Bria Coleman '15, M.Ed. '17, J.D. 鈥�20, a Boston College Triple Eagle with a long track record in diversity advocacy, has been named one of five recipients of the 2019 Ropes & Gray Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of Roscoe Trimmier Jr., an accomplished trial lawyer, the firm鈥檚 first African-American partner, and a pioneering leader of Ropes & Gray鈥檚 diversity and inclusion efforts.
Coleman will receive a $25,000 award to offset the expenses of her legal education and will join the firm鈥檚 Boston office as summer associate in 2019.聽
Active throughout her undergraduate and master鈥檚 degree years at Boston College, Coleman remains indefatigable in her involvement with diversity issues at the Law School. She is currently co-president of BLSA and a 51茶馆 Law Ambassador; she also spoke at the National Black Pre Law Conference, and participates in meetings of the Black Alumni Network, student groups, and the administration to promote diversity at the Law School and the legal profession.
The scholarship is significant to Coleman because it means she can continue to break diversity barriers. 鈥淚t reaffirms that others are noticing and value all the things I鈥檝e been involved in and that it has meaning for those who come after me. It is encouragement that I鈥檓 going in the right direction,鈥� she says.
The scholarship was established in 2015 to commemorate Mr. Trimmier鈥檚 legacy and advance diversity at the firm by attracting exceptional talent from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the legal profession. In four years, the firm has awarded 20 scholarships.
鈥淭hese students have already demonstrated the kind of leadership skills, commitment to excellence, and high levels of achievement that were hallmarks of Roscoe鈥檚 life and career," said Joan McPhee, a partner and co-chair of Ropes & Gray鈥檚 diversity committee.聽
鈥擝oston College Law School 聽