Global law firm Reed Smith announced today that Crystal Armstrong, a second year law student at the University of Alabama School of Law, and Jade Peeples, a second year law student at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, are recipients of the firm’s 2022 Deborah J. Broyles Diverse Scholar Award. Armstrong and Peeples will be joining the firm’s 2022 Summer Associate Program in Dallas and Chicago, respectively.

Each year, Reed Smith provides $20,000 to one or more outstanding law school students in the United States who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The award supports the honoree’s law school-related expenses, and the firm also provides a paid summer associate position at Reed Smith between the student's second and third years of study.

“To be named a Deborah J. Broyles Scholar means that you are exceptional in the classroom and inspirational in your community – qualities that both Crystal and Jade share,” said Geoffrey Young, Reed Smith partner and executive director of diverse recruiting. “Crystal and Jade represent the lawyer of tomorrow, as they expect that the firms and organizations they join to provide the opportunities and mentorship that will be the foundation for their legal careers as well as the leadership to stand up for equity and inclusion. We are proud to call Crystal and Jade Broyles Scholars, and are excited for them to join us.”

Since its inception in 2002, the Broyles Diverse Scholar Award and its predecessor program has awarded 33 scholarships and summer associate positions.

For more information about the Deborah J. Broyles Diverse Scholars Program and how to apply, please visit diversity.reedsmith.com.