Lewis Rice launches Deskins scholarship, other diversity programs

As part of its ongoing commitment to proactively promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal industry, Lewis Rice has launched several “Next Level” programs.

In honor of late partner Larry L. Deskins, Lewis Rice will award two $7,500 scholarships to first-year law students at Washington University, Saint Louis University or University of Missouri law schools who are members of economically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups in the legal profession. Student submissions will be accepted between Nov. 30, 2021, and Jan. 15, 2022. The first scholarships will be awarded in the fall of 2022.

Deskins, who was among the first Black attorneys to be elevated to partner at a Missouri law firm, died March 22, 2020 at age 68. Lewis Rice previously announced a $25,000 donation to the Golf Foundation of Missouri in Deskins’ honor.

In addition, beginning in the summer of 2022, Lewis Rice will offer a paid internship to a qualified Harris-Stowe State University student from an economically or academically disadvantaged group who is interested in a career in law.

Lewis Rice also has adopted a policy awarding billable-hours credit to lawyers who engage in activities such as serving on the diversity and inclusion committee, a bar association or affinity group dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and participating in activities designed to recruit, mentor, and retain underrepresented attorneys and staff.