The SMU Dedman School of Law Rising Scholars program includes mini-classes, workshops, college admissions presentations, and attorney panel discussions, culminating in a moot court competition to improve critical thinking and communication skills.

Our program offers a comprehensive education that merges advanced courses with hands-on experiences and strong industry connections. This helps students build impressive resumes necessary for gaining admission to prestigious colleges and universities, as conventional advanced placement courses alone are not enough in today’s competitive environment.

Internships

SMU | Dedman School of Law Rising Scholars Program

Congratulations to our SMU Rising Scholars 2025:

Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program

The Dallas Bar Association offers paid summer internships for law students in law firms and corporate legal departments, lasting four to eight weeks. Interns gain valuable experience and participate in educational events.

Congratulations to our Dallas Bar Summer Law Interns 2025;

Stephen F Austin University Pre-Law Academy

SFA’s Pre-Law Academy offers high school students a week to explore law careers through activities with legal professionals, mock trials, and discussions, with scholarships available for qualified participants.

Congratulations to our SFA Scholarships Recipients and Summer Scholars

Aspiring Yong Lawyers Summer Law Academy 2025

Congratulations our AYL Summer Academy Scholars 2025

The Academy offers youth in Dallas and Fort Worth insight into the roles of lawyers and policymakers while developing skills for legal careers. Participants attend lectures on legal topics and conclude with a mock trial competition to present their arguments.

Dallas ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Internship program

The CTE Summer Internship program offers high school students paid, hands-on work experience in their chosen career fields. These internships, which typically last between 4 and 12 weeks, allow students to apply classroom knowledge, develop essential employability skills, and explore potential career paths.

Ruby Marcial, Emily Mendez, and Candela Zepeda.

Ruby Marcial, Abril Pedraza, Candela Zepeda, and Luciana Gonzalez (Not pictured)

Candela Zepeda, Jesus Hernandez, and Emily Rodriguez

Melanie Garcia & Ashley Castillo

Scholarships

The Dallas Education Foundation offers the annual Liza Farrow-Gillespie Intrepid Young Woman Scholarship, valued at $10,000, to a deserving female student in the graduating class of the Skyline High School Legal Studies Magnet Program who is interested in pursuing a career in law.

Liza Farrow-Gillespie

Intrepid Young Woman Scholarship

Gabriel Rosales

UT Austin Terry Scholar

Full Ride Scholarship

Paris Chavarria

UT Austin Impact Scholar

Full Tuition Scholarship

Legal Studies Senior Class of 2025 (15 students)

Class of 2025 with our industry partners, Baker Botts LLP

Street Law & Baker Botts Law Capstone Project 2025

$3,500,000.00 + in scholarships combine

Fritzi Ortega 2025

Liza Farrow Intrepid Woman Scholarship Recipient 2025