrepreneurship, acquiring important skills that will benefit them as law students and lawyers.
“The LEAD program offers successful applicants the best of two worlds: a place at Columbia Law and an opportunity to grow in leadership and experience before arriving on campus,” says Sara Murphy, associate director of admissions and LEAD Fellowship coordinator.
In addition, LEAD Fellows may apply for funding to subsidize a project they wish to pursue during their deferral period, such as starting a nonprofit or business venture. They also benefit from the support and guidance of the Fellowship community during the deferral period and throughout their studies at Columbia Law School.
