Scholarships and Opportunities
1L Diversity Opportunities Program
Various employers such as law firms and in-house departments offer 1L Diversity Scholarships or Fellowships during the summer. Below are brief recorded presentations that provide an overview of these opportunities, as well as some tips and advice on how to draft a diversity statement.
Part I – Overview of Diversity Opportunities
Part II – Overview of Diversity Statements
Part III – Student Panel Q&A
Opportunities by Month
February 2023
| Scholarship |
Details |
|---|---|
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Allen Matkins 1L Diversity Scholar Program Due: February 1 |
In 2023, we are excited to recruit for 1L Diversity Scholar positions firmwide. 1L law students who are selected to be an Allen Matkins 1L Diversity Scholar are full participants in the firm’s summer associate program. 1L Diversity Scholars are provided with meaningful work and responsibilities, offering a realistic experience of practicing law. They will work side-by-side with experienced attorneys in our various practice areas, while also gaining valuable insight into the firm operations, our client service, and our one-firm culture. 1L Diversity Scholar recipients receive enhanced mentoring to ensure they have a successful summer. They are required to spend 10 weeks in our office and are paid the same weekly salary as our 2L summer program participants. Eligibility Criteria: To be considered, the candidate must be a first-year law student in good standing pursuing a JD at an ABA-accredited law school. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of academic achievement, employment, and community service indicating alignment with the diversity goals of Allen Matkins. Candidates should have a sincere interest in and commitment to private practice. Award: Not listed. |
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The Sullivan & Worcester 1L Diversity Transactional Summer Associate Fellowship Program Due: February 1 |
The Sullivan & Worcester 1L Diversity Transactional Summer Associate Fellowship Program further illustrates the firm’s recognition that to provide clients with world class legal service, diversity of ideas, backgrounds and experience are essential. Our commitment to diversity is one of the firm’s most important core values. We aspire to recruit, retain, and promote talented individuals representing the full spectrum of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age and physical ability. Eligibility Criteria: Fellows will be selected from the criteria below:
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Gunderson Dettmer 1L Diversity Fellowship Due: February 3 |
Eligibility Criteria: Success looks different for everyone, and we believe it should be evaluated holistically. We will consider your demonstrated interest in emerging companies and venture capital; your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; the quality of your personal statement; and your personal, professional, leadership, community and/or academic achievements. In short, we want to get to know you. Interested 1Ls are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Award: Up to $50,000 |
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Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP Diversity Scholars Program Due: February 3 |
Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP is committed to increasing the diversity of the legal profession, particularly in our areas of practice - complex civil, intellectual property, and white-collar criminal litigation. Eligibility Criteria: Qualified scholarship applicants must be current first-year law students who are students of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, disabled, or whose background, experience, or upbringing would otherwise contribute to the diversity of litigators in our community. While financial need is not required, it will be strongly considered. Other factors considered will include the applicant’s personal statement, academic record, employment history, clinical or other non-academic legal experience, community service, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in complex litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area after graduation. Employees of Keker, Van Nest & Peters, family members of employees, and persons with pending or accepted offers of employment are not eligible. Award: Up to $75,000 |
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2023 Arnold & Porter 1L Chicago Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship Due: February 6 |
The Arnold & Porter 1L Chicago Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship for members of historically underrepresented groups in the legal profession supports the firm’s deep commitment to diversity and inclusion and is designed to increase diversity and inclusion within our firm and the legal profession. ● Demonstrate strong academic achievement. |
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Clifford Chance 1L Diversity Scholarship Due: February 15 |
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we’re proud to offer the Clifford Chance 1L Diversity Scholarship. As a 1L summer law clerk, you’ll have the opportunity to embrace team collaboration, receive formal and informal training, and build relationships with our global network, uncovering what it really means to be a Clifford Chance lawyer. Following your summer, we’ll want you to stay connected, and engaged. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an ABA-accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2025. Complete applications must include a resume, law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) and personal statement. Students who are members of groups traditionally underrepresented at large law firms are encouraged to apply. Award: Up to $50,000 |
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Harness IP Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Due: February 15 |
Harness IP’s Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship provides diverse, first and second year law students with career mentoring and financial assistance as they explore their interest in intellectual property law, gain a better understanding of working in an intellectual property law firm, and continue to excel in law school. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must
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McKool Smith Diversity Scholarship Due: February 17 |
As part of our continued commitment to recruit, retain, and promote a diverse team of lawyers, we are awarding Diversity Scholarships to support outstanding diverse 1L & 2L law students. Eligibility Criteria: Scholarship applicants must be current first year law school students enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school who are students of color, members of the LGBTQ+, persons with a disability or whose background or experience would otherwise contribute to the diversity of the legal profession. Applicants should not be a recipient of a diversity award or scholarship from another law firm. Award: Up to $30,000 |
