Summer Pre-Law Program (SPPARK)

• U of A
• School of Law
• Outreach
• SPPARK

What is SPPARK?

Summer Pre-Law Program (SPPARK) is a three-week, intensive, pre-law focused academic summer program for rising junior, senior college students and recent graduates who are interested in law school. The program is held at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. The dates for 2025 are:

• SPPARK I: June 11-27
• SPPARK II: July 2-July 18

2025 Online Sessions

Tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.

• January 28
• February 4
• February 11
• February 18
• February 25
• March 4
• March 11
• March 18

The program focuses on the inclusion of those:

• Who are from colleges or universities with historical significance to or significant populations of African American, Asian American, Latino and/or American Indian students;
• who are the first generation in their family to attend college;
• who experience significant financial challenges;
• from populations historically underrepresented in law school.

Courses and Professional Development

Students are immersed in law school culture by living on campus, taking classes with law school faculty and completing reading, writing and oral advocacy assignments similar to those given to first year law students.

SPPARK at the University of Arkansas School of Law will include LSAT preparation, academics, professional development, guest speakers and field trips.

LSAT preparation will be provided by experienced instructors and the academic program will offer skills to help students improve their performance in their undergraduate work across several disciplines. Courses offered in previous years include Legal Systems and Process, Legal Issues in Higher Education, Legal Communication and Oral Advocacy, Negotiations, and Constitutional Law.

The professional development program will include off-site field trips and other formal mentoring programs with the local bar association and community members. These experiences will expose attendees to a variety of settings that first-generation students often lack during their undergraduate careers. Students will spend time with attorneys in an office setting and at court hearings.

There will be informal gatherings where the students will interact with local attorneys, and the program will include financial counseling, time management and study skills courses, etiquette training, counseling on appropriate attire and a host of workshops aimed at improving daily and professional communication and listening skills.

Program Costs

Instruction, meals and campus housing will be provided free-of-charge. If you prefer to secure your own housing arrangements in the Fayetteville area, you may do so at your own expense. Law student mentors will provide support to participants living on and off campus during the program.

Application Process

Items Needed:

• Application Form
• Personal Essay (500-word maximum)
• Resume
• Current Transcript (official or unofficial acceptable)
• Two Letters of Recommendation

All required components of this application must be sent in one email by or mailed as one packet and postmarked by 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Download 2025 Application (PDF file)