Funding the Education of the Next Generation of African American Leaders in Dallas Supporting Pro Bono Legal Service Organizations Working in Our Community
HOUSTON, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Issues of diversity in the legal
profession are hot topics today. Much of the discussion centers on hiring
more diverse lawyers. Susman Godfrey is taking it a step further -- by
providing the monies to educate more diverse lawyers.
The law firm of Susman Godfrey L.L.P. has endowed a new scholarship
that will be awarded each year to an African-American law student who is a
resident of Texas. The scholarship can be used at any accredited law school
in the country.
The Marie Trahan/Susman Godfrey Scholarship is named in memory of Marie
Trahan, who was the firm's long-time receptionist in their Houston office.
"For 25 years, Marie Trahan was the familiar face and voice that greeted
our lawyers, staff and clients," said Susman Godfrey's managing partner,
Steve Susman. "As an African American, Ms. Trahan was certainly aware of
the need for more diversity in our profession. I can think of no better way
to honor her memory and her important contributions to the firm than by
supporting this ongoing cause."
The Marie Trahan/Susman Godfrey Scholarship will be administered by the
foundation of the Dallas-based J.L. Turner Legal Association. This
African-American bar association also administers the Barbara Jordan
Scholarship, the Fred Finch Scholarship and the Judge's Scholarship. All
are based on both merit and need. One of Susman Godfrey's current
associates benefited from a previous JLTLA Foundation scholarship.
"We constantly speak about the need to fill the pipeline with more
African-American law students," said JLTLA President Vicki D. Blanton.
"Susman Godfrey's endowment supports this mission and more -- 'walking the
talk' when it comes to diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
We are grateful for this donation."
"Because of the overwhelming response within the firm to the idea of
establishing a scholarship in honor of Ms. Trahan, we are making a
contribution of $103,305 to be used to endow this scholarship," said Susman
Godfrey's diversity committee chair, Ophelia Camina. "This amount is an
amazing testament to Ms. Trahan's service and friendship as well as to the
firm's commitment to diversity in the legal profession."