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Massey & Gail LLP DEI Fellowship Due: February 28 |
At Massey & Gail, we are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and support the advancement of underrepresented groups in the legal industry. Massey & Gail is pleased to offer first-year law students an opportunity to apply to our first annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship Program in our Chicago office. Eligibility Criteria: Not listed. Award: $12,000 |
March 2023
| Scholarship |
Details |
|---|---|
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Black Women Lawyer's Association Scholarship Fund (BWLA) Anges B. McGirt Scholarship Application Due: March 1 |
The Black Women Lawyers’ Association Scholarship Fund (BWLA-SF) endeavors to encourage AfricanAmerican women in the law through support in their legal education and to promote diversity in the legalprofession. |
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Goodwin 1L Diversity Fellowship Due: March 10 |
Our 1L Diversity Fellowship program provides first-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds with the opportunity to be a 1L summer associate in Goodwin’s 10-week summer program in 2023, following their first year of law school.
Award: Not listed. |
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Devadoss Law Firm Civil Rights Scholarship Due: March 14 |
Attorney Bobby Devadoss and the team at The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. offer legal representation to clients facing complex and unique federal labor and employment law cases. The Devadoss Law Firm believes in standing up for what is right, and we will fight vigorously to defend our clients’ constitutional and civil rights.
Award: $1,000 |
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Bradley 1L Diversity Scholarship |
Bradley’s commitment to diversity is not just a passive ideal, but an active effort allowing us to build a team comprised of broadly diverse backgrounds and experiences. As part of our active commitment to enhancing our diversity, each year we offer two Diversity Scholarships to promote the education of well-qualified law students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Eligibility Criteria: In addition to academic qualifications, we may consider other factors, including, but not limited to, involvement in community activities, financial need, significant work, and personal achievements. Award: Up to $5,000 |
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National Native American Bar Association (NNBA) Foundation Scholarships Due: March 15 |
The NNABA Foundation awards scholarships on a nationwide basis to law students who demonstrate a commitment to serve or contribute to the Native American community as future leaders.
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2023 Islamic Scholarship Fund Law Scholarship Due: March 22 |
Since 2009 ISF has funded American Muslim scholars studying and working in fields with the greatest impact on public opinion and policy, including law, legal studies, and human rights. ur goal: to improve negative portrayals of Muslims in the news, increase the number of Muslim policymakers, and invest in the creation of positive and engaging stories about American Muslims.
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DRI Law Student Diversity Scholarship Due: March 31 |
Eligibility Criteria: DRI’s annual Law Student Diversity Scholarship program is open to rising (2023–2024) second-and third-year law students who come from historically marginalized groups, including those who identify as: African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, LGBTQIA+, Multiracial, Second and third-year female law students, regardless of race or ethnicity, and any other second-and third-year law student who comes from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity, regardless of race or gender. To qualify for this scholarship, a candidate must be a full-time student. Evening students qualify for consideration if they have completed one-third or more of the total credit hours required for a degree by the applicant’s law school.* The goal of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to three worthy law students from ABA-accredited law schools to promote, in a tangible way, the DRI Diversity Statement of Principle. Award: Up to $10,000 |
Rolling Deadlines
| Name |
Details |
|---|---|
| Akin Gump Strauss Diversity & Inclusion Scholars Program (1L) |
Building on the legacy of founding partner Robert Strauss, we have long prioritized a diverse workforce as vital to outstanding client service. To further our diversity and inclusion efforts, we offer diverse law students the opportunity to spend at least five weeks with the firm working on legal matters, and the rest of your summer at a firm client—all while being involved in the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Opportunities are available in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, starting November 1st. |
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Every year, our BOS, DC, LA, NY, and SF offices award one second-year law student. Candidates may only apply to one office. Applications from second-year law students will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled throughout the summer. It is anticipated that offers will be made by late summer 2022. There will be one scholarship awarded per office. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a second-year law student, in good standing, at an ABA-accredited law school in the US; have excellent college and law school academic performance and excellent oral and written communication skills; have demonstrated leadership qualities, work experience, and community involvement; are authorized to work in the US; be a member of a diverse population that historically has been underrepresented in the legal profession; must join the ArentFox Schiff Summer Program after their second year of law school; have a strong interest in joining the Firm as an associate after law school graduation Award: Up to $20,000 |
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| Benesch 1L Diversity Fellowship |
Benesch is proud of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the firm has created the 1L Diversity Fellowship to enhance our efforts for the recruitment, retention, development, and advancement of diverse attorneys within the firm. The application process for our 2023 1L Diversity Fellowship program will open on December 1, 2022.
Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be full-time first-year law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, with an expected graduation date of spring 2025. Requirements for application include: Requirements for application include:Exceptional academic performance; Outstanding leadership abilities and involvement in diversity organizations; A commitment to community service; Strong interpersonal skills Award: Not listed |
| We are proud to offer our 1L Diversity Fellowship as part of Choate’s longstanding commitment to recruiting, developing, retaining, and promoting outstanding lawyers who offer perspectives and talents shaped by a broad range of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and personal backgrounds. Fellows are fully paid members of Choate’s summer program and are eligible for an additional stipend. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the end of January. Choate will begin extending interviews to candidates beginning in early January. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled as a first-year law student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school; have a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity in the profession, a record of academic and professional achievement, and a sincere interest in practicing at Choate upon graduation Award: Not listed |
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| Constitutional Accountability Center Douglas T. Kendall Fellowship Program (Recent Graduates and 3Ls) |
The Douglas T. Kendall Fellowship is a one-year fellowship designed for recent law school graduates to begin their careers in legal advocacy with a grounding in the progressive promise of the Constitution’s text, history, and values. The Fellow will join CAC’s litigation team and participate in all aspects of the team’s work. CAC’s litigation team does significant amicus work in the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, as well as some direct litigation work.
Eligibility Criteria: Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications: a recently completed or soon to be completed law degree with an excellent academic record; a completed clerkship is a plus, but not required; strong English reading and writing skills; excellent attention to detail; demonstrated dedication to a progressive vision; an ability to be a team player as well as a self-starter. CAC will collect applications starting July 2022 for the Fellowship beginning in September 2023.
Award: $70,000
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| Cozen O'Connor Bernard Lee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholars Program | At Cozen O’Connor, we understand the value of a diverse work environment and believe that such diversity adds to our firm’s successes and ability to provide better service to our clients. We seek to employ lawyers of diverse backgrounds, and also those committed to the furtherance of a more diverse and inclusive profession. Applications will open December 2022. Selected candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis to schedule interviews. Eligibility Criteria: We welcome applications from law students who: Are enrolled full-time in an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of 2024; actively demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion within their law schools, local communities, and/or through their professional and volunteer work, hobbies, and leadership roles; and are not the recipient of a similar diversity award from another law firm for the same summer. Award: Up to $15,000 |
| Gibson Dunn believes that diversity among our attorneys is essential to our continued success as one of the leading firms in the world. We are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting attorneys of diverse backgrounds at all levels. We expect to begin substantially reviewing 1L Diversity Fellowship applications in early 2023 but will accept materials starting in December 2022. Eligibility Criteria: Eligible students must intend to practice law in a U.S. city in which Gibson Dunn has an office. They must be currently enrolled in a full-time JD program, with an expected graduation date of Spring 2025, and must not be participating in a similar program with another employer (impacting their 2023 summer). Award: Not listed |
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| Kirkland & Ellis 2L Diversity Fellowship Program | Kirkland’s 2L Diversity Fellowship provides law students with a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the top lawyers in the world through our Summer Associate Program and gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, interact with Firm clients and make enduring connections with peers. In addition to participating in the Kirkland & Ellis Summer Program, recipients will also receive a mentor to support you through law school, as well as access to assessment tools and individual coaching sessions to enhance professional development. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must: (1) be enrolled and in good standing as a second-year law student (Juris Doctor) at an ABA accredited or Canadian law school and/or be a joint-degree student at an ABA-accredited or Canadian law school that will graduate from both programs in 2024; (2) have a demonstrated record of academic achievement; (3) submit a personal statement (no longer than one page) telling us a little more about themselves and their interest in working at Kirkland; (4) receive an offer to join the Kirkland summer program in one of our domestic offices; (5) have a sincere interest and commitment to private practice; and (6) be likely to practice after graduation at one of Kirkland’s offices. Award: Up to $50,000 |
