|
Shearman & Sterling NAACP LDF Scholarship
Since 1991, Shearman & Sterling, in partnership with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), has sponsored annually two scholarships for African-American law students. Along with a $15,000 renewable grant, the program offers a combination of summer internships and attorney-mentor support.
The scholarship is awarded for the first year of law school, and is renewable for the second and third years, provided the scholar maintains an acceptable academic record and progresses normally toward graduation within three consecutive years. The grant has two components: $13,500 represents the scholarship and $1,500 is the allowance for the costs of attending the LDF's yearly Civil Rights Institute.
Each scholar is assigned two attorney-mentors, one from Shearman & Sterling and one from LDF, during his/her first year of school, and the mentors are available throughout the scholar's law school tenure. The mentors provide general support and advice, as well as introduce the scholar to the different practices at the firm and LDF. Additionally, each scholar will participate in workshops during his/her first year of school. After completing the second year of law school, each scholar will participate in the summer internship programs at the firm and at LDF, spending half the summer with each organization.
Beyond financial assistance, the goal of the scholarship is to afford the scholars hands-on experience in both private practice and public interest law. Several of the scholarship recipients have accepted offers to join Shearman & Sterling as attorneys. Others have gone on to practice in the nonprofit and government arena, including at the LDF, the Department of Justice and the Office of the Appellate Defender.
The firm's sponsorship of the scholarship program was profiled in the New York Law Journal.
Requirements
Students applying to law school may submit scholarship applications in their final undergraduate year. Individuals planning a career change to law are also welcome to submit applications. Scholars are selected on the basis of academics, career achievement, financial need and a personal commitment to both the legal profession and public service. Typically, two scholarships per year are awarded.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of attorneys from Shearman & Sterling and LDF. Finalists are invited to New York City, as guests of the firm, for personal interviews with the committee. For an application, please contact:
The Earl Warren Legal Training Program
Att: Shearman & Sterling Scholarship Program
99 Hudson Street, 16th Floor
New York, New York 10013
|