HBCU Scholarship Program

We are proud to offer the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholarship program for high-achieving law students who have an interest in corporate law.

It's not enough to say we want a diverse legal profession. We have to meaningfully invest in it. At Goodwin, years of practicing law have taught us that our investment is best placed those who bring new perspectives and help create a more inclusive environment. We know that the recruitment and retention of talent from all backgrounds is foundational to shaping a more diverse and equitable legal industry, and we’re proud to offer resources for students from HBCUs to showcase new perspectives to our lawyers and clients alike.

THE PROGRAM

Goodwin will provide $15,000 scholarships to recent graduates or graduating seniors or of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who will be starting law school in the fall.

Awardees will have the opportunity to interact with Goodwin lawyers over the course of the year, as well as learn more about our organizations and various legal practices. Each awardee will also take part in a mentorship relationship with a Goodwin lawyer in group and individual settings during their 1L year.

Upon completion of their 1L year at law school, the scholarship recipients will be considered for positions in Goodwin’s 1L Diversity Fellowship program.

To qualify for a scholarship, candidates must:

  • Be a recent graduate of an HBCU or be enrolled in good standing at an HBCU with an expected graduation date in or around May 2024
  • Receive acceptance to, and plan to attend, an ABA-accredited law school starting in the fall semester
  • Express a genuine interest in pursuing a legal career in corporate law
  • Not participate in a similar program or be an award recipient of another law firm
  • Not be an immediate family member of a Goodwin lawyer or employee
  • Not be a Goodwin client or employee of a Goodwin client

Successful applications will demonstrate:

  • Exceptional academic performance
  • Outstanding leadership abilities
  • A commitment to community service
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Candidates interested in applying must complete the online application, which includes the submission of a resume, current undergraduate transcript and personal statement of no more than 500 words. The personal statement should include examples of the applicant’s leadership qualities, contributions to their community, and interest in corporate law.

Testimonials

As a Morehouse College graduate, I am proud that Goodwin continues to offer this scholarship. The firm’s focus on HBCU graduates recognizes the role that HBCUs play in feeding the pipeline of talented students into law schools. This scholarship is an effort to serve the community and the legal profession beyond the firm’s walls by strengthening that pipeline.
Calvin Wingfield
IP Litigation Partner and Co-Chair of Goodwin’s Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the HBCU Scholarship program, please contact us at HBCUscholarships@goodwinlaw.com.