Kramer Levin in New York launched its Racial Justice Initiative Scholars program this year, a creative effort aimed at furthering its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its first class of scholars targeted New York area law schools and included seven students in their first year of law school at Fordham University School of Law, New York University School of Law and Columbia Law School.
The Racial Justice Initiative Scholars participated in Kramer Levin’s Racial Justice Initiative pro bono clinics, which are focused on combating racial injustice and inequality, allowing first years to practice law in real-world settings while also supervised.
“The goal is to attract students dedicated to the pursuit of racial justice, provide them with exposure to the work and culture of a top-tier law firm and help transition them toward an understanding of what BigLaw is all about,” said Nada Llewellyn, Kramer Levin’s chief diversity and inclusion officer.
The clinics provide legal services to immigrants, small business owners, non-profits, veterans and non-English speakers involved in divorce proceedings. Scholars will also participate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training programs.
The goal, Llewellyn said, is to help the scholars jump-start their legal careers by exposing them to the practice of law in a real-world setting where they are supervised and supported by practicing lawyers.
The program is for law students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership ability as well as a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. Students encouraged to apply include members of diverse populations that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession, including racial, ethnic and gender minorities; members of the LGBTQ+ community; first-generation college and/or graduate students; students with disabilities; veterans and students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Part of our commitment to racial justice requires that we help to educate future practitioners on how they can align racial justice work with BigLaw practice,” she said. “At the same time, Kramer Levin hopes to cultivate its relationship with these students with the goal of increasing the diversity of our incoming associate classes.”
Llewellyn added that the Racial Justice Initiative Scholars also help maintain a competitive advantage. If our clients are looking for innovation and diverse teams, it’s not enough to have diversity present.
“There is a very strong demand for an environment where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging,” she said.
So how does a law student or attorney pursue work in racial justice?
“There are many roads you can take to focus and make an impact to racial justice,” Llewellyn said. “Experience in this space allows for a more inclusive environment.”