| Latham & Watkins LLP 1L Diversity Scholars Program |
Our 1L Diversity Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity to students who have just finished their first year of law school (class of 2025) at an ABA-accredited school. |
| Latham & Watkins LLP 2L Diversity Scholars Program |
Our 2L Diversity Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity to students who have just finished their second year of law school (class of 2024) at an ABA-accredited school. The 10-week program includes:In-depth legal training, mentoring, and real-world experience at one of Latham’s US offices. 2L Diversity Scholars will work alongside the 2023 summer associates. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled full time in a JD program at an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of 2024 (2L Diversity Scholars) or 2025 (1L Diversity Scholars) at the time of application; participate in Latham’s full 10-week 2023 Summer Program, starting on May 22, 2023. Exceptions to this start date will only be made due to conflicts with academic calendars; demonstrate a commitment to promoting DEI within the legal community and/or more broadly. Award: $50,000 |
| Milbank 1L Diversity Fellowship | Milbank has a longstanding commitment to diversity and holds the distinction of being one of the first major law firms to establish a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace filled with the best legal talent, we offer a 1L Diversity Fellowship Program in our New York and Los Angeles offices. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Finalists will be interviewed for the fellowship after applications are submitted, and the winner(s) will be announced in February 2023. Eligibility Criteria: The program is for law students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership ability, excellent writing and interpersonal skills—and, of course, a sincere interest in our practice. To be named a Milbank 1L summer fellow, you must be in good standing at an ABA accredited law school and have successfully completed the first semester of your first year of a full-time JD program, with an expected graduation date of spring 2025. Students who are members of groups traditionally under-represented at large law firms are encouraged to apply. Award: Not listed. |
| Mintz 2023 2L Summer Associate & Diversity Scholarship |
At Mintz, we strive to create an environment where people from all backgrounds are positioned for success. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity at the firm and in the legal profession, we have awarded the Richard Mintz Diversity Scholarship to an exemplary diverse law student each year since 2010. We encourage you to apply early, even if you haven’t received your grades or know about journal membership. You can then reach out with updates to your application over the summer. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be community-minded 2Ls from diverse backgrounds who have shown academic excellence and commitment to diversity. Award: $20,000 toward 3L tuition |
| Morgan Lewis 1L Diversity Fellowship | Building a diverse team of lawyers is a core value at Morgan Lewis. Not only is it a business imperative, it is part of our strategic focus. We aim to promote diversity in the legal profession and to attract future leaders who are committed to the importance of diversity and inclusion. Eligibility Criteria: Fellowship applicants must:
Award: Up to $50,000 |
| Paul Hastings Diversity Scholarship Award | Paul Hastings is committed to building a diverse team of professionals and fostering an inclusive work environment. As part of that commitment, we are pleased to offer the Paul Hastings Diversity Scholarship Award to select first or second-year law students. Eligibility Criteria: We welcome applications from all 1L and 2L law students who:
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| Ropes & Gray Roscoe Trimmier Jr. 2L Diversity Scholarship |
The Roscoe Trimmier Jr. 2L Diversity Scholarship, named after our first African American partner, awards scholarships to a number of outstanding second-year law students to help offset the expenses of their legal education, in addition to a paid summer associate position in the firm’s 2023 Summer Associate Program. The scholarship funds will be paid out half upon completion of the summer program, and half upon starting as a full-time associate at the firm. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a second-year law student enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, with an expected graduation date of Spring 2024; be a member of a historically underrepresented group in the legal profession. Award: Up to $25,000 |
| Sidley Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship for Summer 2023 |
To further promote diversity within the legal profession and to support Sidley’s diversity policies, the firm created the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Initiative for second year law students. Given the highly selective nature of the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships and the limited number of Scholarships available, students are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. We strongly prefer to receive the application by the time of the candidate’s call-back interview. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a full-time law student in their second year of classes at an accredited law school; have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities; have demonstrated contributions to diversity initiatives or to diversity and inclusion more generally, such as in the area(s) of racial or ethnic diversity, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, veteran status, and/or other areas underrepresented or otherwise important to diversity in the legal profession, and/or other extraordinary contributions or accomplishments, and/or Demonstrated ability to overcome adversity, such as first-in-family college attendance or socio-economic disadvantage, and/or past participation in and/or interest in assisting with the diversity and inclusion initiatives of the firm such as the Sidley Prelaw Scholars Program or a Sidley 1L Diversity Summer Mentorship Program. Award: $25,000 |
| Vedder Price 1L Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Program |
Two 1L scholarships will be awarded in 2023. The scholarship recipients will join the 2023 Summer Associate Program in the Chicago office and work within all of Vedder Price’s practice areas: Global Transportation, Finance & Transactions, Corporate, Labor & Employment and Litigation. This is an exciting opportunity to gain first-hand experience working in multiple practices as you look ahead to your 2L year. Applications will be first accepted in December 2022. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis and the Scholarship recipients will beannounced in March 2023. |
| Vinson & Elkins 2023 1L & 2L Diversity Fellowship |
Since the program launched in 2008, V&E has awarded 130 Fellowships. More than 15 former Fellows currently practice law at V&E and some have gone on to work in GC roles at V&E clients. Given the highly selective nature of the Diversity Fellowship and the limited number of Fellowships available, students are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. A selection panel will evaluate all completed applications, conduct interviews, and announce Fellowship recipients on a rolling basis. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a first or second year law student; be in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school; have a strong undergraduate and law school record and excellent writing skills; have demonstrated interest in working at Vinson & Elkins, joining V&E as a Summer Associate, and advancing the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Award: $25,000 |
| Winston & Strawn LLP Diversity Scholarship Program | The Winston & Strawn Diversity Scholarship Program is designed to increase diversity within our firm and the legal profession. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must accept an offer to participate in Winston & Strawn’s Summer Associate Program; successfully complete Winston & Strawn’s 2L Summer Associate Program; receive and accept an offer to join Winston & Strawn as an associate; be a member of a historically underrepresented group in the legal profession, including law students who are racial/ethnic minorities and/or LGBTQ+. Award: Up to $50,000 |
Other Opportunities
| Name |
Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) 1L Scholars Program |
The 1L LCLD Scholars Program is designed to strengthen the legal pipeline by expanding 1L LCLD Scholars Virtual Summit. This three-day professional development conference features an innovative curriculum developed exclusively for LCLD 1L Scholars. With a focus on relationship building and career development strategies, the summit includes panel and guest speaker presentations, group discussions, and mock interviews. Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, the summit will be held virtually, June 7-9, 2022. Eligibility Criteria: 1L LCLD Scholar candidates must be enrolled as first-year law students and in good standing at an ABA-approved law school; must self identify as a diverse/underrepresented or disabled first-year law student. Visit www.lcldnet.org/1lscholars for more information, including the list of participating LCLD Member law firms and corporations, and each of their application dates. |
| National LGBT Bar Association Lavendar Law Conference and Career Fair |
Are you LGBTQ+ or an ally? The National LGBT Bar Association is hosting its annual Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair, July 28 - 30th. With over 1700 annual attendees and more than 180 recruiters, it is the largest LGBTQ+ legal career fair in the world! This year the conference will host more than 50 programs, including a number geared specially to law students about career planning, student activism, and more. Additionally, top law firms and organizations from across the country will be recruiting students at the Career Fair. |
| Practice Pro 1L Diversity Scholar Program |
The Diversity Scholar Program is a coaching, training, and recruiting program designed to help law students secure their dream employment while simultaneously preparing them with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and savvy to flourish in their legal positions and climb the corporate leadership. Eligibility Criteria: First-year law student (Class of 2024) enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school; and a member of a racial, ethnic, or gender group which has been historically underrepresented in the legal profession, a member of the LGBTQ community, or those with a disability. |