Shumaker strives to provide exceptional legal services through building teams that bring together varied perspectives, experiences, and talents. We believe that creating an environment where all team members can succeed strengthens our ability to serve our clients and enriches our professional community.
Scholarship Overview
The Shumaker Excellence in Law Scholarship Program offers merit-based scholarships to help outstanding law students achieve their educational goals. The program provides, at Shumaker’s discretion, a $7,500.00 scholarship to one (1) or two (2) exceptional first or second year law students who are enrolled at an ABA accredited law school and who participate in the firm’s summer associate program. This scholarship supplements the standard summer associate salary and assists in offsetting law school expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Outstanding undergraduate and law school academic credentials
- Demonstrated leadership abilities
- Meaningful community involvement
- Interest in practicing law after graduation in a geographic area where our firm maintains offices
- Ability to contribute unique perspectives and experiences that enhance our firm’s ability to serve our expansive client base
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive professional environment
This scholarship is open to all first- and second-year law students who apply and will be awarded based on merit and regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, medical condition, veteran status, disability status and any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
Program Requirements
- Recipients must participate in and complete the firm's summer associate program following their first or second year of law school
- The program requires a minimum commitment of six to eight weeks (varying by office location)
- While we consider office location preferences, Shumaker reserves the right to determine final placement
- The scholarship will be disbursed upon successful completion of the summer associate program
- Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible for additional scholarships in subsequent program years
Application Materials
Interested candidates must submit:
1. Current resume highlighting:
- Academic achievements
- Leadership experience
- Community engagement
- Professional accomplishments
- Personal achievements
2. Current law school transcript
3. Personal statement (maximum 500 words) addressing:
- Your unique perspectives and experiences
- How your background and skills would contribute to our firm’s excellence in client service
- Your vision for contributing to an inclusive legal profession
4. One to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Selection Process
Scholarship recipients are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of all application materials, with emphasis on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Professional promise
- Demonstrated commitment to community service
- Ability to contribute to the firm’s excellence in client service
All employment decisions and scholarship awards are made based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities.