Are you a passionate first-year law student dreaming of a career at a prestigious law firm? Here’s your chance to turn that dream into reality – and get a financial boost along the way! Baker Donelson has officially announced the launch of its 2026 Diversity Scholarship Program, inviting applications from rising 2L students worldwide who are enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
This scholarship isn’t just about funding — it’s about launching your career. Let’s dive in!
Why This Scholarship Could Be a Game-Changer?
Since 2008, Baker Donelson has awarded 39 diversity scholarships, helping future legal leaders overcome barriers and gain priceless law firm experience. In 2026, three lucky recipients will each receive:
- A minimum six (06) week salaried 2L Summer Associate position at one of Baker Donelson’s offices.
- A $20,000 scholarship to defray the cost of law school tuition and related expenses, distributed in two parts:
- $10,000 after completing your summer associate clerkship
- $10,000 upon accepting a full-time associate position after graduation.
The scholarship also offers personalized office assignments based on your preferences and firm hiring needs — flexibility that can set you up for a long and thriving legal career.
Who’s Eligible to Apply?
The 2026 Diversity Scholarship is open to all students — regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, military service, or any other protected characteristic.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
- You must complete your first year of a full-time JD program by June 2025 and have an anticipated graduation date of 2027.
- Show a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in your community and/or the legal profession.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and resilience through obstacles faced.
- Be ready to pursue a career at a large law firm.
- You must not have received a similar scholarship from another firm.
- Students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and life journeys are strongly encouraged to apply!
How to Apply?
The application window officially opens on Friday, April 25, 2025. Here’s what you need to do:
- Register: https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversity-scholarship.
- After registering, you’ll get an email link to begin your application. You can save your work and return anytime before submitting.
- Complete your application by midnight, Friday, June 13, 2025.
Application Dates to Remember:
- Interviews for selected finalists: July 9 – July 23, 2025
- Scholarship recipients announced: July 28, 2025.
