JD Bridges tackles barriers by covering LSAT costs and connecting students with mentors
Although multiple initiatives and non-profit organizations support Black students, most focus on tuition assistance. However, many aspiring Black law students are deterred before they even get to that stage, facing financial barriers during the application process.
That’s according to Kayla Smith, founder of the JD Bridges Foundation, a non-profit that supports Black students through the early stages of their legal journey.
“I remember how expensive it was to apply to law school and not having enough money to apply widely,” she says.
To address that, the foundation fully covers the cost of the application process from start to finish.
When a student is selected as a JD Bridges recipient, the foundation pays for the LSAT directly, making payments on their behalf instead of providing reimbursements. It also covers transcript fees and law school application fees and includes enrollment in a preparatory program. Smith says the students participate in a dedicated cohort, which gives them a supportive learning environment alongside peers in the same position.
Each student is also paired with a mentor – often a practicing lawyer or articling student – who provides guidance on personal statements, answers questions, and helps them navigate the application process. Beyond academics, the foundation offers networking opportunities, hosts meet-and-greets, and connects students with other community resources.
Throughout the year, JD Bridges informs recipients about upcoming events and conferences and provides ongoing encouragement and support. The entire initiative is funded through sponsorships, primarily from law firms committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
While the cost of applying to law school is a considerable obstacle, Smith says it’s only part of the picture. Many JD Bridges applicants are students who already work while attending university, often to support themselves or their families. That added responsibility leaves little time for focused LSAT preparation.
“Some are unable to dedicate the amount of time that they need to study for the LSAT without being concerned about the financial support that they have to give to themselves and their families,” Smith explains.
By covering application-related costs and streamlining the process – including access to prep materials and a structured course – JD Bridges aims to free students from both financial and logistical burdens.
However, another major hurdle is the lack of representation and legal networks. Smith says many recipients are first-generation law students without lawyers in their families or professional circles. She adds that, without the built-in support, even drafting personal statements can feel daunting.
“The lack of mentorship can be a barrier,” Smith says, “especially when students don’t have anyone in their lives who can review application materials or offer guidance.”
That’s why every recipient is paired with a mentor who can help review application essays, offer advice, and provide encouragement rooted in experience within the legal profession. Through this approach, JD Bridges works to level the playing field “financially and professionally.”
Smith says that programs like JD Bridges are even more important as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under heightened scrutiny globally.
“We’re seeing that already with our American counterparts,” she says, noting growing debates about whether such programs remain effective or necessary.
Amid broader discussions about economic growth and national competitiveness, Smith sees a direct connection between DEI and Canada’s future prosperity. With the country facing international trade challenges and a renewed focus on strengthening its economy, she argues that nonprofits will play a crucial role.
“Nonprofit organizations, charities – they're a critical component to actually driving the Canadian economy. We do a lot of the heavy lifting of attracting the future talent—the next generation of lawyers and judges and politicians, and business owners who will be responsible for the economy in the future.”
She adds that JD Bridges uses Canadian service providers and invests directly in Canadian students. This localized approach, she argues, makes the foundation’s mission especially relevant as conversations about economic development and equity converge.
Smith also points out that interest in DEI isn’t limited to students; clients are asking about it, too. Both want to see tangible commitments from the firms they work with.
“Students care. Clients care. They’re asking for concrete examples.”
