Barnes & Thornburg Selects Brandon Villa for First Chicago Diversity Scholarship

CHICAGO – Barnes & Thornburg has awarded its first Chicago Diversity Scholarship to Brandon Villa, who will be joining the Chicago office as a summer associate. The scholarship is part of Barnes & Thornburg’s ongoing commitment to diversity.

Villa is a first-year law student at The John Marshall Law School and actively involved in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Latino Lawyer Student Association, and the Criminal Law Society.

“I am thrilled to further my professional legal career through the 2017 diversity scholarship program,” Villa said. “Diversity inspires change and affords individuals the opportunity to foster a culture of inclusion. I hope to expand my passion for the legal practice and grow this summer with Barnes & Thornburg.”

In 2015, Villa earned his B.A. in political science from Miami University. He is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was involved in Amicus Curiae, a pre-law society.

“Brandon is the first recipient of our Chicago Diversity Scholarship and wholly typifies why it was established,” said Dawn R. Rosemond, Barnes & Thornburg’s director of diversity, professional development and inclusion. “His demonstrated academic excellence foretells great success as a legal practitioner. We are excited that his journey is beginning with us.”

The Diversity Scholarship is open to first-year law students who demonstrate a commitment to contributing meaningfully to the diversity and inclusion goals of Barnes & Thornburg and the legal profession.

“Brandon is an exceptional candidate whose strong academic performance, devotion to extra-curricular activities and polished interpersonal skills set him apart,” said Jonathon P. Froemel, a partner and the Chicago office hiring chair. “We look forward to working with this exciting new addition to the talented Barnes & Thornburg team.”

The firm has awarded an Indianapolis-based scholarship for the past four years. Recognizing that a commitment to diversity requires action, Barnes & Thornburg purposefully aligns the business of diversity with the business of the firm. Through deliberate programming, engaged sponsorship and the continual internal and external investment of time, talent and resources, the firm is working to build and sustain an inclusive, respectful and open culture made up of accomplished individuals of all backgrounds.

With more than 600 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from 13 offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Delaware, Indiana, Los Angeles, Michigan, Minneapolis, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.