Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP is committed to increasing the diversity of the legal profession, particularly in our areas of practice - complex civil, intellectual property, and white-collar criminal litigation.

As part of that commitment, we invite first-year law students to apply to our annual Diversity Scholars program, which includes a scholarship grant and access to professional development resources.

In recent years, we’ve awarded nearly $400,000 in scholarship money to numerous recipients, who represent a broad range of identities and experiences. This year, Keker, Van Nest & Peters will award up to $80,000 in scholarship grants, split among up to four recipients. The exact amount and number of scholarships will depend on the volume of applicants, their qualifications, financial need, and other criteria as detailed in the application.

As Diversity Scholars, first-year law students will meaningfully expand their professional network with experienced trial attorneys and will receive:

* A scholarship grant
* 1:1 academic and professional mentoring by an associate from the firm
* Invitations to firm events including continuing legal education courses, speakers series presentations, and other professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications
Qualified scholarship applicants must be current first-year law students who are interested in practicing litigation in the Bay Area and who have overcome significant adversity and who would contribute to the diversity of experiences and perspectives in the legal community, including, for instance, those who have overcome adversity stemming from their membership in a protected class—such as those who have suffered discrimination or hardship based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or those who have overcome adversity based on socioeconomic status or other basis—as well as others who would contribute to the diversity of litigators in our community based on their experiences as individuals.

While financial need is not required, it will be strongly considered. Other factors considered will include the applicant’s personal statement, academic record, employment history, clinical or other non-academic legal experience, community service, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in complex litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area after graduation.

Employees of Keker, Van Nest & Peters, family members of employees, and persons with pending or accepted offers of employment are not eligible.

The 2024 scholarship application is now open. Please complete and submit your application by February 2, 2024.

For more information, e-mail ScholarshipApplications@keker.com
Application available here.