Defying Political Backlash, Susman Godfrey Expands Diversity Scholarship Amid Legal Battle with Trump Administration

At a time when many corporate law leaders have gone silent on diversity efforts they publicly championed just six months ago, Susman Godfrey brushed political backlash fears aside and made a defiant statement Friday.

The Houston-based litigation powerhouse announced that it is doubling down on its efforts to provide funds to “law students of color who have demonstrated academic excellence and overall achievement” by increasing the number of diverse students they award money to and bolstering the amount that they award.

In a press release, the firm said that it would award the Susman Godfrey Prize of $4,000 to 25 first-year and second-year law students — up from 20 students last year each receiving $3,500.

“In its fifth year, the Susman Godfrey Prize continues to champion law students of color who embody values of integrity, leadership, and academic excellence,” firm Co-Managing Partner Kalpana Srinivasan said in a press release. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated great potential for promising legal careers, and we hope this recognition serves as a helpful step forward in achieving their professional goals.”

“The firm is honored to continue to award and recognize law students for their hard work and dedication to the legal profession,” Co-Managing Partner Vineet Bhatia added.

Susman Godfrey’s bold announcement comes as the firm is battling President Donald Trump, who issued an executive order last month accusing the law firm of being a threat to national security because it supports anti-American causes and clients and has used the legal system to undermine the elections.

President Trump’s EO also accuses the firm of employing diversity programs that violate federal discrimination laws.