The Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) is a partnership between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska College of Law, designed to recruit high school students from rural Nebraska and prepare them to eventually return and practice law in rural Nebraska. To apply, you must have applied and been admitted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The KLOP application is open now through November 15, 2023. Access the online application below and click on "Admitted Incoming Freshmen” to apply.

APPLY NOW TO KLOP!

  • 94%Percent of UNK Pre-Law students who apply to law school and are accepted into a law school program.
  • Nov. 15Deadline to apply for KLOP.
  • 33+Number of students freshmen to senior year who are participating in the KLOP program.

*Based on internal data of known UNK Pre-Law students, 2018-2023

Benefits of KLOP

  • Students selected for KLOP will receive a full tuition scholarship to UNK for up to 120 credit hours.
  • Each KLOP student receives one-on-one mentorship from the Pre-Law/KLOP faculty adviser throughout their time at UNK.
  • KLOP students receive numerous career and professional development opportunities, including: preferred access to law-related internships; frequent visits to the UNL College of Law; regular interactions with attorneys, judges and current law students; and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
  • As a KLOP student, you will have the opportunity to participate in two field study courses during your time at UNK: (1) a one-week trip to the southern United States to learn about the politics and law of the US civil rights movement; and (2) a two-week trip to Europe to learn about international human rights law.
  • After receiving a bachelor’s degree at UNK, this program guarantees a student’s acceptance into Nebraska College of Law at UNL, provided minimum requirements are met (GPA, LSAT score). 

Download KLOP Flyer

Eligibility

  • Must be a rural Nebraska resident (students from the following cities and towns are not considered rural and therefore are not eligible: Omaha, Ralston, Boys Town, Elkhorn, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, LaVista, Chalco, Offutt Air Force Base).
  • Must apply and be admitted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
  • Minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.5.
  • Preferred (but not required) ACT score of 27 or above.

How to Apply

  • The KLOP application deadline is November 15, 2023.
  • Access the online application and click on “Admitted Incoming Freshmen.”
  • You must set up a user name and password to complete the electronic application.
  • You will be asked to complete two essays.
  • Provide names and emails of two individuals who can provide a reference letter.
Paige Langley

"EXCEPTIONAL is how I would describe the quality of my education at UNK. My courses have pushed me to be my academic best and are preparing me for the rigor of law school. Gaining hands-on experience through an internship at a local law firm and trips to the UNL College of Law have helped ensure that I will be prepared for law school upon graduation."

Paige Langley

History, Pre-Law

UNK Pre-Law Day

Have you ever considered law school or pursuing a career in law? The Pre-Law Day event will allow you to meet with current students, faculty and local attorneys, and learn about the opportunities available within our Pre-Law program, including KLOP. The event is on campus and free to attend. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and parents are welcome to attend with their student.

The next Pre-Law Day will happen in Fall 2024. Exact date and registration details will be available closer to the event.

KLOP News

image of students and teachers

UNK students travel to Europe to learn about international law

Eleven members of the Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) traveled to Europe during the January intersession as part of a new class titled “From the Holocaust to The Hague: The Evolution of International Humanitarian Law.”

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students and instructors view a mural on their visit to atlanta

UNK political science students learn about civil rights in the South

Jamie Vaughn tightly crossed her arms as she slowly crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Wearing a T-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, the University of Nebraska at Kearney sophomore carefully moved across icy patches on the bridge’s narrow walkway.

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image of a teacher showing information to a student on a laptop

UNK program prepares students for law careers in rural Nebraska

According to the most recent statistics from the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Attorney Services Division, 50 of the state’s 93 counties have five or fewer attorneys practicing there and 11 counties don’t have any at all.

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