Cipriano Rodriguez III

30 students, including Cipriano Rodriguez III of Gary, 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.

Cipriano Rodriguez III is the son of Cipriano Rodriguez Jr. and Josephine Rodriguez of Gary, Indiana.  He is a 2000 graduate of Lew Wallace High School.  While attending Lew Wallace he was on the baseball team.   He is a 2008 graduate of Purdue University Calumet with a degree in Political Science.  Rodriguez hopes to become a criminal attorney and will be attending Valparaiso University Law School in the fall.  He said, “The program is important for law school preparation and networking. This opportunity will allow doors to open for me, and the effect will trickle down to my family and community.”

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.