Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest’s oldest and most accomplished law firms, will select three law school students who participate in its Laurel F. McGiffert Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Essay Program to receive $2,500 diversity scholarships.

The program begins today and is open to all students currently enrolled in an American Bar Association accredited law school. Participants have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026, to submit their essays, which must address the following prompt:

Describe a situation where you had to confront your own biases or privileges. How did this experience change your worldview and how do you see it impacting your career in the law?

The firm has created a scholarship processing website to assist students with their essay and personal information submissions. It can be accessed at https://plunkettcooney.isolvedhire.com/apply/0-0.php. Questions about the scholarship program application process can be directed to Jennifer Barczak at (248) 901-4084; jbarczak@plunkettcooney.com.

Since 2002, Plunkett Cooney has been among the law firms leading the DEI discussion within the legal industry. As such, the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion scholarship program is a natural extension of its DEI goals, which include attracting and retaining law school students from all backgrounds.

Plunkett Cooney’s DEI Committee members work with the firm’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ellen B. Jannette, to coordinate related activities, which include a focus on recruitment, retention, training, mentoring and community involvement. Each year, Plunkett Cooney supports numerous affinity groups, community organizations and law school student organizations that are focused on advancing DEI.

Established in 1913, Plunkett Cooney is a leading provider of business and litigation services to clients in the private and public sectors. The firm employs attorneys in seven Michigan cities, Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio. Plunkett Cooney has achieved the highest rating (AV) awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, a leading, international directory of law firms.

Plunkett Cooney has achieved the highest rating (AV) awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, a leading, international directory of law firms. The firm has also received Mansfield Rule Certification Plus 2024-2025 for midsize law firms, which recognizes leaders in DEI within the legal industry.

Members of the media may contact the firm’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, John Cornwell at (248) 901-4008; jcornwell@plunkettcooney.com for more information regarding the Laurel F. McGiffert Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship.

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