VALPARAISO | Stephanie Gonzalez of Crown Point is one of four incoming Valparaiso University law students who have been selected for prestigious legal education fellowships sponsored by the Indiana Supreme Court to promote diversity within the legal profession.

Each year, approximately 30 students who will be enrolling in Indiana law schools are chosen to participate in a six-week summer institute before they begin law school. This year's institute is taking place at Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington.

Gonzalez has been working in the child support division of the Lake County prosecutor's office for nearly two years and grew up surrounded by the law. Her father is a police officer and her mother graduated from Valparaiso's School of Law.

"I've been interested in law school since middle school," Gonzalez said. "This program offers a great head start on law school and helps you develop the mindset that you need to succeed."

Gonzalez said she chose Valparaiso's law school because of its quality and the success of its graduates, including her boss, Lake County Prosecuting Attorney Bernard Carter.

"I have heard nothing but positive things about Valparaiso from lawyers I've talked to," Gonzalez said. "I think it's a great place for me."

The institute includes classes on subjects such as legal writing and research, understanding and drafting contracts, and torts and civil procedures, along with final exams and a final paper. The fellows also typically visit federal and county courts, law firms and other sites.

The program provides a yearly stipend and helps each fellow locate summer employment after their first and second years of law school in positions at Indiana appellate courts, trial courts, government agencies, law firms or with attorneys in private practice.

- For The Times