SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Dozens of students hoping to become lawyers received first-hand advice in Hampden County Thursday. National Pancake Day: Where to get the best flapjacks in western Massachusetts The Hampton County District Attorney got to speak with students interested in pursuing a career in law on Thursday. Some in high school, others in college, all taking part in the kickoff. This marks the third year of the Future Lawyers of Springfield program. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and the Western New England School of Law have partnered with hopes of continuing to inspire the youth. "We really focus on people from non-traditional backgrounds persons of color and so forth an opportunity to have support and mentorship toward the difficult goal of becoming a lawyer," says Gulluni. According to the American Bar Association, in 2013, lawyers of color were 11% of the profession. Nearly a decade later, lawyers of color make up just over 20%. The District Attorney's office hopes this program will help pave the path for all interested in pursuing law. Local News Headlines UMass Amherst-led team debunks Facebook’s role in election misinformation control Mega Challah Bake in Longmeadow brings women together Local health centers in critical need of recruiting more healthcare workers DA inspires future lawyers in Hampden County program WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.