Schererville Student Attends Indiana Supreme Court Program to Prepare for Law School

	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2009	Contact: Kathryn Dolan 317.234.4722
	SCHERERVILLE STUDENT ATTENDS INDIANA SUPREME COURT PROGRAM TO PREPARE FOR LAW SCHOOL

Cristal L. Cabrera

30 students, including Cristal L. Cabrera of Schererville, are participating in the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) Summer Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana. ICLEO is a program designed to assist Indiana minority, low income or educationally disadvantaged college graduates in pursuing a law degree and a career in the Indiana legal community.

Cristal Lisa Cabrera is the daughter of John and Becky Cabrera of Schererville. She is a 2005 graduate of Lake Central High School. While attending Lake Central High School she was active in the Tribe of Pride Marching Band, jazz ensemble, and multiple musical productions. She is a 2009 graduate of Indiana University with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Chemistry and Spanish. Cabrera hopes to become a lawyer with a focus in intellectual property. Cabrera said, “The ICLEO Summer Institute is important because it eases the transition between undergraduate study and professional school by calming fears and giving students a better insight of how law school may be in the fall.”

ICLEO was established in 1997 by the Indiana General Assembly and Governor Frank O’Bannon at the urging of Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. Chief Justice Shepard explained, “These are intelligent and eager students who will be welcome additions to the legal profession. Many of them have overcome great obstacles to gain academic success. This program is a stepping stone to help them achieve their dreams.”

Each year, ICLEO accepts 30 college graduates into the program. The students attend a six-week Summer Institute held at one of the four Indiana law schools. This year, the program is at Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. The students are introduced to areas of law which they encounter during their first year of law school. They also receive tips for law school success and professional development advice. With challenging scholastics and practical advice, ICLEO is designed to prepare the students for the rigors of their upcoming law school experience. The Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration provides staff support and financial management for ICLEO.

After successful completion of the Indiana CLEO Summer Institute, students are eligible for an annual stipend ranging from $6,500 - $9,000. Stipends may be awarded for up to three successive years if the student remains eligible. After graduation, ICLEO Fellows continue to have a supportive network of legal mentors comprised of alumni and program supporters.

For more information contact Indiana Supreme Court Public Information Officer, Kathryn Dolan at kdolan@courts.state.in.us. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Indiana CLEO office at (317) 232-2542 or (800) 452-9963 or visit http://courts.IN.gov/cleo.

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