Ep 144: Diversity Initiatives in Legal Education with William & Mary Law School
Dr. Nadia Castriota has the pleasure to interview Dean Korey Mercer from William & Mary Law School for today's episode. They discuss various aspects of law school admissions, with a focus on supporting BIPOC and underrepresented student groups. Dean Mercer shares insights into his journey in law school admissions and highlights initiatives at William & Mary aimed at diversity and inclusion. They discuss the importance of starting early, seeking mentorship, and maintaining professionalism throughout the application process.
Korey Mercer
Korey J. Mercer serves as the Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at William & Mary (W&M) Law School. He is responsible for leading recruitment strategies and initiatives to identify aspiring law students across the world. Korey is dedicated to ensuring access and opportunities to legal education for historically underrepresented students from diverse backgrounds like himself. He is passionate and brings a unique experience to law school admissions. As a first-generation law school graduate and the youngest person ever appointed in administration at two prestigious universities, his experiences allow him to identify with diverse students.
Upon discovering his passion for law school admissions, he transitioned to legal education after a short stint in private practice following graduating law school. Prior to his role as Senior Assistant Dean, Korey served as the Director of Admissions at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law. During his tenure at NCCU, he has aided in enrolling one of the most diverse incoming classes at NCCU, co-chaired and facilitated the inaugural HBCU Law School Showcase event with all historically black law schools in the country and helped plan and support the first-ever LSAC PLUS program at a historically black law school. Korey is a member of the Pre-Law Education and Admissions to Law School section of the Association of American Law Schools and the National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals. In addition, he also serves as an inaugural member of the Reaffirming Individuals Supporting Education (RISE) Alliance advisory council and several other committees within law school administration.
Korey has shown a commitment to increasing minority representation in the legal profession through collaborations, programming, and self-led initiatives. He is a native of Durham, NC, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is active in his community and dedicates his free time and talents volunteering at the local YMCA, and at church. Korey is a proud three-time graduate of the illustrious North Carolina Central University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate degree from his alma mater.
Episode Highlights
Dean Mercer shares his personal journey in law school admissions, including his transition from practicing law to working in admissions.
He emphasizes the importance of early preparation and seeking mentorship for aspiring law students, especially for first-generation students.
Dean Mercer discusses initiatives at William & Mary Law School aimed at diversity and inclusion, including the "Why We Can't Wait" initiative and outreach efforts to minority-serving institutions.
The conversation highlights the HBCU Pre Law Tour organized by admissions professionals to reach students at historically black colleges and universities.
Dean Mercer emphasizes the qualities and characteristics that make successful law students, such as grit, perseverance, and a commitment to service.
Stresses the significance of professionalism throughout the application process, including email etiquette and voicemail greetings.
He encourages students to ask questions and seek support from admissions professionals, reminding them that they deserve to be in the law school journey.
Tweetable Quotes
“Be confident in your journey, knowing that your professional reputation begins long before law school. Embrace grit, perseverance, and a commitment to service, for these qualities will not only guide you through law school but also define your impact as a future attorney.”