Recent Xavier graduate Aylin Murillo-Valle was announced as one of six fellows of the 2022 class of the Barnes & Thornburg Prelaw Scholars Program. The program assists students that are aspiring legal professionals in pursuit of a law degree by providing financial aid and mentorship with a focus on students from marginalized communities. 

“These students are all accomplished individuals, and Barnes & Thornburg is thrilled to be a part of their journey to law school,” stated Sarah Evenson, Barnes & Thornburg’s director of law school programs during the announcement. “Our hope is this program decreases the financial burden and administrative obstacles of applying to law school and provides key mentoring connections to prepare these students for law school – and the legal career they desire.” 

Murillo-Valle obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science and from Xavier in May of 2022 and was introduced to Barnes & Thornburg Prelaw Scholars Program by Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore, her advisor.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be chosen for this program among many applicants. It is an honor to be seen by such an esteemed firm that truly believes in the work that they do,” said Murillo-Valle. 

The two-year program covers the fees of the students’ Law School Admission Test (LSAT), including preparatory courses to help students prepare beforehand and alleviate the cost of law school applications by providing funds for a credential assembly service. In its second year, students are assigned an attorney that serves as a mentor to help guide fellows through law school. 

“They help students like me who come from underprivileged backgrounds and are people that often get overlooked and ultimately disadvantaged in elite spaces,” said Murillo-Valle. “Their work promotes the diversity and inclusion we need to see in our lawmaking today.

Murillo-Valle shares that she is excited to work alongside passionate experts who genuinely believe in their work and has a message for any prelaw student. 

“I encourage future Xavierites interested in law school to apply to this great program. Overall, I am grateful for this opportunity and proud to represent XU in the program.”