Plunkett Cooney will select three law school students who participate in its Laurel F. McGiffert Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Essay Program to receive $2,500 diversity scholarships.

The program begins today and is open to all students currently enrolled in an American Bar Association accredited law school. Participants have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026, to submit their essays, which must address the following prompt:

Describe a situation where you had to confront your own biases or privileges. How did this experience change your worldview and how do you see it impacting your career in the law?

The firm has created a scholarship processing website to assist students with their essay and personal information submissions. It can be accessed at https://plunkettcooney.isolvedhire.com/apply/0-0.php. Questions about the scholarship program application process can be directed to Jennifer Barczak at (248) 901-4084; jbarczak@plunkettcooney.com.

Since 2002, Plunkett Cooney has been among the law firms leading the DEI discussion within the legal industry. As such, the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion scholarship program is a natural extension of its DEI goals, which include attracting and retaining law school students from all backgrounds. 

Plunkett Cooney’s DEI Committee members work with the firm’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ellen B. Jannette, to coordinate related activities, which include a focus on recruitment, retention, training, mentoring and community involvement. Each year, Plunkett Cooney supports numerous affinity groups, community organizations and law school student organizations that are focused on advancing DEI. 

‘AI Obstacles and Opportunities’ discussed online

The Solo & Small Firm Section of the State Bar of Michigan will present a “Lunch & Learn Seminar—AI Obstacles and Opportunities” online Friday, December 19, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the practice of law—streamlining workflows, transforming client expectations, and introducing new ethical and regulatory challenges. 

During this online program, guest speaker, Patrick Barry, University of Michigan Law School professor and author, will discuss both the risks and rewards of integrating AI into a legal practice.  

To register for the online Lunch & Learn, visit https://connect.michbar.org/solo/home.

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