Deadline
2025-07-13
Value of Scholarship
$20,000
Renewable
No
Baker Donelson 2026 Diversity Scholarship
The Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship provides law students with both financial assistance and a valuable professional opportunity. Three selected recipients will each receive up to $20,000 in scholarship support and a paid 2L Summer Associate position at one of Baker Donelson’s offices during the summer of 2026.
Scholarship Details
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000 per recipient
- Disbursement:
- $10,000 after completing the 2L Summer Associate clerkship
- $10,000 upon accepting a full-time associate position and graduating from law school
- Summer Associate Role: A minimum six-week, salaried position in summer 2026
- Location: One of Baker Donelson’s offices (assignments based on firm needs and candidate preference)
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, regardless of race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected status. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a full-time JD program and on track to graduate in 2027
- Have completed their first year of law school
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Show strong academic and leadership achievements
- Have overcome significant personal or financial challenges
- Possess a desire to practice at a large law firm
- Not be recipients of a similar scholarship from another law firm
- Students from diverse backgrounds and those who bring unique perspectives to the legal profession are especially encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Academic performance and leadership
- Contributions to diversity and inclusion
- Personal challenges overcome
- Life experiences influencing values and goals
- Interest in a legal career at a large law firm
Required Application Materials
- Resume (including undergraduate and law school GPA/class rank, if available)
- Personal Statement (max 500 words) detailing contributions to diversity, challenges faced, and life experiences
- Unofficial law school transcript (1L Fall and Spring grades)
- Legal writing sample (max 10 pages)
- Professional recommendation from a professor or employer, addressed to Rebecca Simon, Director of Associate Recruiting and Engagement.
Application Process
- Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2025
- Applicants must first register via Baker Donelson’s technology portal
- After registration, further instructions will be provided via email
- All materials must be submitted online through the application portal
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