Will Keck’s journey to law school started with a spark of curiosity. None of his family or friends were lawyers but watching the 2008 and 2012 political campaigns he became interested in how laws shape society. This curiosity led him to explore law and policy through student government, a prestigious internship with Senator Chuck Grassley in Washington, D.C., and ultimately, law school.
When Keck arrived at Drake Law, he quickly realized that being a first-generation law student came with unique challenges. Without family members or friends in the legal profession, he found himself navigating not just rigorous coursework but also the unfamiliar world of law school life.
“I didn’t know what I didn’t know and I didn’t have family members or friends who could guide me,” Keck explains. “There’s a steep learning curve for first-gen law students. It’s easy to feel like you are alone.”
Many first-generation law students face hurdles, from lacking mentorship and professional networks to feeling out of place in a field where connections can be key. Determined to address these challenges, Keck took action.
He founded the First-Generation Lawyers Organization at Drake Law to foster community, provide mentorship, and break down barriers that first-gen lawyers often encounter.
The organization’s impact was immediate. Initial outreach showed interest from 30 students, and the initial meeting drew a crowd of 60. Currently, over 100 students have joined the organization.
The group co-hosted a fall networking event with the Career Development Office. It included a pre-reception workshop on practical skills such as initiating conversations and leaving a positive impression. Alumni and local attorneys, many of whom were first-gen lawyers themselves, attended the reception to share advice and encouragement.
Looking ahead, the group plans a panel discussion with hiring attorneys to help students navigate the job-seeking process. Keck also hopes to launch a peer-mentoring program to help first-year students transition to law school with the guidance of upper-level peers.
“My hope is that five years from now, we’ll have a network of first-gen lawyers in the community who feel connected to Drake and invested in helping the next generation,” Keck says. “This isn’t just about individual success—it’s about building a stronger law school community.”