PRE-LAW ASSOCIATION AT YALE

WHO ARE WE?

The Pre-Law Association at Yale (PLAY) provides a forum for Yale students exploring a future in
law. We are a student-run organization dedicated to exposing students to the opportunities that a
degree in law can provide them, developing a vibrant community around legal issues, and providing
resources to students to help pave their way to law school. Part of our mission is to promote
diversity within the legal profession by providing underrepresented minority students with the
opportunities enjoyed by their peers.
PLAY was founded to reinvigorate an interest in law in Yale college. For Yale undergraduates
curious about law, there is little to no opportunity to explore passions with like-minded
students. PLAY fills these needs by bringing its members together and preparing them for a
potential future in the legal sphere. With one of the worlds greatest law schools at our doorstep,
PLAY can also connect its members with graduate students and professors to ultimately open doors
and facilitate learning.

WHAT DOES PLAY DO?

PLAY takes a direct approach to attracting students to our organization, and maintaining an active
and prepared group of members. Heres how we do it:
Exposure to Careers in Law PLAY bridges the crucial gap between students and an awareness of opportunities in the legal
profession through coffee chats with legal professionals. These conversations with professors,
attorneys, judges, and others who have studied law are structured to introduce students to the
variety of career options available to law school graduates.
Topic Exploration Leaders who have studied law can be found in all sectors and are positioned to offer unique
perspectives about the matters that Yale students care about. A series of speakers and open
workshops invite all Yale students to learn from professionals who have worked in fields that
interest them. Presenters are welcomed to New Haven to help students think critically,
communicate their ideas, and gain valuable real world perspective.
Mentorship and Advising Members of PLAY are paired with graduate student mentors from the law school. Mentors provide
several benefits to members such as law firm interview preparation, academic guidance, resume
consultation, networking opportunities, and post-graduate advising.
Professional Training Summer and term internships enrich the Yale experience and give undergraduates a taste of work
in the real world. PLAY recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships with internship
programs. We offer our members a network and support structure to facilitate both summer and
term-time internships that provide exposure to the legal field.

LSAT Preparation Performance on the Law School Admission Test can make or break an application to a competitive
law school. PLAY helps to even the playing field for students who otherwise may not have access to
the resources necessary to adequately prepare for the LSAT. PLAY provides each of its members
LSAT preparation materials up to a value of $100 dollars. In addition, presenters are invited to
educate members on LSAT success and the application process at large.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

In the spring, freshmen apply to join PLAY for membership that commences their sophomore
fall. Applicants are selected based on their motivation for applying, leadership potential, and a
personal story that differentiates them and drives their passions. PLAY membership is open to all
Yale undergraduates, though PLAY prioritizes applicants who identify with groups that are
underrepresented in law schools and the legal field broadly.

WHY IS PLAY NECESSARY?

In recent years, statistics have emerged indicating that the current state of law school applications
in the United States is troubling. Applicant pools are shrinking and law schools are lowering
admissions standards in an effort to make up for such shrinkage. Underprivileged students are
routinely less prepared than their peers to apply to law school. For applicants to competitive
schools, ability to finance LSAT prep, make connections, or be familiar with the admissions process
can make all the difference.
PLAY is needed now to help attract underrepresented minority students to the possibility of
pursuing law, and to help ensure that they are prepared once that choice is made. Our success also
provides a template for similarly-focused organizations at other universities.
PLAY works because of the diverse contributions of people who want to help students explore their
interests in law. PLAY works because of the eagerness of Yalies, who wish to develop themselves
both intellectually and personally. PLAY works because of you, partners who facilitate our
members success and feed their curiosity to learn more and reach higher.
I am excited to explore ways to work with you toward developing a flourishing legal culture at Yale
and beyond.

Larry Fulton
President
Pre Law Association at Yale
larry.fulton@yale.edu
216 970 2296