The Law and Leadership Institute (LLI) is a four-year academic program that inspires and prepares high school students from underserved communities for post-secondary and professional success. In 2020, LLI will be launching a formal mentoring program and seeking attorneys to connect with our students. Please email us if you are interested in learning how you can get involved.
First launched in 2008 by the Supreme Court of Ohio, LLI has continued to grow over the course of the last decade and is now active in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.
LLI’s summer curriculum provides students with a diverse set of opportunities that take place both inside and outside of the classroom. During the school year, LLI classes meet on Saturdays, allowing instructors to continue supporting students and helping them build professional skills. LLI’s curriculum is designed to help students improve their writing and public speaking skills, as well as to build their problem-solving ability, analytical thinking and professionalism through interactive learning.
Cultivating Future Lawyers
LLI staff caught up with LLI Columbus Alumna, Candace Milner, as she wraps up her first semester at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Tell us about your background.
After graduating from Eastmoor Academy High School in Columbus, I attended Georgetown University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. While at Georgetown, I served as president of Georgetown’s NAACP chapter, co-founded the B.R.A.V.E. summit, and was a recipient of the Lena Landeggar community service award. Immediately preceding Law school, I worked with the National Women’s Law Center as the strategy and policy associate. I am currently a 1L at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
"The most impactful part of my LLI experience was and still is the people. LLI connected me to a community of attorneys, law students, and peers that were inspiring students to reach their full potential..." -Candace Milner, 1L OSU Moritz
What attracted you to LLI?
When I was in 8th grade, my school's Mock Trial team participated in the middle school competition. After noticing how much I enjoyed the competition, my teacher suggested that I apply to the Law and Leadership Institute. LLI seemed like a great opportunity so I took her advice and applied.
What were the most impactful parts of your LLI experience?
The most impactful part of my LLI experience was and still is the people. LLI connected me to a community of attorneys, law students, and peers that were inspiring students to reach their full potential while working to fill gaps in the legal field. As a student in LLI, I was encouraged to try new things, take risks, and mentored by legal professionals who invested in me. The LLI community helped me build confidence in my academic abilities and has supported me through every step of my academic and professional growth.
How has your experience with LLI benefitted you since graduating?
LLI equipped me with foundational critical thinking and researching skills that enabled me to succeed in undergrad and now law school. During my time at LLI, I was able to practice and strengthen my written and verbal communication skills as well as work with my peers to solve problems. I have used each of these skills in my previous positions and will continue to do so well beyond law school.
What do you hope to do with your law degree?
I am passionate about building a society that promotes equity and access for all people. I hope to use my law degree to create the best outcomes for under-resourced communities through policy change and government relations.
Volunteer Today
As we launch our student mentoring program in 2020, consider how you might impact a student's life by getting involved and volunteering your time. If you are interested in learning more, please email lli@lawandleadership.org.
