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.
2025 RJI Scholars
Samantha Barnes
Brooklyn Law School – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Renewable Energy and Technology.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I’ve always been passionate about engaging in various social issues throughout my educational experience. I applied to the RJI Scholars Program to continue learning how the law can be wielded to promote equity, create opportunity, address systemic racism, and create space for marginalized communities. This program’s mentorship, immersion, and conversations around justice and accountability are incredible opportunities to see how a law firm can implement key principles.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
The program has been extremely supportive and a great opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation. We’ve discussed the challenges of facing structural obstacles when working at a firm while pursuing racial justice as law students and future attorneys.
Michelle Dong
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I'm primarily interested in transactional law, with a focus on intellectual property and funds management. On the IP side, I enjoy the creativity involved in safeguarding innovation and brand identity—especially in industries like fashion, media, or tech. At the same time, I find the financial and regulatory aspects of funds management fascinating, particularly how legal frameworks support investment structures and long-term growth. I’m still exploring both areas, but I’m excited by the possibility of building a practice that bridges creative and financial sectors.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I was drawn to the RJI Scholars program because its mission aligns closely with my own goal of using my legal education to advocate for underrepresented communities. I’m passionate about promoting equity and inclusion, particularly in creative and business spaces, and I see the law as a powerful tool to help drive that change.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in transactional law while exploring different practice areas and refining my interests. At the same time, I’m eager to give back in a meaningful way by supporting local communities.
Ume Kalsoom
Fordham University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I’m interested in pursuing a career in corporate law, where I can engage with complex legal issues while also having the opportunity to serve underrepresented communities through pro bono work.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I chose to become a Racial Justice Initiative Scholar because my commitment to confronting racial injustice is deeply personal and central to who I am. My lived experiences, academic journey, and advocacy work have all been guided by a drive to challenge systemic inequality and uplift marginalized communities. The RJI Scholars Program offers a powerful space to deepen my understanding of complex, often uncomfortable issues, while building community with others who are equally dedicated to equity and justice. I saw it as an opportunity not only to grow as a future lawyer but to gain the tools and insight needed to create meaningful change—both within the legal system and beyond it.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
Through the Scholars Program, I hope to grow not just as a law student but as someone deeply rooted in and committed to justice. I want to gain the tools to turn my passion for advocacy into meaningful, tangible change for communities that are too often ignored—communities that I am a proud member of. I’m eager to learn from mentors and peers who share that same ethos and who challenge me to think critically. Most of all, I hope to be part of the conversations that aren’t always being had—the ones that push beyond the surface.
Eva Mao
Fordham University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Transactional Law.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
This is a great opportunity to connect with law school peers who share my background, contribute to pro bono work, and make a difference as a law student.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I had the opportunity to connect with my peers and, through several RJI conversations, gained a deeper understanding of the legal industry as a first generation. Most importantly, I reaffirmed my belief that I can make a meaningful impact – not only as a law student today but also as a lawyer in the near future.
Alaina McGowen
New York University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I am interested in transactional law, though I have not yet narrowed that to a particular practice area.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I have a longstanding interest in racial and social justice and was very drawn to the pro bono work the RJI engages in. There are so few opportunities for 1Ls to gain practical experience and the RJI Scholars program has allowed me to explore my interests in the legal field by contributing to Kramer Levin's pro bono projects. I also wanted to connect with a diverse group of law students beyond my own school and have meaningful conversations about racial justice as it relates to law school, current events, future careers, and more.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to learn about how pro bono matters work at Kramer Levin, and what opportunities transactional attorneys have to engage in pro bono work focused on advancing racial and social justice. I also look forward to the discussions with the RJI Scholars on race and racial justice in the legal profession.
Olivia Sapin
Fordham University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Litigation.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I was initially interested because of Kramer Levin's strong track record in pro bono work. Then, as I learned more about the program I was really drawn to it because of the opportunities to participate in clinics. While I think I am interested in litigation, I was hopeful that these clinics would help expose me to different areas within the law that would help me to hone in on one specific area of interest.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to gain exposure to the legal world and what legal transactions are like with clients. I also enjoy the community building aspect of it and being connected with other law students, both those at my school and at other schools.
