The Diversity & Inclusion Scholars Initiative
In 2017, we launched the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program in partnership with four law firms – DLA Piper; Gallagher, Evelius & Jones; Miles & Stockbridge; and Pessin Katz Law – that share our commitment to a diverse and vibrant legal community. We recently welcomed a fifth partner – Gordon Feinblatt as well as two corporate partners, T. Rowe Price and Deloitte.
The program’s centerpiece is an endowed scholarship fund created through the generous support of our partners, along with matching funds from the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation and investment from the School of Law. Each year, approximately ten incoming students who contribute to the diversity of Maryland Carey Law are selected to be part of the program and receive scholarship support. Diversity Scholars must have demonstrated leadership and an ability to overcome challenges to their professional values and career goals.
While the endowed scholarship is the program’s cornerstone, the initiative takes a broad approach aimed at promoting and fostering diversity and inclusion at the School of Law. In conjunction with the School of Law’s Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, the program is advised by a committee on diversity and inclusion, consisting of representatives from the partners. The committee facilitates and participates in mentorship programs and opportunities for student scholars to interact with the legal community, including for example:
- Individual mentoring from attorneys whose firms are part of the Initiative
- Firm-hosted networking events, lunches, or happy hours
- Inviting scholars to attend events in the Baltimore legal community, such as bar association meetings, networking receptions, etc.
- Law school diversity programing
- Mock interviewing and other skills-building exercises
These opportunities help the students with their networking skills, but also in their ability to create a connection to Baltimore.
Diversity Scholars enter the program as a community of scholars and have opportunities inside and out of the classroom to develop a sense of community and belonging. The scholars also participate in other social and networking events to build a sense of unity and community. While academic paths may diverge in the 2L and 3L years, the program is designed in a way that involves upper-class scholars (as mentors, role models, and advisors) throughout their time at Maryland Carey Law.
In the Spring of 2020, we graduated the first cohort of graduates and welcomed 14 new scholars in the Fall of 2020.
Cummings Scholarship
Established in 2019, The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings Scholarship pays tribute to Congressman Cummings, his many contributions to society, and his standing as one of Maryland Carey Law's most distinguished alumni. Created and endowed by the Maryland Carey Law Board of Visitors, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate an interest in public service, a strong record of academic excellence, and financial need. Congressman Cummings was a leader both locally and nationally, and this scholarship aims to empower law students to become leaders in the legal community. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2020. Learn more about the scholarship here.
Rose Zetzer Fellows
Named for the first woman admitted to the Maryland State Bar Association, the WLE’s Rose Zetzer Fellowship program integrates theory and practice to prepare students for success in leadership positions in law, business, government, nonprofits, and the judiciary.
The fellowship combines leadership experience with a workshop focused on topics including personal negotiation, communication, strategic career planning, business development, fundraising, and organizational behavior and dynamics. Fellows also have the opportunity to meet prominent women lawyers in leadership roles who share their perspectives on the pressures, obstacles, and dilemmas they faced in achieving their positions.
Maryland Carey Law is consistently lauded as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation. We attract students from a variety of backgrounds all over the world to add to our diverse student body. The 2020 entering class consisted of 35% students of color. Additionally, nearly 50% of our full-time faculty members are women and nearly 60% of our deans are women, people of color and/or members of the LGBTQ community.
