At Baker Botts, we are committed to the recruitment, retention and development of exceptional attorneys and law students. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives and the integral role they play in the continued growth and success of our Firm. The Rufus Cormier Diversity Fellowship Program is one of our many diversity programs aimed at promoting diversity here at our Firm and in the legal profession.

In 1981, Rufus Cormier became the first African American attorney at any major Houston law firm to be promoted to partner. After graduating from SMU with honors, Cormier attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1973. Before joining Baker Botts, he served as a special assistant to special counsel for the House Judiciary Committee's Nixon Impeachment Inquiry. Cormier joined Baker Botts in 1974, where he practiced corporate and finance law.

Meet our 2024 Rufus Cormier Diversity Fellowship Recipients

• Anuj Khoje, Emory University School of Law – New York office
• Victoria Moreno-Gama, Harvard Law School – Austin office
• Evan Ortiz, Duke University School of Law – Houston office
• Akshara Rajavel, Duke University School of Law – Austin office
• Aabha Singh, University of Texas School of Law – Houston office
• Taha Syed, Georgetown University Law Center – Dallas office

The highly qualified candidates selected to receive a fellowship will be eligible to receive up to $40,000 in stipends throughout the duration of their participation in the program, in addition to a salaried Summer Associate position.

The 2025 fellowship is open to all first year law students with an anticipated graduation date of May 2027, currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, regardless of race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law.

Application Materials

• Our 2025 Online Application will open in November 2024
• Resume
• Official Undergraduate Transcript (an unofficial transcript may be submitted until an official transcript can be provided)
• Official Law School Transcript (an unofficial transcript may be submitted until an official transcript can be provided)
• Personal Statement: Please discuss your commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession or obstacles you have overcome in pursuing a legal career (500 words or less)

Selection Criteria

• Academic Achievement
• Demonstrated Leadership Attributes
• Demonstrated Commitment to Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession
• Obstacles Overcome in Pursuing a Legal Career
• Long-term Interest in Practicing Law in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.

Questions? Please reach out to one of our local Recruiting Managers.