DePaul Law is proud to announce major commitments from Winston & Strawn LLP and Edelson PC that will support the First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP).
Entering its third year, the First Generation in Law Scholars Program (FGLP) is an application-based program designed to increase the number of first-generation college students who apply for and matriculate to law school and join the legal profession as licensed attorneys. FGLP has been featured on multiple media outlets, including ABC Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and Law.com.
“I am thrilled at the investment that Winston and Edelson have made in FGLP and the dedication they have to ensuring that first-generation students get all the tools they need to succeed as law students and lawyers," says College of Law Dean Jennifer Rosato Perea. “Their generosity will inspire others who care just as deeply about the future of our profession."
Founded in Chicago in 1853, Winston & Strawn LLP is a global law firm, with nearly 1,000 attorneys located in 16 offices throughout the world. The firm has been actively engaged with FGLP since its inception, with attorneys and staff volunteering to mentor students, serve as presenters, and host events and programming. Steve D'Amore (JD '94), Winston's next Chairman, and his wife, Kim (JD '94), made a generous gift to help launch FGLP in 2022 and have been instrumental in the continued success of FGLP.
“Together with my colleagues at Winston, we are proud to help give first-generation scholars a bridge to the legal community—a connection that makes a real difference in the lives of many aspiring lawyers," D'Amore says.
Edelson PC is a nationally recognized leader in plaintiffs' class and mass action litigation. Founded by CEO Jay Edelson, the firm was an early supporter of FGLP and featured the program on its Non-Compliant podcast in summer 2022.
“DePaul's First Generation in Law Scholars Program promises to usher in a new generation of legal professionals who will bring fresh perspectives and challenge conventional thinking that often is a chief impediment to meaningful change" says Edelson. “As a firm built by first-generation lawyers, we are excited to be able to support this program."
The support of Winston & Strawn and Edelson marks the launch of FGLP's Corporate Champions Program, a new sponsorship program for law firms and corporate partners. Sponsors receive exclusive benefits and recognition opportunities while helping FGLP continue its commitment to increasing access to legal education. To learn more about the program, click here or contact Alan Paberzs, Executive Director of Development, at 312-362-8972 or apaberzs@depaul.edu.