At Burr & Forman, we recognize diversity as a strength that contributes to the Firm’s success and enhances the service we provide to our clients. As part of its commitment to diversity, Burr & Forman provides scholarships and other programs to promote the education and development of students who promote diversity and inclusion. These include:
First Year Academic Achievement Scholarship
The Burr & Forman First Year Academic Achievement Scholarship is open to law students who complete their first year of law school in the top 25% of their 1L class or have at least a 3.5 GPA. Scholarship recipients will receive up to $2500 to defray tuition and educational fees. Students must be enrolled in an accredited law school within the United States. Preference will be given to students interested in practicing in the Southeastern United States.
Interested 1L students who have their first semester grades should submit an application by January 31, 2024. Payments will be made directly to the student or their school.
1L Summer Diversity Fellowship
The Burr & Forman 1L Summer Diversity Fellowship is an opportunity for law students who complete a summer law clerk position with Burr & Forman following their first year of law school. Upon satisfactory completion of the 1L summer law clerk position and an offer to return to Burr & Forman as a 2L summer law clerk, selected 1L Diversity Fellows will receive up to $4000 to be used for tuition and other educational expenses, and they will be assigned an attorney to mentor them during their second year of law school.
Eligibility Criteria
1L Diversity Fellowships are open to first-year law students who:
- Are in good standing as a first-year student at an ABA-accredited law school;
- Have demonstrated a high level of work ethic;
- Show a history of promoting diversity in their sphere of influence, especially in connection with initiatives that foster opportunities for people who are underrepresented in the legal profession, such as racial/ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals;
- Are willing to practice law within the geographic footprint of Burr & Forman, throughout the southeastern United States;
- Have a strong academic track record, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 both at the time of the initial application and at the end of their first year of law school;
- Have exhibited other key indicators of future success in the law such as leadership ability, excellent writing, and interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, judgment or creativity; and
- Are authorized to work in the United States.
Selection Process
Candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. Upon receiving applications, the firm will review and contact preferred applicants on a rolling basis to arrange individual interviews. Interested 1L law students should submit an application by January 31, 2024 (Spring Semester of first year).
Disbursement of Fellowship Funds
Funds will be paid directly to the 1L Diversity Fellow or their school upon (i) satisfactory completion of the 1L summer law clerk position, (ii) an offer to return to Burr & Forman as a 2L summer law clerk, and (iii) submission of law school transcript or grade report confirming the student’s final 1L GPA meets minimum requirements.
2L Summer Diversity Fellowship
The Burr & Forman 2L Summer Diversity Fellowship is an opportunity for law students who complete a summer law clerk position with Burr & Forman following their second year of law school. Upon satisfactory completion of the 2L summer law clerk position and an offer of employment as a first-year associate with Burr & Forman, 2L Diversity Fellows will receive up to $6000 to be used for tuition and other educational expenses, and they will be assigned an attorney to mentor them during their final year of law school.
Eligibility Criteria
2L Diversity Fellowships are open to first-year law students who:
- Are in good standing as a first-year student at an ABA-accredited law school;
- Have demonstrated a high level of work ethic;
- Show a history of promoting diversity in their sphere of influence, especially in connection with initiatives that foster opportunities for people who are underrepresented in the legal profession, including racial/ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals;
- Are willing to practice law within the geographic footprint of Burr & Forman, throughout the southeastern United States;
- Have a strong academic track record, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 both at the time of the initial application and at the end of their second year of law school;
- Have exhibited other key indicators of future success in the law such as leadership ability, excellent writing, and interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, judgment or creativity; and
- Are authorized to work in the United States.
Selection Process
Candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. Upon receiving applications, the firm will review and contact preferred applicants on a rolling basis to arrange individual interviews. Interested rising 2L law students should submit an application by September 30, 2024 (summer following first year).
Disbursement of Fellowship Funds
Funds will be paid directly to the 2L Diversity Fellow or their school upon (i) satisfactory completion of the 2L summer associate position, (ii) an offer to return to Burr & Forman as a first-year associate, and (iii) submission of law school transcript or grade report confirming the student’s final 2L GPA meets minimum requirements.