Practice of Giving: Perkins Coie supports UW Certificate Scholarship

Perkins Coie is proud to support a scholarship that invests in the success of under-represented, diverse and economically disadvantaged college students in the state of Washington.

 — Carol Van Buren, paralegal director, Perkins Coie

Joining a growing list of corporate and civic groups helping fund scholarships for professional certificate programs at the UW is Seattle-based international law firm Perkins Coie. 

Perkins Coie’s funding support makes the UW Certificate in Paralegal Studies eligible for the UW Certificate Scholarship program. The UW paralegal program is the research university’s longest-running professional certificate, first launched in 1985. 

“With U.S. demand for paralegals forecast to increase by 10% in the next decade, we are honored to partner with Perkins Coie to make this in-demand field accessible to more deserving Washingtonians,” said Rovy Branon, vice provost, UW Continuum College. 

The rigorous, 11-month UW Certificate in Paralegal Studies is designed for professionals seeking to become paralegals, law assistants or enter other law-related occupations, including those considering law school.

“Perkins Coie is proud to support a scholarship that invests in the success of under-represented, diverse, economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students in the state of Washington,” said Carol Van Buren, paralegal director at Perkins Coie.

Through the certificate program, students will gain a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system, explore major aspects of court systems, hearings, trials and laws, and learn about litigation, legal research, contracts, technology and professional ethics. 

The scholarship award for the UW Certificate in Paralegal Studies covers 100% of the program costs, including required textbooks, providing future law professionals with the tools they need to thrive.

The application window for adult learners to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship is open now through July 15. To review the complete list of certificates included in the fall 2021 UW Certificate Scholarship program and for more details on how to apply, visit: https://www.pce.uw.edu/uw-certificate-scholarship

Learn more about the difference the UW Certificate Scholarship makes in the lives of students by hearing the stories of past scholarship recipients, which include recent immigrants building new lives in the Seattle region, adults who didn’t earn a college degree and people impacted by COVID-19 layoffs.