Recruiting
To ensure that our client teams are comprised of attorneys of various ethnicities, genders, and social backgrounds, we actively seek minority candidates in our Schola2Juris program, a progressive apprenticeship designed expressly for third‑year law students. Unlike traditional summer associate programs, Schola2Juris matches motivated students to real jobs in their preferred practice areas—offering real reward and the opportunity to apply for job openings within the firm.
In 2012, the National Association for Legal Career Professionals (NALP) awarded Waller its Award of Distinction for Innovation and Recruitment Practices for the development of Schola2Juris, calling it a trailblazing and innovative approach to legal recruitment.
Diversity Scholarship
In 1990, Waller became the first Tennessee law firm to establish scholarships for minority students at the University of Tennessee College of Law. This commitment has continued for more than 20 years and is today exemplified by the annual Waller Diversity Scholarship. Part of our effort to support the UT College of Law’s diversity recruiting program, the scholarship is drawn from a $100,000 endowment fund established in 2011 to honor a University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville College of Law student whose life has been guided by the example of Dr. Martin Luther King. The scholarship that is renewable each semester for the three years the recipient attends law school. It is our hope that by honoring Dr. King’s work for justice through this law school scholarship, future generations will be empowered to continue his legacy.
In August 2012, Natalie Greene became the second recipient of the Waller Diversity Scholarship.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Natalie earned her bachelor's degree in communications from UT in 2006. Prior to beginning her studies at UT College of Law, she held several marketing and sales positions throughout Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.
"Throughout her life, Natalie has shown a deep commitment to protecting and defending others," said Doug Blaze, dean of the UT College of Law. "Plus, she has a passion for law that every good attorney must possess. We're proud to have a student like Natalie who is fitting of this honor. We cherish this partnership with Waller, a firm that continues to lead by example when it comes to diversity in the legal profession."
The first Waller Diversity Scholarship was awarded to UT Law student Meesha Kaw in 2011.