Amanda McIlwain High Quality Photo

Amanda E. McIlwain of New Richmond is one of about thirty students participating in the 2010 Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Summer Institute in Valparaiso, Indiana.  CLEO 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.

McIlwain is the daughter of Sheryl O’Connor of New Richmond.  She is a 2005 graduate of Clinton Prairie Jr.-Sr. High School in Frankfort.   McIlwain was active in color guard, National Honor Society and was secretary of her senior class.  She is a 2008 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Law and Society.  She was on the Dean’s list and graduated with distinction.  McIlwain plans to attend Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis in the fall and was honored to be named a CLEO Fellow. “The thought of attending law school can be very intimidating.  I am fortunate for the opportunity to participate in the Summer Institute and I know that with ICLEO’s help, I will not only survive, but thrive in law school.”

Indiana CLEO 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, “Over the past 13 years CLEO has encouraged young adults with promise to enter the legal field.  These are students who traditionally do not turn to a career choice in the legal arena, but with CLEO as a spring board they are successful.  I’m proud of each student and excited to see what talents the newest CLEO class brings to the legal community.” 

Each year, Indiana CLEO accepts approximately 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 Valparaiso University School of Law.  CLEO is designed to prepare the students for the rigors of their upcoming law school experience.  The students are introduced to areas of law which they will encounter during their first year of law school.  They take part in a challenging curriculum and receive tips for law school success and professional development.  The Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration provides staff support and financial management for CLEO.

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, CLEO Fellows continue to have a supportive network of legal mentors comprised of alumni and program supporters.