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 (DE&I) Essay Program to receive $2,500 diversity scholarships.

The program begins today and is open to all students currently enrolled in an accredited law school. Participants have until Jan. 31, 2025 to submit their essays, which must address the following prompt:

Discuss a challenge or obstacle you have faced related to your background and explain how overcoming it has prepared you for a career in law. What lessons did you learn that will make you a more effective advocate and ally to those from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds.

The firm has created a Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship website to assist students with their essay and personal information submissions. It can be accessed at https://plunkettcooney.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. 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 DE&I discussion within the legal industry. As such, the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion scholarship program is a natural extension of its DE&I goals, which include attracting and retaining law school students from all backgrounds.

Plunkett Cooney’s DE&I Committee members work with the firm’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Audrey J. Forbush 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 diversity and inclusion.

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 for midsize law firms, which recognizes leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion 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 about the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Program.

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