Women who #makehistory leave a lasting legacy.
That’s certainly true at Cadwalader, where Catherine Noyes Lee was elected our first woman partner nearly 80 years ago, while also becoming the first woman partner of a major Wall Street firm. Catherine pursued bold change not only to fulfill her own career aspirations, but also to support those of her contemporaries and future generations of women and girls. As she told The New York World-Telegram newspaper at the time of her election to the partnership, “I hope other old firms will think about this and take women lawyers in. It has not been their policy. I could name one woman lawyer after another who would be a distinct asset as a partner.”
To honor and build on Catherine’s legacy, we have established the Catherine Noyes Lee 2L Diversity Scholarship.
The 2L Diversity Scholar will be an outstanding second-year law student with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The 2L Diversity Scholar will be a summer associate in one of our U.S. offices in our 2025 summer class.
The 2L Diversity Scholar will be paid the summer associate salary during their 10 weeks and will be eligible to receive a scholarship of $15,000. The first half of the scholarship ($7,500) will be paid upon completion of the 10-week fellowship and acceptance of a full-time offer to join the firm as a first-year associate. The second half of the scholarship ($7,500) will be paid upon the start date of employment. Applicants may not be the recipient of a similar diversity award from another law firm. Applicants also must be able to start the Fall of their class year to be eligible for the scholarship.
Authorized to work in the US.
A history of overcoming adversity or other challenges, which may include challenges related to being a member of a historically under represented group in the legal profession, including but not limited to (a) members of racial and/or ethnic minority groups (b) women (c) LGBTQ+ (d) differently abled (e) veterans (f) first generation students or (g) from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background.
Enrollment at an ABA-accredited law school with an expected graduation date of spring 2027.
Outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and active involvement in the community.
You can apply for the 2025 2L Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship through our 2L summer associate application process which will open in the Spring.
