Gibson Dunn Changes Diversity Award Criteria as Firms Face Suits

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher changed the eligibility criteria for its diversity scholarships, becoming at least the second major law firm to take the step as rivals face lawsuits targeting similar programs.

The firm’s $50,000 diversity and inclusion scholarship goes to students “who have demonstrated resilience and excellence on their path toward a career in law,” under the new language, which is a change from “students who identify with an underrepresented group,” according to the archival Wayback Machine website. The firm declined to comment on the timing or reasoning for the change.

“Our program has always been—and remains—open to all law ...