Please read
Cost coverage & reimbursement
We are not able to reimburse speakers for airfare, lodging, mileage, parking, meals, or any other travel expense. We want to say that plainly and early, so you can plan without wondering.
We know exactly what we are asking of you
Every person on this program is giving something real: time away from work and family, the cost of getting here, and the hours it takes to prepare. That is a genuine personal investment, and we never treat it as small or expected. Our speakers are the reason students leave this Summit believing law school is possible for them.
Where the money actually goes
The Summit is a four-day event for hundreds of students, and nearly every dollar is spent before the first session begins.
Space, equipment, and staffing
Meeting rooms, ballrooms, audio-visual equipment, technicians, security, custodial support, and campus staffing across four days.
Hosting and appreciating everyone
Receptions, snacks, and gifts for hundreds of students, speakers, deans, and volunteers, plus programs, signage, and printed materials.
Keeping it affordable for students
Student registration is priced far below what the Summit actually costs, and we award scholarships and fee waivers so cost never keeps a future lawyer out of the room.
Running on a small budget
We are a small, mission-driven organization funded by modest registrations and sponsorships — not a large conference company with a travel budget.
If we reimbursed travel for the many speakers, panelists, and judges who make this program possible, we would have to raise student registration well beyond what most of the students we serve can pay — and those students are the whole point. The vast majority of students attend for free; only a small fraction choose to upgrade to VIP or Platinum status, so most pay nothing at all.
Options that have worked for others
Ask your employer, firm, or organization
Many participants attend as a representative of their firm, agency, court, bar association, or company. We are glad to send a letter confirming your role on the program to support that request.
Law students: ask your school
Several law student speakers have had travel covered by serving as their school's representative at our Law Expo. Ask your admissions or student affairs office — and let us know if a confirmation letter would help.
Serve from where you are
If the trip isn't possible this year, we would still be honored to have you. Remote options — including recorded remarks and application materials review — let you reach students without the travel cost.
How we try to take care of you on site
While we cannot cover travel, your participation includes access to Summit programming on the days you serve, a volunteer hours certificate, a certificate of appreciation, a Summit gift bag, and a VIP Speaker Support team dedicated to your check-in, your room, and anything you need while you are with us. Discounted hotel room blocks are also listed in the Hub.
If cost is standing between you and this program, please tell us rather than quietly stepping away. We will do everything we can to find a way for you to serve — and if this year isn't the right year, there is no hard feeling on our side. Thank you for even considering it.