Gonzaga Law’s Dr. Susan Lee, Director of Admissions, Presents at 2017 Color of Justice Program

On October 5-6, diverse youth from across Alaska met in Anchorage to learn about the student of law and explore legal and judicial careers as part of The Color of Justice program. This year marks the 14th year of the program and the 12th year that Dr. Susan Lee, Gonzaga Law’s Dean of Admissions, has taken part in this program—which is also co-sponsored by Gonzaga Law.

Lee is keen to talk with these high school students about where their future could take them and encourage them to explore lots of options. “Many of the high school students come to Color of Justice with a curiosity about the legal world, but they may not want a career in law. We help students understand how law can apply to any career they’re interested in with hopes that this empowers students to be problem solvers,” Lee notes.

Under Lee’s direction, Gonzaga Law was one of ten law school nation-wide to receive the Diversity Matters Award in 2013 from the Law School Admission Council for its diversity outreach efforts—including the Color of Justice programs in Spokane and Alaska. “Recruiting a diverse student body continues to be an integral part of our admissions process at Gonzaga Law,” says Lee. “We are committed to building a diverse class because we know this benefits our community.”

The Color of Justice program was started by the National Association of Women Judges to encourage girls and minorities to consider legal and judicial careers and provide them with resources to pursue their goals. The Alaska program focuses on rural Alaska students and Alaska Native students with the idea that if young adults from rural areas learn about the legal system, they can return to their communities and effect change through the Legislature, the justice system and their Native corporations. The Alaska COJ is co-sponsored by Gonzaga Law as well as the Alaska Bar Association, the Alaska Court System, the Alaska Native Justice Center, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Law School Admission Council, Northwest Indian Bar Association, Seattle University School of Law, University of Alaska Anchorage, and the University of Washington School of Law.