A group of 44 prominent Big Law firms faces a charge of discrimination, according to a new filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The charge, filed by the nonprofit Americans for Equal Opportunity, alleges three “white or white-presenting” applicants were denied fellowships with Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Law due to their race. These fellowships are designed to provide pre-law school opportunities for students from minority groups, which Americans for Equal Opportunity argue amounts to unlawful racial preference.
SEO Law collaborates with the 44 law firms, placing fellows in paid summer programs before they enter law school, and offers additional support such as training and access to an extensive alumni network. While the program claims to accept applicants from all backgrounds, critics have pointed to past language in promotional materials and diversity surveys that emphasize preferences for minority students.
This charge follows letters sent in March by EEOC acting Chair Andrea Lucas, which raised concerns about the partnerships’ potential discriminatory nature. Americans for Equal Opportunity’s claims and the full list of the law firms involved are detailed in a report from The American Lawyer.