News
Prospective Black Applicants
Join our community!
Discover Black life at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law
We are committed to attracting and supporting top Black talent. Our initiatives are designed to assist prospective students through the admissions process and provide a nurturing environment once they arrive.
On this page, you will find valuable resources and information for both applicants and current students.
Scholarships and Awards
The University of Alberta Faculty of Law has a number of scholarships and awards for Black and visible minority students.
View a full list of these awards here »
For more information about available awards, please email lawaward@ualberta.ca.
External Funding
JD Bridges Bursary provides funding to support Black applicants with all the fees involved in taking the LSAT and applying to law school.
Lionel Jones Memorial Endowment in Law
The Lionel Jones Memorial Endowment in Law supports the U of A Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) and other activities for Black students. The endowment was established in honour of Lionel Jones, ‘63 LLB, who was the second Black person to graduate from the U of A’s Faculty of Law and the first Black person to be appointed as a judge to the Provincial Court of Alberta and subsequently as a justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta.
In recent years, the Lionel Jones Memorial Endowment has been used to support BLSA events, student attendance at the BLSA’s annual conference, the ELITE Pathway for Law conference for Black youth interested in attending law school, and the Black Future Lawyers University of Alberta Chapter.
LSAT Prep Course for Black applicants
Generously supported by Law Alumni and Friends
Prospective Black law students who intend to apply to law school in the next two years can apply to participate in the LSAT Summer Prep Course for Black students at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. This 12 week virtual course provides free support to Black students who plan to write the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Applications are now closed and will reopen in Spring 2026.
ELITE Pathway for Law Symposium
Are you a Black undergraduate, graduate, or high school student who is interested in applying to law school and pursuing a career in law?
In collaboration with ELITE Pathway for Law, Black Future Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association, the Faculty of Law regularly hosts a symposium for high school and university students who are interested in attending law school. A two-day event, the symposium provides information about how to apply to law school, a panel with currently practising lawyers from the Black legal community, and multiple networking opportunities.
Watch this space for updates about the 2026 symposium.
Black Law Students' Association (BLSA)
The Black Law Students' Association (BLSA), and its sponsors, are dedicated to empowering the next generation of Black legal professionals. BLSA provides opportunities for key mentorship for Black law students, Black pre-law students and beyond. A BLSA chapter operates out of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law and holds social and networking events for Black students in the faculty.
Black Future Lawyers
Launched in 2024, the Black Future Lawyers University of Alberta Chapter supports undergraduate students aspiring to enter the legal profession. BFL’s mission is to create a nurturing community that offers mentorship, networking, job shadowing, workshops, lectures, and events with Black lawyers, judges, and law students. BFL also provides admissions and financial aid information sessions and LSAT prep courses.
The Faculty of Law has a strong collaborative relationship with the BFL UAlberta chapter, providing financial assistance to the chapter, as well as support for events such as Law School Admissions Information Sessions. In 2025, the faculty, BFL and ELITE Pathway for Law collaborated to co-host a two day symposium for Black undergraduate and high school students interested in applying to law school.
Other relevant organizations
Black Youth for Social Innovation
BYSI is a University of Alberta program for undergraduate students seeking internship opportunities in fields of interest, including law. The program seeks to equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their future careers, while also contributing to a more diverse and inclusive academic community. Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside respected faculty members and engage with leading organizations across various sectors, including public, private and non-profit organizations.
Value for Black Youth
Career Advancement: Offers direct pathways to career opportunities in a range of sectors through work-integrated learning.
Expert Mentorship: Access to dedicated mentorship from experienced professionals and academics within the SSH fields.
Networking Opportunities: Enables connections with key organizations and individuals, enhancing professional networks and community ties.
Skill Development: Focuses on building essential, transferable skills relevant to both academic and industry settings.
Diversity and Inclusion Promotion: Actively contributes to increasing the representation of Black students in SSH, enriching the academic community.
