Dakota Webb-Hawkins, a senior political science major from Woodbridge, Va., has dreamed of being a lawyer since middle school. In August, she took the LSAT and has just finished law school applications — critical steps on her journey to law school aided by the prestigious, national pre-law Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Plus program.
For over two decades, the LSAC Plus has been “[advancing] law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting the learning journey from prelaw through practice.” The nonprofit has guided more than 3,400 students from law school application to practice. Webb-Hawkins is part of a national cohort selected through LSAC Plus’ rigorous application process. Past cohorts include Leah Wilkins ’23 and Julia “Jay” Garcia ’26.
Recently, reimagined as the Guided Scholars program, LSAC Plus now provides more tailored mentorship and resources for underrepresented individuals pursuing careers in law. Its cohort model fosters community while connecting students with law school professionals to demystify applications, admission, and preparation for the rigors of law school. For Webb-Hawkins, the program’s impact has been both practical and personal. Her passion for family law is deeply rooted in her own experiences in the foster system. “I had a decently rough childhood and want to pour back into kids in the manner that wasn’t poured into me,” she explains.
Webb-Hawkins learned of the LSAC Plus program as a Hollins freshman. Her second application during her junior year was successful, and she began the year-long virtual Guided Scholar program in April 2024.
Prior to taking the LSAT, Webb-Hawkins and the 21 other pre-law students in her cohort received weekly LSAC Plus practice tests and writing assignments. Now, the focus is on bi-weekly meetings with law school representatives to prepare applications and gain a better understanding of expectations for law school. “The program has forced me to slow down and do things with intention,” Webb-Hawkins reflects. “Now I make a weekly study plan that includes the different ways to organize that I will use as an attorney.”
Her professors have noted her growth. Chris Florio, the Ruth Alden Doan Assistant Professor of History and former codirector of undergraduate research, is equally enthusiastic about LSAC Plus’ expert, impactful mentorship. “Dakota’s acceptance to and participation in the program have helped her along the way toward making her career aspirations a reality,” he says. “She is a superb student who possesses all the abilities that will enable her to excel in law school and beyond.”
Webb-Hawkins emphasizes the role of Hollins’ close-knit community in shaping her legal ambitions. “Hollins forces you to get used to big world things earlier,” Webb-Hawkins says, recalling her freshman advocacy class where she wrote legal briefs and analyzed case law. She also points to transformative experiences such as:
- An externship with a judge in Portland, Ore., before enrolling at Hollins.
- Trial and Error, a January-Term (J-Term) course taught by The Hon. David B. Carson, Roanoke Circuit Court judge, where Webb-Hawkins played the role of attorney in a mock trial and won a unanimous jury vote.
- A sophomore-year internship with Altizer Law, a personal injury firm in Roanoke.
- Additional advocacy coursework during J-Term 2024.
Beyond the classroom, Webb-Hawkins balances her pre-law pursuits with athletics, leadership, and service through volleyball, the Black Student Union, Model U.N., and her work study job at the nearby Community School.
But she’s quick to note that her progress is made possible by the support system around her. “Because Hollins is a small, tight-knit community, our professors can do more individualized things for me,” she adds. “Every person is focused on your success.”
With her law school application complete, Webb-Hawkins stands ready to carry forward the mentorship, resilience, and determination she’s developed at Hollins and through LSAC Plus—equipped to advocate for the next generation of children and families.
