$20,000 1L Diversity Scholarship and 2025 Summer Associate Program
This scholarship is part of Warner’s commitment to growing and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve in Michigan. We are actively searching for exceptional and forward-thinking students who bring innovative and fresh perspectives which we feel will enhance our commitment to client service and will continue to foster our culture of inclusion.
Warner’s goal is to support students throughout their law school journey, easing any financial burdens while enabling law students to embark on a meaningful and impactful legal practice that will benefit society, the clients we serve, and our firm.
An eligible 1L law student will receive a tuition scholarship of up to $20,000 and have the opportunity to participate in our 2025 Summer Associate Program, based in either our Detroit or Grand Rapids office. The recipient will also receive a weekly salary throughout the 10-week summer program.
The application process is open to all law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, regardless of race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law.
Application Requirements
- Current Resume
- Undergraduate Transcript
- 1L Transcript showing enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school. GPAs of 3.0 or above are preferred, but lower GPAs will be considered with context included in the personal statement.
- Personal Statement: Please submit a one-page statement outlining your commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within your community and/or the legal profession. Include specific examples that demonstrate your personal efforts and contributions toward advancing these principles.
Applications will be accepted from 1L students from December through January and will be considered on a rolling basis. The scholarship recipient will be notified by March of 2025.
Selection Criteria
Warner’s Summer Associate Hiring Committee will evaluate all applications and consider the following factors:
- A proven commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within their communities and/or the legal profession.
- Notable academic accomplishments and leadership achievements.
- Challenges or obstacles (financial or otherwise) faced in pursuing career objectives.
- Life experiences that have influenced their values, including a dedication to DE&I, and shaped their professional aspirations.
- A strong interest in building a legal career and contributing to the legal community in Michigan.
Once application materials are submitted, selected applicants will be invited to participate in video screening interviews, followed by in person interviews.
Scholarship Payment Details
The recipient receives a weekly salary throughout the ten-week program, in addition to the below which is to be paid in two installments.
| Payment Amount | Payment Terms | Payment Timeline |
| $10,000 | 1. Offer and acceptance of a 1L Summer Associate position. | Payment with first paycheck as a Summer Associate in May of 2025. |
| $10,000 | 1. Successful completion of our summer associate program in 2025. 2. Successful completion of a full or partial summer associate program in 2026. 3. Offer and acceptance of Associate position. 4. Successful completion of law school and after taking the Bar exam. | Payment with first paycheck as a first-year Associate at Warner in September of 2027. |
For questions, please contact Kristin Williams (kwilliams@wnj.com).
To learn more about our summer associate program, please visit us at https://www.wnj.com/careers/summer-associates/.
To learn more about our commitment to diversity, please visit us at https://www.wnj.com/firm/overview/commitment-to-diversity/.