Closing Date: 4th January, 2026

Description:

Varnum's 1Elevate fellowship is designed to support first-year law students from the start of their legal journey. This unique initiative offers our fellow an exceptional chance to gain hands-on experience working as a 1L summer associate. In addition to a 1L Summer Offer, 1Elevate Fellows also receive an invitation to return as a 2L Summer Associate. Successful fellows may also receive a post-graduation job offer following the completion of their 1L Summer.

The ideal candidate will be a student with strong academic credentials and writing skills, a demonstrated dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, and the intent to practice law in Michigan after graduation. Our goal is to enhance the recruitment and retention of attorneys from historically underrepresented backgrounds – though we welcome applications from any qualified candidates who share this commitment. Candidates must be in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date in 2028.

Upon joining the firm as a summer associate, you will be able to try assignments from a variety of practice teams, which continues when you join the firm as a "free agent" associate following graduation. We will provide numerous opportunities throughout the summer to engage with our attorneys at a variety of social events. Your training and development will be front and center as you participate in weekly educational sessions, and regular check-ins with your mentors regarding your assignments and internal networking; a mid-summer review; and an exit review. Our investment in you begins even before you join the firm, and our goal when hiring you is to one day celebrate your promotion to partner.

To apply for Varnum's 1Elevate fellowship for summer 2026, please complete the web application, and submit your current resume, law school, and undergrad transcripts. Your application must also include a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words addressing your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal field as well as your intent to practice law in Michigan after graduation. We are looking for a personal statement that conveys an authentic interest in advancing diversity initiatives within Michigan's legal industry, which could include highlighting your previous/existing leadership roles, work experiences, community service, and/or any challenges you have faced and overcome in these endeavors.

Qualifications:

All 1L students in good standing at ABA-accredited law schools are eligible to apply.
Applicants must have strong academic credentials and exemplary writing skills.
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

Application Requirements (to apply, candidates must submit the following documents):

Current resume
Law school and undergraduate transcripts
A personal statement of 1,000 words or less addressing your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal field, and your intent to practice law in Michigan after graduation. You may consider highlighting your previous or existing leadership roles, work experience, or community service, and/or any applicable challenges you have faced and overcome in any of those endeavors.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 4, 2026. If you have not received your first semester grades, please submit all other materials, and supplement your application with your transcript when it becomes available by emailing recruiting@varnumlaw.com.