ADMISSIONS | edlaw

Join Our Team!

ED LAW Admissions decisions are made on the basis of application and audition

Your application will be submitted online as part of the PYLUSD common academy application and can be accessed by using the below button (scroll down the page until you see "Click the button below to start the application!").

You are strongly encouraged to submit your application in advance of the due date to provide the potential for early consideration and a wider variety of available audition dates!

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

DECEMBER 12, 2025

WELCOME RECEPTION:

MARCH 18, 2026

Applicants must also procure a teacher/mentor evaluation -teachers/mentors complete a short online assessment, accessible via the below button. Please choose someone who knows you quite well as your evaluator and can provide as full a picture as possible of your achievements, capabilities, and personality! Please ask your chosen teacher/mentor to serve as your recommender in person and then provide the below link; we do not independently contact evaluators.

ED LAW Application

ED LAW Auditions

In addition to submitting an online application, prospective ED LAW students must deliver a one-minute speech (the same speech that

you submit as part of your application;

see guidelines and suggestions at right!)

and complete a short friendly interview at one of our audition opportunities:

Thursday, December 11 (afternoon)
Tuesday, December 16 (afternoon)
Wednesday, December 17 (afternoon)
Friday, December 19 (midday)
Tuesday, January 6 (afternoon)*
Wednesday, January 7 (evening)*

* as needed; these dates are not guaranteed

Please sign up for an audition time slot using the signup link that will appear here once it is available! and we will look forward to seeing you then! Your application must be fully completed and submitted, including your teacher/mentor evaluation, before you audition! Please read the information on the signup page as well as the information here so that you are well-prepared for the audition process and on top of all of the application logistics!

If you have a conflict with the audition options, please contact us and explain the conflict

and we will do our best to schedule a time

that works! However, an alternate time is not guaranteed given the tight timetable surrounding PYLUSD deadlines.

Admissions Speech Guidelines & Suggestions

Your ONE-MINUTE MAX speech will address one of two prompts:

What is the most important skill or trait a successful legal advocate could possess and why? OR
How is an effective justice system the cornerstone of a free society?

Tips for Success:

Research both prompts before deciding which to address in your speech; choose the prompt for which you can make the most compelling, passionate, and well-supported argument.
One minute is not very long! Make a clear and concise argument that takes a definitive position and is supported by specific contentions and examples.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Have a trusted mentor listen to your presentation and provide you with feedback. Make sure you are not over the time limit and not too far under. Beware of verbal tics and fillers ("um..." "like") and be mindful of pacing and desired points of emphasis!
Your speech does not need to be fully memorized, but for best results, you should be comfortable enough with the content that you are able to look up from your text and make regular eye contact with your audience.
You may bring a note card or a paper to reference during your delivery. Please do not plan to read off of your phone!

Teacher/Mentor Evaluation