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Caira Butler and Cicely Williams Named 2024 Eagleton Scholarship Recipients

September 30, 2024

Thompson Coburn is thrilled to announce that the 2024-2025 Eagleton Scholarship has been awarded to Caira Butler (University of Illinois College of Law) and Cicely Williams (Saint Louis University School of Law).

The Thomas F. Eagleton Scholarship, established in honor of TC's late partner and former U.S. Senator, is an annual award bestowed upon first-year law students. Recipients receive a year-long mentorship from a TC partner, a generous stipend, and a summer associate position the following summer. Currently, to be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, prospective Eagleton Scholars must be enrolled at one of the following law schools: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri in Columbia, or Washington University.

"Thompson Coburn is delighted to award scholarships to Caira and Cicely in recognition of their potential as future legal professionals,” said Judge Booker Shaw.

Caira Butler received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a student, Caira was a member of the Illinois Promise Council, a student committee for recipients of the Illinois Promise Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship program that covers tuition and living expenses for high-achieving, first-generation college students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, she served as a peer student representative on the panel for academic violation appeals, working under the supervision of the Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Academic Affairs.

"I'm honored to be part of Thompson Coburn's esteemed Eagleton Scholars program,” said Caira. “I'm committed to making a positive impact on the legal profession."

Cicely Williams graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University with a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. During her undergraduate years, she was actively involved in a variety of organizations, including academic honor societies Pi Sigma Alpha and Psi Chi, the Psychology & Brain Sciences Honors Program, and the women's fitness and wellness community CHAARG. Additionally, she has been a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Junior League, two organizations focused on women's leadership and community service. 

"I believe it's crucial to increase female representation in the legal profession,” said Cicely. "I'm thrilled to join Thompson Coburn's Eagleton Scholarship program and appreciate their dedication to law students and future attorneys."

Each year, members of TC’s Diversity Committee volunteer to serve as Eagleton Scholarship Sub-Committee members and undertake the task of interviewing potential candidates. 

This year's Scholarship Sub-Committee included: