unity is embedded in opportunity.
Our former partner and U.S. Senator, Thomas F. Eagleton, was a humanitarian and changemaker. Because of his vision for a more unified America and lifelong passion to serve others, we named Thompson Coburn’s diversity scholarship after our late colleague.
Each annual scholarship recipient receives:
- A $15,000 stipend
- A full year of hands-on mentoring provided by a TC partner
- A paid summer internship for the summer following the student’s all-important first year of law school
Eagleton Scholarship Inquiries: EagletonScholarship@thompsoncoburn.com
“I believe it’s crucial to increase female representation in the legal profession. I’m thrilled to join Thompson Coburn’s Eagleton Scholarship program and appreciate the firm’s dedication to law students and future attorneys.”
Cicely Williams, 2024-25 Eagleton Scholar
scholarship eligibility
Applicants must meet each of the following requirements:
- Enrolled as a first-year law school student at one of the following institutions:
- Washington University School of Law
- Saint Louis University School of Law
- University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law
- University of Illinois School of Law
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) at undergraduate school
- Citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or able to work in the U.S. without limit as to duration or the need for employer sponsorship (students in F-1 status are not eligible)
- Demonstrate the passion and ability to promote or enhance diversity in the legal profession
- Is from the first generation in their family to graduate from college, from a demographic group that is underrepresented in the legal profession, and/or whose opportunities have been impacted by their background, life experiences or economic circumstances
Before receiving scholarships funds, recipient will be required to demonstrate admission to and plans to enroll at one of the participating law schools.
to apply
Application Form
Each applicant must complete the application form. Available May 1 – July 1 annually.
Letters of Recommendation
Each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, at least one of which may be from a professor or employer. Appropriate people to ask include employers, school advisors, coaches and recent professors. Recommendations should not be from a friend, neighbor or family member.
No more than two recommendations will be considered. If your recommenders would prefer to submit their letters independently, please have them email their letter of recommendation to: EagletonScholarship@thompsoncoburn.com.
Transcripts
Each applicant must submit an official or unofficial copy of their transcripts from both undergrad and graduate institutions.
Resume
Each applicant must submit a resume that includes recent work history and community service participation.
Essay (750-1,000 words TOTAL)
In no more than 750 – 1,000 words, each applicant must write an essay that addresses any of the five questions that we will provide you. You may incorporate more than one question from the list into your essay.
Annual Application Period
May 1 – July 1 each year
If you have any questions, please contact EagletonScholarship@thompsoncoburn.com.