How the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation Supports Students From High School to Law School

Becoming a lawyer is a long journey. It doesn’t start in law school—it begins years earlier, when a young student first imagines themselves in a courtroom, a firm, or a judge’s chambers. For many Black students, that dream can feel out of reach because of financial barriers, limited exposure, or the belief that “people like me don’t become lawyers.”

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation exists to change that story by walking with students every step of the way—from high school hallways to law school graduation.

Supporting High School Students: Planting the Seed

In high school, many students have never met a lawyer in person or learned how the legal system really works. That’s why our foundation focuses on early exposure and encouragement.

We support high school students by:

• Visiting classrooms and community programs to talk about legal careers
• Hosting informational sessions on what lawyers actually do
• Encouraging strong study habits and leadership skills
• Helping students understand what courses and activities will prepare them for college and, eventually, law school

When a student hears a Black attorney share their story, it lights a spark. They can picture a future in which they belong in the legal profession.

Guiding College Students: Building the Pathway

College is where many future lawyers either stay the course—or lose momentum. Balancing classes, work, and family responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for first‑generation students.

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation helps college students by:

• Providing scholarships and financial assistance so students can focus more on studying and less on debt
• Offering mentorship and guidance on choosing majors, internships, and extracurriculars that strengthen law school applications
• Connecting students with professional role models who can answer real questions about the LSAT, personal statements, and resumes

We want college students to know that they don’t have to navigate this path alone. With the right support, their law school dream becomes a reachable goal.

Empowering Law Students: Staying the Course

Law school is challenging for everyone, but Black law students often face added pressures: financial strain, isolation, and the weight of being one of only a few students of color in their classes.

Our foundation steps in with:

• Scholarships and grants to help cover tuition, books, and living expenses
• Networking opportunities with practicing attorneys and judges
• Workshops and mentorship on topics like interviewing, clerkships, and passing the bar exam

We believe that once a student has made it to law school, the community has a responsibility to help them finish strong.

Mentorship That Follows Students at Every Stage

One of the most powerful aspects of the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation is continuity. We don’t just show up once and disappear—we strive to build long‑term relationships.

A student might first hear about us in high school, apply for a scholarship in college, and later receive mentorship as a law student. They may even return as practicing attorneys to mentor the next group of students coming behind them.

This creates a cycle of support:

1. Students receive help.
2. They become lawyers.
3. They return to lift up the next generation.

That is how real, lasting change happens in the legal profession and in our communities.

How You Can Help Strengthen This Pipeline

The work of supporting students from high school to law school is bigger than any one foundation—it requires a community.

You can get involved by:

• Donating to fund scholarships and programming
• Sharing information about the foundation with students, schools, and community groups
• Volunteering as a mentor or speaker if you are a legal or professional leader
• Partnering with us through your organization, firm, or school

Every hour volunteered, and every dollar donated helps another student move one step closer to a law degree—and to a career serving justice.

If you’d like to learn more about how we support students or how you can join this work, we invite you to connect with the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation today.

Investing in the Next Generation of Black Lawyers

The legal profession has a profound impact on our communities. Lawyers help shape public policy, protect civil rights, and fight for justice in courtrooms across the country. Yet for too long, Black students have faced barriers to entering and advancing in the legal field—financial obstacles, lack of mentorship, and limited exposure to attorneys who look like them.

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation was created to change that story. We believe that when we invest in the next generation of Black lawyers, we are investing in fairer courtrooms, stronger neighborhoods, and a more just society.

Breaking Down Barriers to Legal Education

For many talented Black students, the dream of becoming a lawyer is derailed not by lack of ability but by lack of access. Application fees, LSAT prep courses, tuition, books, and living expenses can all add up to a financial mountain.

Our foundation helps ease this burden by:

• Providing scholarships and financial support to students who are committed to pursuing a legal career.
• Supporting students at multiple stages—from high school and college through law school.
• Connecting students with resources they may not otherwise know about, including internships, clerkships, and bar prep support.

When we help a student get into law school and stay there, we aren’t just changing one life—we’re changing the lives of the countless clients and communities that student will serve in the future.

The Power of Representation in the Courtroom

Representation matters. When Black clients see attorneys who share their cultural background and lived experience, it builds trust and confidence. Judges, juries, and opposing counsel also benefit from seeing a legal profession that truly reflects the communities it serves.

By investing in Black law students, we help:

• Increase the number of Black attorneys who can advocate for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and fair housing.
• Ensure that legal strategies and arguments include perspectives that have historically been ignored.
• Inspire younger students who see Black lawyers and think, “That could be me.”

Every scholarship we award, and every student we mentor, sends a powerful message: you belong in the legal profession.

Mentorship That Lasts Beyond the Classroom

Money is important, but it’s not enough on its own. Many first‑generation college and law students need guidance on navigating unfamiliar systems—how to network, study for the LSAT or bar exam, secure internships, and choose the right practice area.

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation connects students with:

• Experienced attorneys who share real‑world advice.
• Professional development opportunities, such as resume reviews and mock interviews.
• Encouragement and accountability, reminding students that they are not alone on this journey.

Mentorship turns potential into progress. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to help Black students not only enter law school but thrive in it and in their careers.

Building a Pipeline of Justice‑Focused Leaders

Our goal isn’t just to help students graduate—we want to help build a long‑term pipeline of Black attorneys who are committed to justice, equity, and community service.

The students we support today may become:

• Public defenders are fighting for fair treatment in the criminal justice system.
• Civil rights attorneys are challenging discriminatory policies.
• Judges, legislators, or law professors shaping the next generation of law.

When you support the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation, you are helping to build that pipeline and strengthen our communities for decades to come.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t have to be a lawyer—or even work in the legal field—to make a difference.

You can help by:

• Donating to fund scholarships and student support programs.
• Spreading the word about our mission and sharing our posts with your network.
• Mentoring or speaking to students if you are a legal professional or community leader.

Every contribution—whether time, money, or encouragement—helps open doors for the next generation of Black lawyers.

If you’d like to learn more about our work or support our mission, we invite you to connect with us and join this important effort.