In tribute to Paul D. White, the firm’s first minority partner and a pioneer for diversity in the legal profession, a scholarship was created to provide students from historically underrepresented backgrounds with valuable experience early in their careers.
Early opportunities to build client relationships, serve the community, and follow your passion are foundational to success in law. The Paul D. White scholarship is a tiered scholars program available to first-year (1L) and second-year (2L) law students. Paul D. White Scholars may choose one of the following enrichment experience tracks during their summer program:
Client Rotation Track. Scholars are paired with a client in-house counsel mentor who introduces them to the client’s industry and legal needs. Scholars will have opportunities to work alongside legal department members and, where practical, visit client headquarters or other facilities.
Public Interest Track. Scholars are paired with a BakerHostetler pro bono mentor who will provide opportunities to work on firm-approved pro bono matters alongside BakerHostetler attorneys.
Specifically, Paul D. White Scholars may choose one (1) of the following enrichment experience tracks during their summer program:
- Client Rotation Track. Scholars are paired with a client in-house counsel mentor who introduces them to the client’s industry and legal needs. Scholars will have opportunities to work alongside legal department members and, where practical, visit client headquarters or other facilities.
- Public Interest Track. Scholars are paired with a BakerHostetler pro bono mentor who will provide opportunities to work on firm-approved pro bono matters alongside BakerHostetler attorneys.
Mentoring
In addition to the foregoing enrichment experiences, each Scholar will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and maintain connection with the Scholar during the summer associate program(s), between programs and in advance of the Scholar’s arrival as a permanent associate.
Eligibility
Law students who have overcome obstacles in a way that demonstrates that they have the attributes of a pioneer in the profession or with a background or experiences that enable them to bring a unique perspective to client service, and who have completed their 1L year at an ABA-accredited law school.
Submission Information
Please complete your application online and attach your materials through this link: Paul D. White 1L Application
Complete and submit the following:
- A Application form Paul D. White 1L Application Form
- A Current resume
- A Undergraduate transcript
- A Law school transcript (if your grades are not available, transcripts will be accepted at a later date)
- A References - List the names and contact information for your references (no more than three)
- A Personal statement – Your statement should discuss how you have overcome obstacles in a way that demonstrates that you have the attributes of a pioneer in the profession or the background or experiences you have had that would enable you to bring a unique perspective to client service. Your statement should be double-spaced and no more than 500 words. More information on the personal statement is available here.