Foley Hoag LLP has announced that Duke University Law School student Courtney Suggs has been selected as the firm’s first Charles J. Beard II Diversity Fellowship recipient. The fellowship, named in memory of Foley Hoag’s former attorney who was the first African-American promoted to partner at a major Boston law firm, is granted to outstanding first-year law students from backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession.

Beard, known for his wise counsel, intellect and humor, was a staunch advocate for cultural and racial diversity and believed education held the key to personal development and success for young people

“Foley Hoag is committed to ensuring that it has a climate of inclusiveness where all individuals can thrive, and to attracting, retaining and promoting outstanding lawyers from all backgrounds perspectives and talents,” said Foley Hoag Co-Managing Partner and Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair Kenneth Leonetti. “Courtney exhibits all the qualities sought in our fellowship recipient and reflects those values that Charlie Beard promoted. She is intellectually curious, energetic and was very insightful regarding diversity in law firms, and expressed genuine passion for promoting access to legal counsel.”

Suggs, who is entering her second year of law school at Duke University, actively pushes back against narratives of injustice and works to build strong foundations of support within her community. During her time as an undergraduate at Bates College, she worked with Somali refugees ranging from elementary to high school age to discuss firsthand accounts of racial bullying.

“It is an honor to be the 2019 recipient of the Charles J. Beard II Diversity Fellowship. Foley Hoag understands the value of collaborating and engaging with differing viewpoints and has demonstrated its commitment to promoting diversity through its Women’s Forum, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and focus on community and civic engagement through the Foley Hoag Foundation,” said Suggs. “I was drawn to Foley Hoag not only for its inclusive workplace environment, but for the opportunity to work on a wide range of transactions with national and global reach.”

Foley Hoag’s highly regarded healthcare practice was another factor that appealed to Suggs. In addition to her commitment to racial equity, she intends to use her voice to ensure health care access equity.

For more information about the Charles J. Beard, II Diversity Fellowship, please click here.

About Foley Hoag LLP

Foley Hoag provides innovative, strategic legal services to public, private and government clients across the globe. We have premier capabilities in the life sciences, healthcare, technology, energy, professional services and investment management fields, and in cross-border disputes. Our professionals possess the skills and experience to provide exceptional senior level service to clients ranging from startups to multinational companies to sovereign states. For more information, visit www.foleyhoag.com or follow @FoleyHoag on Twitter.