





Our goal is to develop a welcoming community for our members and offer academic, professional, and social support to navigate law school and future careers.
"Most people know that first-generation students have a gap in resources when compared to their classmates. As a first-generation student, I have often felt the divide, so I am excited that 1GP now exists to provide Duke Law first-generation grads the tools needed to effectively build a bridge across that gap."
– Jennifer Thelusma, 1GP Student Advisor
We connect you in your 1L year with faculty, upper-level students, and alumni mentors to build relationships and develop a network that will continue through law school and beyond.
We offer programming to develop your unique first-generation professional narrative and integrate your experiences into effective networking and interviewing.
We provide opportunities for real-life perspectives from the legal industry, including meeting professionals and judges, and on-site employer visits.
Some of the programs and events for 1GP students may include:
Our first-year 1GP students, joined by Diamond Zambrano '20 and Darlena Kern Subashi '15, visited the Alston & Bird Raleigh office. Darlena and fellow attorneys gave students a tour of the office and described a 'day in the life' for their various practice areas.
Concerned about managing your finances as a summer associate or at your first job? Wondering about how much you should contribute to your 401K, while paying off student loans? Please join us for a presentation with Adams Chetwood Management Group, who will provide guidance on the nuances of managing your money as a law student and a new lawyer! Sponsored by 1GP and the Business Law Society. For more information, please contact Dani Bembry at dlb65@duke.edu.
The "1GP: 2L Summer Success" event will provide guidance and wisdom for 1GP 2Ls preparing for their summer jobs doing firm, government, or public interest work. A panel of students will give advice on how to prepare for and succeed during the 2L summer as a 1GP student. Sponsored by 1GP. For any information, please contact Ryan Arredondo at rda15@duke.edu.