Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program

The Scholar Program of the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law (FADIPL) is open to STEM-educated individuals who identify as members of racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the patent law profession and who are interested in exploring a career in patent law in the United States as fulltime law students.  The Foundation recruits STEM-trained individuals to seek law school admission and apply for recognition as Scholars.  The Scholar Program assists individuals selected as Scholars throughout the law school admissions process, providing both financial assistance (up to $5,000 in the form of 1L tuition grants to cover application/admissions-related costs) and mentoring support.  During law school, Scholars are provided additional career-preparation and career readiness support through various Foundation activities and programs.  Entry into the program requires completing an online application, with Scholars being accepted into the Scholar Program throughout the year.

The Foundation is currently targeting the selection of 25 new 1L Scholars each year.

Options for what a Company or a Law Firm Could Provide to FADIPL

• Mentorship

• Participation as a mentor in the Foundation’s Scholar Mentorship Program.

• Sponsorship

• Direct financial support (see existing donor list)

• Become a sponsoring employer in the Foundation’s 1L Patent Summer Associate Program

• A sponsoring employer must have internship/clerkship positions available for scholars

• Organizational Support

• Service on the Foundation’s 50+ member Board of Trustees

• Membership on one of the Foundation’s five Program Committees

Organizations who want to support FADIPL on the organization-level can be part of the Foundation’s Partner Liaison Program.