2027 1L Diversity Scholarship

Closing Date: 3rd January, 2027

Description:

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is accepting applications for our 1L Diversity Scholarship in our Portland, Oregon office.

The selected student will work in a paid 2027 summer associate position and will be eligible to receive up to $15,000 in scholarship funding. Scholarship payments are made in three installments: $5,000 following successful completion of the 10-week Summer Associate Program as a 1L, $5,000 following successful completion of the 10-week Summer Associate Program as a 2L, and $5,000 upon joining the firm as a first year associate.

Our vision is to foster a culture where all talented individuals—including those who are from communities traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession—can have, and can see, paths to success.
Build your career at a firm that recognizes your individual strengths, fosters genuine collaboration, and creates opportunities to serve clients and communities in meaningful ways.

Your Journey Starts Here
We want future colleagues who spend their summers with us to get the full experience of working at DWT. That means taking on complex work for market-leading clients alongside colleagues who are invested in your growth and eager to share the expertise and insight that help build a successful practice. It also means becoming part of a community that values excellence in client service and teamwork, fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, gives back to our communities, and supports rich, fulfilling lives outside the office.

So, what does that actually look like? It means doing everything from drafting motions and contracts to assisting with pro bono matters and preparing for and attending client meetings, depositions, negotiations, and trials. It means getting legal and professional skills training through our practice and industry groups, and being paired with mentors who align with your goals and interests. And it means getting to know your colleagues both inside and outside the office through affinity groups, events like our Summer Associate Retreat, and the many conversations that happen over lunch and coffee.

By the end of the summer, you'll know what it's like to be a first year associate at DWT—and a member of our community. Come join us!

Our 1L Diversity Scholarships are open to all first-year law students. We are looking for students who:

• Commit to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal profession;
• Take an entrepreneurial approach to their work and career;
• Excel in written and oral communication, research, and analysis;
• Prioritize collaboration, effective use of time, and professional responsibility;
• Bring creativity and confidence to their work;
• Are currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school;
• Have an interest in working on litigation and/or transactional matters; and
• Intend to practice in Portland, Oregon after law school.

Please have the following documents ready to upload for your application:

• Current resume
• Cover letter (please indicate your connection to Portland, Oregon in the letter and address to Sandra Morriss, Manager, Law Student Talent Acquisition)
• Personal Statement*
• Legal writing sample, not heavily edited by a third party (generally 5-10 pages)
• List of three references (one of whom is qualified to comment on your law school work)
• Complete undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Law school transcript for fall term (unofficial copy is acceptable)**

Your personal statement should help us learn more about you and should address the requirements of the position, including a commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal profession. This includes your personal experiences and information not readily available on your resume. Your personal statement should be no more than one page, single-spaced, and 12-point font. Please include your name in the header but do not address your personal statement to anyone.

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