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A former child development volunteer in Haiti and a former intern for US Rep. Dennis Kucinich are the newest Womble Carlyle Scholars.
They are Brittany Crosby, a student at George Washington University School of Law, and Whitney Kamerzel, a student at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Womble Carlyle Scholars Program has awarded more than $600,000 to 75 Scholars. Each year, the firm awards scholarships to two diverse second-year law students who present solid academic credentials, personal or professional achievement outside the school environment, and a record of significant community service.
“We believe diversity is important, both for the future of the firm and the future of the legal profession. But promoting diversity doesn’t start with the hiring process—it begins with providing access to education, and making sure diverse students have the opportunity to pursue their passions. That’s what the Womble Carlyle Scholars program is designed to do,” said attorney Kevin Lyn, Co-Chair of Womble Carlyle’s Diversity Committee.
Crosby is a graduate of George Washington University. In college, Crosby was a scholarship member of the Cheer Team and a recipient of the GW Presidential Academic Scholarship.
Crosby is a former intern for US Rep. Dennis Kucinich, where she helped keep the Congressman informed on current issues. She also completed a long-term internship at the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C.
Kamerzel is a graduate of the University of North Florida, where she was a member of the Student Senate. Her work in law school includes collaborating with the Colombian government and military for a project on indigenous community rights.
Kamerzel has a long track record of community service, including serving as a special needs educator in Haiti for the Footprints of the Son charity. She received the 2012 Florida State-Wide Service Award for her more than 2,000 hours of service to such charities as the Children’s Miracle Network, First Harvest Food Bank, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.
Womble Carlyle Scholarship recipients receive $30,000 for law school expenses. In addition, the Womble Carlyle Scholars receive a paid eight-week internship at the firm between their second and third years of law school. A number of past Womble Carlyle Scholars now practice at the firm as attorneys.
“The summer internship is a key component of the Womble Carlyle Scholarship,” said attorney Liz Arias, the Chair of Womble Carlyle’s Entry-Level Recruiting Committee. “Womble Carlyle Scholars receive the same internship opportunities as our other Summer Associates. This mentoring and hands-on experience in a law firm environment is invaluable to aspiring young lawyers.”
