In keeping with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Kramer Levin offers a Racial Justice Initiative Scholars (RJI Scholars) program for 1L law students at select New York City law schools. Learn more about our scholars below.
Lulu Alryati
Fordham University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I am not entirely positive just yet, as there are just so many interesting areas of law to explore! However, at this time, I am very interested in civil rights, international and complex litigation!
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I applied to be an RJI Scholar because I deeply care about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and improving racial justice and equity in the legal field and beyond. I'm thrilled about the chance to participate in pro bono work, be a part of a variety of impactful clinics and have meaningful conversations with others who feel the same way. This opportunity seemed just right for me, and I'm thrilled to be part of this incredible program!
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
As an RJI Scholar, I'm excited to dive into real-life discussions and reflections that we unfortunately don't often get enough time for in law school. I'm also eager to continue to get to know my peers and connect with other legal experts who share my passion for this work, with the goal of making a positive impact in the lives of others through the legal field.
Nagnouma Camara
St. John's University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I am not entirely sure of the type of law I'd like to practice yet! However, I am interested in exploring intellectual property and technology law and labor and employment law.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I applied to become an RJI Scholar because of the unique exposure to pro bono work and clinics as a first-year law student. Having worked in education and with nonprofit organizations, I was drawn to the opportunity to bridge my passion for social justice with my first-year coursework. It is easy to become trapped in your 1L "bubble" because of the demands of law school. However, this opportunity has continued to affirm why I chose this career path.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I am eager to dive into real-world challenges surrounding racial justice. I hope to gain practical experience in legal clinics and projects. Along the way, I aim to deepen my understanding of these critical issues and to contribute to building a more inclusive legal landscape.
Mariama Campbell
Fordham University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I'm interested in real estate law, intellectual property law and international arbitration.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
As an attorney, I am dedicated to promoting positive change. That's why I was excited to join Kramer Levin's racial justice initiative. This program offers me the opportunity to engage in important conversations about racial justice with legal experts. By participating, I knew I would learn more about how to create a diverse and inclusive environment in a Big Law firm.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to gain insights from attorneys who dedicate their time to advocating for communities they care about. I am excited to contribute to a program that provides a safe space for law students to discuss racial justice issues and meet other law students.
Charlene Canning
New York University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Corporate law, with special interests in capital markets, private equity and the energy sector.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
After hearing about the firm from an incoming associate, I was pleased to learn about the RJI Scholars Program. Applying class concepts and academic research skills to work that helps people was an opportunity I had to take. Being an RJI Scholar means being exposed to theoretical and practical means of increasing inclusivity in the legal profession and spreading the message of diversity's inherent value.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
In the RJI Scholars Program, I aim to refine my legal research skills further and enhance my practical understanding by leveraging insights from pro bono clients. I also hope to engage with DEI leaders to integrate inclusive practices into my work, fostering a more equitable legal landscape.
Trystan Edwards
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Intellectual property, entertainment/fashion and civil rights.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
Before attending law school, I pursued a career as an actor, where I honed the invaluable skill of connecting with others. Through tapping into characters and harnessing my empathy, I learned to build bridges between people by illuminating our shared experiences. As I transitioned into the legal field, my goal was to leverage these skills to become a catalyst for change, particularly in advancing racial justice. I found myself captivated by the intersection of corporate responsibility and racial justice. The Racial Justice Scholars Initiative at Kramer Levin caught my attention as it presented not only a chance to learn from fellow advocates who shared my passion but also an opportunity to translate my beliefs into action through Kramer Levin's pro bono work.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
As a Racial Justice Scholar, I hope to refine my leadership abilities, with the ultimate goal of integrating them into corporate settings. Additionally, I aim to acquire practical, hands-on experience in client communication and the development of essential soft skills, which are often honed only through real-world practice. Through active engagement in Kramer Levin's impactful pro bono work, I aspire to fortify my spirit of advocacy while nurturing the creative problem-solving skills essential for becoming an effective litigation attorney.
Priya Prasad
New York University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
The program presented an incredible chance to refine my lawyering abilities while exploring pro bono work and serving clients facing legal hardship.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I want to continue sharpening my research and writing skills via the experiential learning provided by the RJI program while connecting with other law students in the NY area with similar interests in racial justice.
Aluk Fontaine Richardson
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
International human rights law, with a focus on Indigenous rights.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I chose to apply because I wanted to build on the work I have done to promote diversity within the workplace and learn how to translate this to a law firm context. I was also eager to participate in meaningful discussions about racial justice with my peers and with members of the legal community.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to make connections with like-minded professionals within the legal field who share my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as further cultivate the skills necessary to become an effective legal advocate.
Sneha Sajan
Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
While I am unsure of what type of law I would be interested in practicing yet, I know that I want my work to help serve marginalized communities. Currently, I find myself interested in antidiscrimination law, immigration and impact litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I chose to apply to become an RJI Scholar because I am committed to cultivating equitable spaces, and I believe that requires consistently educating myself. After working in the social impact sector and nonprofit space, I was particularly drawn to how the law could be used as a mechanism to promote racial justice.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I believe that the RJI Scholars Program provides 1Ls the unique opportunity to engage in challenging conversations regarding racial justice that we may not be able to have in the classroom. As an RJI Scholar, I hope to discuss and unpack social issues with fellow peers and gain insight into the resources we can utilize to become better advocates. In turn, I want to use this experience and opportunity to drive how I approach social justice issues in the future.
Sanjana Singh
New York University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I chose to apply to become an RJI Scholar so I could form a stronger understanding of the work that promotes equity in legal workplaces. I also wanted the opportunity to gain learning experience outside a classroom setting and with peers from outside my school. My undergraduate research was focused on how climate, housing and drug policy disproportionately negatively impact low-income communities of color, and I wanted to expand on that research by learning how to make a positive impact from a legal perspective.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I am hoping to form a stronger community of peers from various schools and law firms who are all committed to racial and social justice in legal settings. I look forward to understanding the current issues in the legal community that are related to racial justice and how Kramer Levin is tackling them as an institution.
Chloé Quinn Sotomayor
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I am interested in practicing criminal law and trial litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I am passionate about racial justice and have participated in numerous pro bono projects during my first year of law school. Becoming an RJI Scholar allowed me the opportunity to do so with other like-minded attorneys and my cohort while considering race and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while working in the private sector.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I thoroughly enjoyed my cohort, the attorneys and the clients I met. I enjoyed participating in different clinics that catered to the specialized needs of different clients of various backgrounds. I anticipate taking the skills I observed and the lessons discussed during our monthly discussions into every work that I pursue.
Jalen Wright
Fordham University School of Law – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Commercial real estate law.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
The RJI Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity to gain meaningful work experience as a first-year law student, assisting with legal matters I am passionate about. (Also, the people are amazing!)
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I want to learn what pro bono advocacy looks like at a Big Law firm and build strong connections with other RJI Scholars and Kramer Levin lawyers.
Yanghe Zhou
Brooklyn Law School – 2026
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
International arbitration and litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I applied to become an RJI Scholar because I wanted to do tangible work that promotes diversity and inclusion in the legal industry. I also wanted to connect with other law students and practicing lawyers who are interested in combating racial injustice and inequality.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I am eager to participate in pro bono clinics that assist asylum seekers and small businesses. I also look forward to engaging in racial justice conversations that target difficult but important topics.
