The Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship offers law students the opportunity to receive $20,000 in financial support and a paid summer associate position for the summer of 2026. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline is Friday, June 13, 2025.
Tell Me About The Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship:
Baker Donelson is offering the 2026 Diversity Scholarship to promote diversity and inclusion by awarding scholarships and employment opportunities to three rising 2L law students. Each recipient will receive up to $20,000 to support their legal education, which will be paid in two disbursements: $10,000 after completing the 2L summer associate clerkship, and $10,000 upon acceptance of an associate position and graduation from law school. Additionally, recipients will be given a minimum six-week, salaried 2L Summer Associate position for the summer of 2026 in one of Baker Donelson’s offices. Recipients will have their office preferences considered, but final assignments will depend on the Firm’s hiring needs.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Law
Type:
Scholarship
Who can Apply for the Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship?
The application process is open to all law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school of any race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law.
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We consider all applications and consider the following factors in applicants:
- Have completed their first year of a full-time JD program with an anticipated graduation date of 2027 at the time of application.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or in the legal profession.
- Academic and leadership achievements.
- Obstacles or challenges (financial or otherwise) encountered in advancing career objectives.
- Life experiences that have shaped values and professional goals.
- A desire to practice in a large law firm.
- Candidates may not be a recipients of a similar scholarship award from another firm.
Students whose background or experience contributes to the diversity of the legal profession are encouraged to apply.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are selected based on:
- Academic performance and leadership achievements.
- Contributions to diversity and inclusion within their community and/or the legal profession.
- Obstacles or challenges encountered in advancing career objectives.
- Life experiences that have shaped their values and professional goals.
- A desire to practice in a large law firm
Required Documents
A completed application must include:
- Current resume, including undergraduate and law school GPA and class rank (if available).
- A personal statement (500 words max) reflecting on contributions to diversity and inclusion, obstacles faced in career advancement, and life experiences that shaped values and goals.
- Unofficial law school transcript, including 1L Fall and Spring semester grades.
- Legal writing sample (up to 10 pages) from the applicant’s legal writing course in law school.
- A professional recommendation from a law school professor or employer, addressed to Rebecca Simon, Director of Associate Recruiting and Engagement.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries
Where will the Award be Taken?
The award will support recipients’ legal education and be applied during their 2L summer associate position, which will be held in one of Baker Donelson’s offices.
How Many Awards?
3
What is the Benefit of the Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship?
Each recipient will receive up to $20,000 to support tuition and related expenses, along with a paid six-week summer associate position in 2026. The $20,000 will be disbursed in two parts: $10,000 after completing the summer associate clerkship, and $10,000 upon accepting an associate position and graduating from law school.
How to Apply:
To apply, you must register with Baker Donelson’s technology portal. After registration, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to complete your application. All applications must be submitted via the online application portal by the deadline, Friday, June 13, 2025.
