Summer Legal Institute (SLI) Law & Leadership Conference

Since August of 2024, Seattle U Law has partnered with the University of Washington, local judges, and lawyers to host a multi-day law & leadership conference. The Summer Legal Institute (SLI), formerly known as iLead, is organized by Just the Beginning—A Pipeline Organization, which introduces high school students to pathways and opportunities in the legal field.

The multi-day conference rotates site locations each day, with each site highlighting important aspects of law and the legal field. Participants learn the process of applying to law school; attend mock classes and panels with faculty, staff, students, and alumni; experience the federal courts and law firms; and discover the many types of careers possible with a legal education. During the 2024 conference, over 60 high school students participated in the program.

Registration for the 2025 Summer Legal Institute has reached capacity. Please check back in April 2026 for information regarding the next event.

Contact Kristin DiBiase, Associate Dean for Student Life, Diversity & Inclusion, with any questions.

Students at iLead ConferenceMore than 60 students from around Western Washington took part in the conference. 

Testimonials from previous events

"The panelists all had a lot of very insightful content to share and I really enjoyed hearing about their experiences and knowledge."

"I appreciated how diverse the speakers were because they provided a variety of perspectives. The other attendees were also very friendly, and I had a great time chatting with them between sessions."

"I enjoyed the new community of amazing people I met!"