
"It is an outstanding program that connects the legal community with diverse, future community leaders.
I'm inspired by the students' enthusiasm for the law and their eagerness to learn."
- Sherri Wattenbarger, U.S. Department of Justice Office of The U.S. Trustee, SLA Mentor


Chair Vice Chair Secretary
Amy L. Coopman Kelly C. Frickleton Kamillia M. Scott
Bridge Mediation, LLC Bartimus Frickleton Dentons US LLP
Robertson Rader P.C.
The application window for students is now closed. If you applied and have any questions, please contact Keva Gorman at kgorman@prepkc.org.
KCMBF's Student Law Academy 2022
Calendar of Events
Inspire the Next Generation
"If I know someone out there is supporting me, then I have more motivation to pursue law." - 2021 Student Law Academy Scholar
Are you an attorney or other law professional? Explore all of the below opportunities to see how YOU can get involved!

Please contact Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation at apply@kcmbf.org with questions or other ways to get involved.
About Student Law Academy
"Increasing diversity in our profession is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. The Kansas City legal community will realize its fullest potential only when the talents of all who practice law or aspire to a legal career, regardless of background, are welcomed."
- Sylvester "Sly" James, KCMBA Past President and founder of the Diversity Initiative

Who We Are
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation (KCMBF), in partnership with local education non-profit organization The Partnership for Regional Education Preparation-Kansas City (PREP-KC), created Student Law Academy (SLA) in 2019. SLA aspires to serve as a future pipeline to diversify Kansas City's legal community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide underserved urban high school students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system.
What We Do
SLA collaborates with local law firms, courts, and other legal entities to provide students with a dynamic, paid summer program. SLA works within PREP-KC's six school districts and three charter schools (Allen Village, Center, Independence, KCKPS, KCPS, Grandview, Guadalupe Centers, and Hickman) to select juniors and seniors in high school as SLA Scholars.
Thank You to SLA 2022 Sponsors!
Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Order of the Coif
Athena M. Dickson
Gyllenborg & Brown, P.A.
Stinson LLP
Other Contributors

Thank you to the National Institute for Trial Advocacy for providing case file materials.
Thank you to The M.R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation for their ongoing support.