The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization and was founded in 1968.  Through CLEO’s educational programs, CLEO works to expand access and opportunities for all aspiring students to attend and succeed in law school.  CLEO serves students of all identities and backgrounds.

CLEO has been working with deliberateness to carefully review and address recent legal and policy changes at the federal and state levels relative to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

CLEO remains committed to its mission to enhance the legal profession by supporting aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds in accessing a legal education and achieving professional success while ensuring that CLEO is compliant with state and federal law and policy.

CLEO’s vision is that a legal education and opportunities in the legal profession are accessible to aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds, empowering them to contribute to the justice system and society.

CLEO’s goal is for the United States legal profession to reflect the full spectrum of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives across society, ensuring broad access to opportunities, fostering a culture of fairness, and upholding the principles of justice for everyone.

CLEO does not discriminate

CLEO has and will continue to comply with all federal and state requirements. CLEO accepts aspiring law school students of all identities and backgrounds who apply to participate in CLEO’s educational programs.  All acceptance decisions are made without regard to race, sex, or other protected characteristics.  CLEO complies with existing civil rights laws and does not engage in any practices that use proxies or other indirect means to substitute for race in decision-making, nor does CLEO rely on third parties to accomplish such actions for CLEO. 

CLEO complies with laws and policies

CLEO has comprehensively reviewed its policies and practices in light of the recently issued executive orders and resulting Department of Education requirements. CLEO is updating its governing documents, digital platforms, and communication materials to ensure they accurately reflect CLEO’s compliance with new and pre-existing federal requirements. Some language is changing to more accurately reflect how CLEO operates. Some language which may be misleading and/or outdated will no longer be used. And CLEO’s materials will include language affirming our compliance with federal mandates and CLEO’s commitment to maintaining an environment free from discrimination.