Our History
The Origins of LEAD and how LEAD has changed over time.
During the fall quarter of 2009, after realizing the eminent lack of support and guidance for students of color hoping to be able to attend law school and pursue a legal career, a group of students at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) decided to develop a progressive and inclusive student-managed organization that would provide the resources, guidance, and support their school failed to provide. The organization’s dual purpose was to facilitate the transition from college to law school for students of all diverse backgrounds, and to have a direct community involvement in legal issues through local organizations.
The organization began as the “Latino/a Association for Legal Education, YA!” (LA LEY). After discussing and acknowledging the culturally diverse membership, the exclusive feeling of a “Latino/a only” student organization, and the organization’s desired overall purpose/mission, through a majority vote, the organization adopted the current name of the “Legal Education Association for Diversity” (LEAD).
LEAD has had tremendous success thanks to the unyielding and dedicated mindset of its LEADership. Within year of incorporation, LEAD was able to give out more than $7,000 in LSAT prep-courses to several members and non-members. The organization networked tirelessly to gain recognition within the UC system and related organizations like For People of Color, Inc., Santa Barbara Bar Association, the Ventura County Mexican American Bar Association and Asian American Bar Association numerous California law schools, non-profit organizations like the Santa Barbara Legal Aid Foundation, the CA State Bar Diversity Commission, and numerous other organizations.
LEAD also held numerous events that aimed to expose students to the legal field, law school application process, and serve as informational resources. One of the most notably and an annually occurring event called “Day as a Law Student.”
Adding to the initial chapter at UC Santa Barbara, LEAD’s most recent chapter is at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Thanks to the stupendous and exemplary work of UC Santa Cruz’s LEADership, the newest chapter has also been able to have an outstanding successful development with parallel goals and mission.
The organization began as the “Latino/a Association for Legal Education, YA!” (LA LEY). After discussing and acknowledging the culturally diverse membership, the exclusive feeling of a “Latino/a only” student organization, and the organization’s desired overall purpose/mission, through a majority vote, the organization adopted the current name of the “Legal Education Association for Diversity” (LEAD).
LEAD has had tremendous success thanks to the unyielding and dedicated mindset of its LEADership. Within year of incorporation, LEAD was able to give out more than $7,000 in LSAT prep-courses to several members and non-members. The organization networked tirelessly to gain recognition within the UC system and related organizations like For People of Color, Inc., Santa Barbara Bar Association, the Ventura County Mexican American Bar Association and Asian American Bar Association numerous California law schools, non-profit organizations like the Santa Barbara Legal Aid Foundation, the CA State Bar Diversity Commission, and numerous other organizations.
LEAD also held numerous events that aimed to expose students to the legal field, law school application process, and serve as informational resources. One of the most notably and an annually occurring event called “Day as a Law Student.”
Adding to the initial chapter at UC Santa Barbara, LEAD’s most recent chapter is at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Thanks to the stupendous and exemplary work of UC Santa Cruz’s LEADership, the newest chapter has also been able to have an outstanding successful development with parallel goals and mission.