Aron Tesfai
Columbia Law School – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I applied to become an RJI Scholar because the program’s mission aligns closely with my commitment to using legal training to expand equitable access to opportunity. Having worked across state and local governments to improve public services, I’ve seen how laws and administrative policies can either reinforce or remedy systemic inequity. RJI’s focus on community empowerment and impact-driven lawyering presents a meaningful opportunity to sharpen my legal thinking while staying grounded in service and equity.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
Through RJI, I hope to join a community of advocates committed to advancing access and opportunity through the law. I’m eager to learn from experienced practitioners who blend legal strategy with deep community engagement, and to gain the tools to help ensure that the legal system works in service of inclusive economic advancement and institutional accountability.
Vanessa Thompson
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Corporate Law.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I aim to dive deep into the critical work of advancing racial justice within a legal framework, and Kramer Levin's established commitment in this area resonated with me. The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to systemic change, learn from experienced legal professionals, felt like an alignment with my values and aspirations
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
I hope to gain practical legal experience by participating in real-world settings through the monthly clinics and conversations focused on combating racial injustice and inequality. Beyond this, the program offers opportunities to network with practicing attorneys, potentially leading to valuable mentorship and career guidance. Furthermore, engaging in racial justice conversations would broaden my understanding of these critical issues within the legal profession and beyond. Overall, I hope this program will provide a significant competitive advantage through experiential learning and by deepening my commitment to racial justice, ultimately shaping me into a more effective advocate.
Mick Vilariño
New York University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
I am still trying to figure that out! I'm interested in exploring as much as I can for now. I know I love litigation but I also want to learn and grow as much as I can!
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I applied to become an RJI Scholar because I was drawn to the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful pro bono work as a first-year student, particularly within a corporate setting. The program stood out to me as a rare chance to gain hands-on experience early in my academic journey, while also contributing to real-world projects that have a tangible impact. I was especially excited about the chance to develop practical skills, collaborate with professionals, and explore the intersection of business and social responsibility in a supportive and challenging environment.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
As an RJI Scholar, I hope to gain valuable exposure to the corporate world and deepen my understanding of how legal professionals can advance racial justice within that space. I am eager to learn from the attorneys who are actively working to create a more equitable legal landscape, and to see firsthand how advocacy and corporate practice can align to drive meaningful change. Through this experience, I hope to strengthen both my legal skills and my commitment to using them in ways that promote inclusion, fairness, and systemic reform.
Ariel Zhang
St. John's University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, and Bankruptcy.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I was interested in understanding what it means to be diverse in a law firm environment but also broader legal industry context and how to foster professional environments that promote intersectional understandings of identities.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
By being a RJI Scholar, I hoped to connect with fellow 1Ls from various New York law schools and get to know Kramer Levin attorneys. I also aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the firm's work and culture. Through this opportunity, I wanted to engage in discussions with students, attorneys, and DEI professionals about the state of the legal industry and explore how young attorneys can drive meaningful change.
Ziyao Zhang
New York University School of Law – 2027
What type of law are you interested in practicing?
Litigation, but open to trying out transactional during the summer as well.
Why did you choose to apply to become an RJI Scholar?
I believe that engaging in pro bono work, particularly with a focus on racial justice, is crucial in today’s world. I also had the opportunity to connect with a former RJI scholar, who highly recommended the program to me.
In a few sentences, describe what you hope to get out of the RJI Scholars Program.
From my experience so far, the team at Kramer Levin has been incredible—not only mindful of what’s happening around them but also actively working to facilitate conversations, encourage student involvement, and provide genuine insight into BigLaw. They have made a conscious effort to pull back the curtain, allowing different people at the firm to engage with us in honest discussions about the strengths and limitations of their practices.
