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Applications for the Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School Class of 2026 are now closed.

Subscribe to our mailing list to learn more about PPI and be updated when Class of 2027 applications open. 

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Can commute to New York City
  • Have been formerly incarcerated and at least one year post-release
  • Demonstrate an interest in the legal field
  • Commit to attending an in-person two-hour class one night a week for a semester, and additional programming and workshops
  • Commit to contributing to a collaborative learning environment
  • Complete an interview

Familiarity with LexisNexis and/or Westlaw is not required, but preferred.

We are strongly committed to diversity within our programming. We welcome applications from a wide range of people and do not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status.

PPI is a semester-long course, beginning in mid-January and concluding at the end of April. Class sessions are held once a week in the evening and supplemented by periodic workshops. Topics covered include legal research and writing, legal ethics, client interviewing, professional development, and an overview of civil litigation and discovery. PPI participants will work closely with Columbia and Fordham Law students and faculty as part of a collaborative learning environment.


Questions? Email: [email protected]