Two Chicago-based law firms recently announced the presentation of scholarships in diversity programs that benefit minority law students at educational institutions around the nation.

Katten Muchin Rosenman Minority Scholarships of $15,000 each have been awarded to Ferlillia V. Roberson at the Northwestern University School of Law and Chuoh B. Ngeh at Harvard Law School.

Both members of the class of 2008 are active in Black Law Student Associations and other organizations, and will participate in the law firm's summer associate program.

Their “consistently outstanding academic performance, combined with their extracurricular activities and community involvement, make them extremely worthy recipients,” said partner Leslie D. Minier, co-chair of the firm's diversity committee.

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The Foley & Lardner Minority Scholarship Program has awarded $5,000 scholarships to nine law students, including Stephanie Maria Adams of the Northwestern University School of Law.

Others are Jessica L. Brown, University of California; Jamie-Clare Flaherty, University of Michigan; Andrea I. Gonzalez, Duke University; KaSandra N. Rogiers and Lydia Nicole Thompson, University of Wisconsin; Keane Shum, Georgetown University; Randy Lee Sims, UCLA, and Nickisha Webb, University of Florida.

“A strong and effective diversity program … exemplifies our tangible commitment to the advancement of minority law students and to achieving a more diverse legal community,” said Maureen A. McGinnity, the firm's chief diversity partner.

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Chapman and Cutler has made a commitment of $55,000 over five years to Scholarship Chicago's High 5 Program of financial assistance to needy college-bound seniors in area high schools.

The unique partnership will support yearly grants to an eligible student through college graduation, and will provide mentoring and internship opportunities.

The High 5 program gives law firms and businesses “a chance to play an active role in supporting promising students through what may be the most formative period of their lives,” said Richard Grove, the firm's chief executive partner.