Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Does PALS® provide scholarships or financial assistance to law students or new attorneys?
PALS® does not provide scholarships or financial assistance, however we do circulate information about scholarship opportunities to our law students.
Does PALS® provide job placement assistance?
PALS® does not provide job placement assistance, however we do circulate information about internship and fellowship opportunities to our law students.
Does PALS® provide legal advice or referrals?
PALS® does not offer legal advice or referrals. The New York City Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. For more information click here: http://www.nycbar.org/Public/index.htm
I do not attend a New York area law school, can I join PALS®?
We welcome law students of color to join our mailing list, however we only match law students with mentors who attend the 13 New York area law schools.
Can I participate in PALS® as an LLM student?
We encourage you to attend PALS® programs, however you will not be matched with a mentor through our program.
Does PALS® offer services for part time law students?
Part time minority law students in the NYC metro area are encouraged to join PALS® and request a mentor, however many of our programs are in the evenings.
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
Yes! PALS® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on the donations of law firms, corporations and individuals to provide services to our members. Please visit the Supporting PALS® Page for more information.
Mentor Program FAQs
Do you provide mentors for graduated law students or new attorneys?
Currently mentors are only provided for minority law students who attend the 13 New York area law schools.
Can I receive a mentor as an undergraduate student?
PALS® matches practicing attorneys with current minority law students. We encourage you to sign up to receive a mentor the Summer before you enter law school.
Do I have to be an attorney of color to be a PALS® mentor?
No, PALS® mentors are practicing attorneys of all backgrounds who are dedicated to assisting law students of color.
How long does it take to be matched with a student/get a mentor?
The length of time it takes to be matched with a mentor depends on the availability of attorney volunteers.
How do you match law students?
PALS® matches law students of color from the 13 New York City area law schools with volunteer attorneys based on several parameters, including gender, race, practice area/practice area interest and law school attended. We attempt to match law students and attorneys on as many levels as possible.
What if I am matched with a mentor/mentee and the match is not working out?
We have had great success with our mentor/mentee pairs, but matches are not always perfect. We will reassign either party upon request.
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