Empowering Black Youth Toward Legal Excellence 

Black Future Lawyers (BFL) is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement committed to increasing representation of Black students in legal education and Black lawyers in the profession. Founded in 2019, BFL is a groundbreaking collaboration between the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, U of T Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA), Black alumni and partners across the legal sector. BFL’s vision is to contribute to dismantling systemic anti-Black racism by empowering and equipping Black undergraduate students in their journey to law school. 

Amplifying Black excellence means more than academic preparation; BFL supports students in affirming their identities, expanding their networks, and cultivating a sense of agency and community. Through mentorship, education, exposure, and leadership development, BFL equips the next generation of Black lawyers, legal scholars and leaders. 

What We Do 

BFL supports Black undergraduate students from aspiration to access and beyond. Our programming combines academic preparation, professional exposure, and culturally grounded mentorship to create a clear and supported path to law school. 

Whether it’s LSAT workshops, courthouse and law firm visits, personal statement coaching, or panels with Black lawyers and judges, BFL’s approach is practical, personal, and rooted in community. Our members are not just learning how to apply to law school; they are building confidence, strengthening their network, and gaining a sense of belonging in a profession where they have been historically excluded. 

Black Future Lawyer Programming includes: 

• Mentoring and job shadowing with Black lawyers, judges and articling students 
• Invitations to attend special workshops, lectures and other events at U of T Law 
• Tailored sessions on admissions and financial aid for Black students 
• The annual Black Future Lawyers conference 
• Access to our free LSAT prep course, where eligible 

Connection to the Black Student Application Process (BSAP) at U of T Law – recognizing lived experience and systemic barriers 

Who We Are 

Led by Black Future Lawyers staff and with the support of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, BFL members are at the heart of program design and delivery. Chapters are student-led, with members taking on key roles in coordinating events, facilitating panels, and contributing to strategic planning. These opportunities help students build essential skills in public speaking, project management, leadership and advocacy; while also making a direct impact on their peers and communities. This model empowers team members to step into leadership while they learn; engaging with the profession while shaping its future. Through BFL, Black youth are positioned to see themselves not only as future lawyers, but as changemakers advancing a more inclusive and equitable legal system. 

Partners 

Black Future Lawyers thanks our generous donors who have made long-term financial commitments to the program ensuring its stability and growth. Our partners are 14 of the leading Canadian law firms — Blakes, BLG, Cassels, Davies, Dentons, Fasken, Goodmans, Gowling WLG, McCarthy Tétrault, McMillan, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, Osler, Stikeman Elliott and Torys — through their combined commitment, will provide operational funding to BFL over 10 years. BFL also thanks Scotiabank, UofT Division of the Vice-President & Provost, UofT Faculty of Law and La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso.