1L Diversity Fellowship FAQs

What office should I apply to?
Perkins Coie's 1L Diversity Fellowship program is designed to increase the number of diverse attorneys who may eventually begin full-time employment with the firm. To that end, you should only apply to the office in the city where you genuinely would like to live and start your practice as an entry-level attorney.

What does the firm consider "diverse"? Am I "diverse"?
Our definition of diversity is broad and encompasses race, gender, ethnicity, those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or of a transgender experience, as well as those of differing social, religious or economic backgrounds, or those who may be underrepresented or perceived to be underrepresented within the law school community or the legal profession. If you feel that you are diverse in one or more of these ways, or in another way, please apply and share your unique story with us.

How important are law school grades?
As with any competitive process, undergraduate, graduate (if applicable), and law school grades are important evaluative factors. However, other factors, including a quality personal statement, relevant previous professional experience and ties to the area to which you are applying, are also weighed.

My law school grades won't be released by the application deadline. Can I still apply? What should I do?
This is a common occurrence. You can and should still apply. Please submit all other application materials by the application deadline and then follow up by providing your grades to us as soon as they become available.

What kind of writing sample should I provide?
The ideal writing sample demonstrates legal analysis and your writing ability.  If you do not have a legal writing sample, a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to summarize information, analyze it and draw conclusions is best.

How important is my personal statement? What role does my personal statement play in being selected?
A quality personal statement is essential to your application. An effective personal statement provides us with a sense of who you are both as a candidate and as an individual, and shares with us your desire to contribute to the legal community and the community at large.

How many references should I provide and who are the best choices to include?
Please provide three references. Include for each their name, title, email, phone number, and a brief description of your relationship to each reference. You should provide references who can speak about any legal-related work that you may have completed in the past or comment on your legal writing and research abilities. References that can speak about other professional experiences are helpful as well.

When can I expect to be informed of the status of my candidacy?
You should expect to hear from the office to which you applied regarding the status of your candidacy by mid-February.