We invite applications from rising 2L and 3L students for the 2026-2027 Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI). PPI, now in its eighth year, is targeted at formerly incarcerated individuals who are seeking to enter legal workplaces. This project has focused on the recognition that during their incarceration, many women and men have been leaders within prison communities and have taken prominent roles in programs on parenting, education, and business. A challenge for these individuals after release is to have their assets recognized and to be able to utilize these to achieve professional success. PPI seeks to address this challenge by equipping individuals impacted by the justice system with legal skills and creating pathways to meaningful careers in the legal field.
PPI runs a weekly semester-long course each spring, which brings approximately 10 formerly incarcerated program participants together with Columbia and Fordham law students, faculty, and facilitators from the advocacy community. The course provides the participants with training in legal research and writing, legal ethics, and practical skills needed to develop professional networks and apply and interview for jobs. After the completion of the course, PPI continues to provide support and mentorship to past program participants, many of whom continue to be involved as class facilitators and resources for new participants.
Law Student Role in PPI
Law students interested in working with PPI must make a full-year commitment to the program. In the fall, students enroll in Workshop on Facilitating Meaningful Reentry I (Tuesdays, 6:20-8:10 pm). Through this course, students will learn about issues facing people returning from incarceration and plan for the spring course. Under the guidance of faculty advisers, law students are involved in curricular planning, recruitment of participants, and related projects. In the spring, students enroll in Workshop on Facilitating Meaningful Reentry II (Tuesdays, 6:20-8:10 pm). Throughout the semester they work closely with the program participants in the paralegal course, including engaging in small group discussions and simulations, and reviewing homework assignments. Students also meet weekly to reflect on how the ongoing course can best achieve its goals.
Successful PPI law students are collaborative, self-motivated, and able to work proactively and effectively with various stakeholders: law students (from both Columbia and Fordham), faculty, former and current PPI participants, and practicing attorneys. Students receive two ungraded credits each semester. All credits are experiential.
To apply, please complete the application linked here. The application deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, but applications will be reviewed and offers extended on a rolling basis.
To learn more, please attend this Information Session. Lunch will be served.
You may also obtain additional information by watching this video and going to the PPI webpage.