Harter, Secrest & Emery Offers Cornell Law School Diversity

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Apr 6, 2005 by Staff

Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP has become the first firm to establish a diversity scholarship program specifically for a student of Cornell Law School. The Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP Diversity Scholarship Program provides a first-year Cornell Law School student with a $5,000 scholarship and a paid summer associate position at the firm's Rochester office.

According to John R. DeRosa, assistant dean for student services at Cornell Law School, Harter Secrest has created a wonderful opportunity for one of our first-year law students. Aside from the obvious financial benefits, which are considerable, this program will expose the recipient to a sophisticated, multi-faceted legal practice in a highly supportive environment.

Cornell is a great fit for Harter's Diversity Scholarship program, said Maureen Alston, managing partner at Harter, Secrest & Emery. At nearly 15 percent Cornell Law graduate population, we are a firm with one of the country's highest concentrations of Cornell Law graduates. Our objective is to continuously broaden the diversity of our attorneys. This program is intended to support that objective and our ultimate goal - to provide better service to our clients and create a richer work environment.

The first recipient of the award is Nicole K. Wright of Altamonte Springs, FL. Wright entered Cornell Law School in September where, in addition to her studies, she is active in the Black Law Student Association.

Nicole was selected on the basis of her academic record, and other factors that evidence great promise for a successful career in the legal profession. In both her academic and professional life, Nicole has demonstrated a strong work ethic and an ability to work well in a team environment in a manner that is supportive of all those around her, said Paul Sylvestri, chair of the firm's Recruiting Committee. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Nicole this coming summer.