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-area law schools. As part of the firm’s Racial Justice Initiative (RJI), Kramer Levin’s RJI Scholars participate in clinics and projects focused on combating racial injustice and inequality. This work helps RJI Scholars jump-start their legal careers by exposing them to the practice of law in a real-world setting where they are supervised and supported by practicing lawyers.

In addition to participating in clinics and projects, our RJI Scholars will be invited to the following:

• Monthly racial justice conversations
• Presentations from our Professional Development department (mock interviews, resume reviews, what BigLaw practice is like)
• Conversations with lawyers involved with our RJI
• Invitation to firm diversity-and-inclusion-themed programming

Eligibility Requirements

RJI Scholars program applicants must be enrolled at one of the following law schools: Brooklyn Law School, Cardozo School of Law, Columbia Law School, Fordham University School of Law, Hofstra University School of Law, NYU School of Law, or St. John’s University School of Law. Applicants must have successfully completed the first semester of the first year of a full-time J.D. program, with an expected graduation date within three years.

The RJI Scholars program is for law students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership ability, excellent writing and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in their community or at school.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted beginning Oct. 16, 2023, and will be considered on a rolling basis through Jan. 8, 2024. To apply for this program, please submit the following materials to legalrecruiting@kramerlevin.com:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 500-word personal statement that indicates your interest in becoming an RJI Scholar as well as your commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in your community, your school and/or the legal profession

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I apply?
The RJI Scholars program provides an opportunity to further demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion by directly participating in RJI projects and limited-scope clinics. The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Additionally, this program presents an opportunity for selected 1Ls to engage in experiential learning in advance of their second year of law school, which may provide a significant competitive advantage.

What role will I play in projects and limited-scope clinics?
RJI Scholars will be part of client meetings and lawyer strategy sessions, assist with note taking, and provide other support as directed by Kramer Levin supervising lawyers. RJI Scholars will also be able to conduct research and draft memos on critical topics. In both cases, scholars will have the opportunity to receive feedback and participate in debrief sessions with their supervising lawyer(s).

What is the estimated monthly time commitment?
Aside from the general training for all RJI Scholars that will take place in early 2024, we expect RJI Scholars to spend approximately three to four hours each month participating in racial justice conversations, clinics, projects and on-site professional development opportunities.

About Kramer Levin’s Racial Justice Initiative

The RJI was launched in 2020 in order to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. The RJI encourages Kramer Levin lawyers and staff to pursue pro bono work focused on assisting communities that have historically been, and continue to be, adversely impacted by racism, including in the areas of voting rights, housing, civil rights and race discrimination.

Kramer Levin has taken on impactful litigation to support civil justice, preserve voter rights and combat racially discriminatory changes to immigration laws. Our lawyers and staff host a monthly pro bono clinic to assist low- and lower-income entrepreneurs in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, help individuals file complaints with the Civil Complaint Review Board related to police misconduct, and file appeals to prevent the names of individuals from being wrongfully included in a gang database, along with many other active projects. More than 150 staff and lawyers across offices and practice areas are involved.

Learn more about our Racial Justice Initiative here.