Baala Shakya, Contributing Photographer

This August, 25 students from various backgrounds were welcomed into the second cohort of Yale Law School’s Launchpad Scholars, a program committed to diversifying the legal field.  

Yakeleen Almazan ’25, Yale senior and Law School Liman Fellow, applied to be a Launchpad Scholar during her sophomore year. After submitting her application in spring 2023, she later found out she was selected to be part of the program’s inaugural class. 

Almazan, who is the daughter of convicted felons, said that she is interested in pursuing a legal career to address “crimmigration” through direct representation. She told the News that being part of the program made her feel “empowered” to start the law school admissions process to achieve this goal.

“I feel very confident going into this process, because I’ve learned so much already from [the program],” Almazan said.

The Launchpad Scholars program, funded in part by the law firm Latham & Watkins, remains committed to diversifying the legal field by empowering participants to maximize their potential as law students and legal professionals. 

The program, with a free application, begins with an annual welcome summit at Latham & Watkins. Following the summit, the scholars engage in year-long programming designed as preparation for law school applications. 

Almazan highlighted the importance of voices from people who have personal stakes in going to law school, such as those with ties to incarceration and immigration. She said that her participation in the program validated her connection to the legal field. 

The program’s activities culminate in a week-long event held on Yale’s campus, where scholars from around the world convene. 

“The best moments have definitely been the welcome summit,” Cruz Almonaci, a current scholar in the program, said. “Being able to meet other Launchpad Scholars and hear about their stories, their journeys and what they’re up to has been really amazing. Every single one of them is doing something that I admire.”

Launchpad Scholars are paired with mentors from both the Yale Law School and lawyers working with Latham & Watkins. 

This year’s class features students from 23 different undergraduate institutions, of which three-fourths are or will be the first in their family to graduate from college. Around one-fourth of this year’s cohort are first-generation immigrants. 

Catherine Feuille LAW ’22, assistant director of admissions for the Launchpad Scholars Program, praised this year’s cohort. 

“Our second cohort has so far proven to be as dedicated, collaborative, and thoughtful as our first,” Feuille wrote to the News. “They have jumped at every opportunity to make the most of Launchpad, and their commitment to realizing their law school dreams is nothing short of inspiring.”

Michèle Penzer LAW ’93, partner and global recruiting committee chair at Latham & Watkins, emphasized how the program is adapting in its second year. 

Penzer specifically highlighted an extended LSAT preparation period and investment of more time and resources into helping scholars prepare personal statements and other application essays. 

The first cohort saw a median score improvement of over 15 points when comparing the diagnostic exam to the official LSAT. 

“We’ve added programming to better tailor the experience to the needs of our scholars, and to best position them for success,” Penzer wrote to the News. 

Feuille further highlighted the pride in year one as motivation to continue modifying the program in the best interest of the scholars. 

Another new addition to this year’s programming is the hosting of quarterly virtual social events to strengthen ties within the class.  

In response to the success of the first cohort, Miriam Ingber LAW ’04, associate dean of admissions and financial aid, noted her excitement for the future success of the scholars as both law students and lawyers. 

“All of us at Yale Law School and Latham & Watkins have been blown away by their commitment to preparing for the LSAT, focus on writing authentic and sophisticated essays, and — most importantly — support for each other personally and professionally,” Ingber wrote to the News. 

Penzer highlighted the enriching aspects of the program for all involved, specifically drawing attention to the mentorship program between Latham & Watkins and the Law School. 

Almazan noted specific appreciation for both her Launchpad mentor, current student Ashlee Fox LAW ’25, and her Latham & Watkins mentor, associate Kristian Alexis Perez. 

Almonaci also cited appreciation for the authenticity of the program.

Almonaci encourages everyone interested in law school to apply. She emphasized that people often feel their applications to law school need to be perfect, but that students really just need to have a will to learn more about the law and be down-to-earth.

“My fellow Launchpad Scholars are amazing in their various ways,” Almonaci said. “I think what really unites all of us is that we have a very strong sense of purpose.”

Applications for the 2025-26 cycle of the Launchpad Scholars program will open up next spring. 

Correction, Sept. 27: An earlier version of this article misspelled Michèle Penzer’s last name.