May 7, 2026 – Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international energy, technology, and life sciences law firm, announced that six students have been selected to receive the firm’s 2026 Rufus Cormier Diversity Fellowship.

The fellowship is named after retired Baker Botts partner Rufus Cormier, who in 1981 became the first African American partner at a major corporate law firm in the State of Texas. Cormier retired from Baker Botts in 2013 after 39 years with the firm.

In addition to academic achievement, recipients have demonstrated strong leadership attributes and a commitment to promoting diverse perspectives in the legal profession. The fellowship award is open to all 1L students. 

“Rufus Cormier was a major reason I came to Baker Botts,” said Managing Partner Danny David. “When I think about what this firm stands for, his drive, his standard, and his investment in people are what come to mind. The fellowship provides scholarship support and a place in our summer program, and both of those matter, but what sets it apart is that it carries his name.”

“Rufus Cormier opened doors through his work and his example, and this fellowship is one way we carry that legacy forward,” said Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Heather Choi. “We look for students who pair strong academic performance with a clear commitment to expanding opportunity in the legal community.”

The 2026 Rufus Cormier Diversity Fellowship recipients are:

• Sara Anderson, George Washington University Law School - San Francisco office
• Cornelia Dixon, Georgetown University Law Center - Washington, D.C. office
• Jesse Donkor, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law - New York office
• Muhammad Ikram, Southern Methodist University School of Law - Dallas office
• Isabella Luedtke, J. Reuben Clark Law School - Houston office
• Cody Taylor, William & Mary Law School - Washington, D.C. office

Baker Botts is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of exceptional attorneys and law students. Diverse perspectives play an integral role in the continued growth of the firm, and the Rufus Cormier Diversity Fellowship is one of many programs aimed at promoting diversity in the legal profession.

ABOUT BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.