Even as the Trump administration continues its broader campaign against diversity initiatives in higher education and the legal profession, Susman Godfrey doesn’t appear interested in backing down.
The litigation firm has announced the 25 recipients of this year’s Susman Godfrey Prize, which awards $5,000 to first- and second-year law students of color who have demonstrated academic excellence and overall achievement. The program, now in its sixth year, arrives at a moment when DEI-focused scholarships and pipeline initiatives are facing increasing political and legal scrutiny.
That timing is hard to ignore, particularly given Susman’s recent willingness to publicly defend diversity efforts while other firms and institutions have grown noticeably quieter.
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“These exceptional law students have demonstrated focus, creativity, and, above all, a relentless commitment to excellence — all foundational principles of our firm,” said co-managing partner Vineet Bhatia in a statement announcing the winners.
The prize is open to students nominated by law school professors or administrators and selected through a competitive review and interview process conducted by firm lawyers.
“The prize is one of many ways we aim to support positive change in the civil trial profession,” added co-managing partner Kalpana Srinivasan. “We look forward to seeing these aspiring lawyers’ continued accomplishments in their legal careers, in the courtroom, and beyond.”
At a time when many legal institutions are carefully recalibrating how they talk about diversity efforts, Susman Godfrey is still willing to put its name — and money — behind them.
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Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.