Open/Close

Diversity Scholars Program

image description

Diversity Scholars Program

Diversity

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 all 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 $100,000 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 in advancing their career objectives, as well as others with unique life experiences that have shaped their values and professional goals. 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.

We are accepting 2025 scholarship applications now! Please complete the 2025 Diversity Scholars Application. You can submit your materials and direct your questions to ScholarshipApplications@keker.com.