Steptoe's Arizona Office Announces 2008 Diversity Initiative

For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201.493.1027

Please note:  The deadline has been extended to October 15, 2008.

(July 28, 2008, Phoenix, AZ) -- The Phoenix office of Steptoe & Johnson, LLP, a top-ranked international law firm, announced today its 2008 competition for diverse college seniors interested in pursuing a legal career. The firm will provide LSAT prep courses and admissions counseling support packages to help prepare students for law school admission. This is the third year the firm has offered this opportunity to aspiring lawyers.

Four applicants will receive a fully paid Kaplan LSAT prep course as well as an admissions counseling package. According to a December 2007 survey conducted by Harris Interactive, more people get into law school with a Kaplan LSAT course than all other major courses combined. The 14-session LSAT prep course is valued at $1,299; the admissions counseling package is valued at $599.

"We have seen how these resources can make a big difference in the admissions chances for individuals who can bring a diversity of experience, background, and perspective to the legal profession, including those who have faced adversity and discrimination in the past,” said Fred Bellamy, a partner in Steptoe’s Phoenix office who is among those involved in selecting the winning essays. “The firm is especially gratified to be able to help level the playing field for these outstanding applicants who may not have access to the support enjoyed by others in their efforts to gain entry into the law profession.”

Competition for the eight awards requires graduating college seniors to complete an application form and submit a 500-word essay on how their admission to law school will improve the diversity of the legal profession. Both the form and essay must be submitted by October 15, 2008.

For an application, please click here. For questions, please contact Jacquelyn Baczynski at jbaczynski@steptoe.com or by calling 602.257.7708.

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With more than 500 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London and Brussels.

About Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books and software, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and college and graduate admissions consulting services.