Annual $15,000 awards recognize exceptional minority law students
BOSTON, Sept. 16, 2005 — Goodwin Procter LLP, a leading national law firm with offices in Boston, New York and Washington, DC, has created the Goodwin Diversity Fellowships to promote diversity in the legal profession.
The Fellowships will provide up to three annual awards of $15,000 each to minority second-year law students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, outstanding leadership, a commitment to community service, interest in the private practice of law, and other special achievements and honors.
We are very pleased to introduce the Goodwin Diversity Fellowships and help promising minority law students realize their full potential in the legal profession,” said Regina Pisa, chairman and managing partner of Goodwin Procter. “The Fellowship program reaffirms Goodwin Procter’s commitment to being a leader in the ongoing effort to enhance diversity at U.S. law firms.”
Eligible applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled students of color pursuing a J.D. at an accredited law school, with no more than two full years of school remaining until anticipated graduation. Students will typically apply before their second year of law school during the interview process for the Goodwin Procter Summer Associate program.
In a demonstration of Goodwin Procter’s commitment to promoting diversity throughout the legal profession, applicants do not have to receive nor accept an offer of summer employment with Goodwin Procter to receive a Fellowship. Eligibility is not limited to specific law schools or geographic locations.
“Few comparable law firms match Goodwin Procter’s fellowship program in terms of monetary award or geographic reach,” said Pisa. “We are confident that our program will not only help us attract additional attorneys of color to the firm, but also broaden diversity throughout the legal profession. It will also help us be more effective in our ongoing representation of minority-owned businesses.”
Students interested in applying for a Goodwin Diversity Fellowship should visit http://www.goodwinprocter.com/gpfellowships.asp or contact fellowships@goodwinlaw.com. The application deadline is October 28, 2005. Fellows will be selected on or around November 30, 2005.