Baker Donelson is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where the individual differences among us are understood, respected and appreciated, recognized as sources of strength of the Firm, and valued as qualities that enrich the environment in which we work. Since 2008, we have awarded 39 diversity scholarships.
With this in mind, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC will award three scholarships to three rising 2L law students who will complete their first year of law school by June 2025. Recipients will be awarded a minimum six-week, salaried 2L Summer Associate position for the summer of 2026 in one of our Firm’s offices. Additionally, each recipient will be awarded $20,000, to help defray the cost of law school tuition and related expenses, which will be paid in two disbursements, conditioned on the following:
- $10,000 will be awarded after the completion of a 2L summer associate clerkship, and
- $10,000 will be awarded upon acceptance of an associate position and graduation from law school.
The recipients' office preferences will be taken into consideration, but final assignment will depend on the Firm's hiring needs. The recipients may split their summers with other law firms; however, they are required to work during the period that the other Summer Associates in that Baker Donelson office are working.
Eligibility
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.
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 recipient 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.
Application Deadlines
The application process will open on Friday, April 25, 2025. All applications must be submitted via the online application portal. You will first need to register to use Baker Donelson technology by clicking here. After registering, you will receive an email allowing you to begin the application process. Once you begin your application, you will have the option to save your entered information and return to the application portal at a later time to complete your application, if needed. You can log back into the portal with the link provided in the email sent to you. Applications are due by midnight, Friday, June 13, 2025. Interviews for selected finalists will take place between July 9 and July 23. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 28.
Requirements
A completed application package must include the following items:
- Current Resume including undergraduate and law school GPA and class rank (if available)
- Personal Statement. How do you currently contribute, or how do you envision yourself contributing, to diversity and inclusion within your community and the legal profession? Please reflect on any obstacles or challenges you have faced in advancing your career objectives, as well as any life experiences that have shaped your values and professional goals. Please limit to 500 words.
- Unofficial Law School Transcript must include 1L Fall and Spring semester grades.
- Legal Writing Sample. The sample may be from your legal writing course in law school (please limit to 10 pages).
- Professional Recommendation. One written professional recommendation from a law school professor or employer. Recommendations should be addressed to Rebecca Simon, Director of Associate Recruiting and Engagement. The recommendation document name should be labeled LastName-FirstName. It may be uploaded to the application or emailed directly to diversityrecommendation@bakerdonelson.com.
Key Contacts
Should you have additional questions, please direct them to one of the following.