Closing Date: 4th January, 2027
Description:
We seek applications from first-year students who are enrolled full-time at ABA-accredited law schools; who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through their activities, background and life experiences, as well as members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession, including first-generation college students and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds; and who are interested in practicing law in the Research Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). This fellowship program may not be combined with any other diversity fellowship opportunity.The program will provide a unique 1L summer fellowship opportunity that combines a traditional law firm summer associate experience with working in an in-house corporate law department. Fellows will spend seven weeks participating in Smith Anderson's summer associate program in the firm's Raleigh office beginning in May, and three weeks with an in-house corporate legal department located in the Research Triangle region, for a total fellowship of ten weeks. Each fellow will be paid a salary consistent with our 1L summer associate pay. Fellows will be paired with a mentor and will have the opportunity to work on challenging legal assignments and learn from both the outside and in-house counsel perspectives.
Scholarship
In addition to a salaried summer associate position, each fellow will be awarded a scholarship of up to $30,000 paid as follows:
- $5,000 following completion of the fellow's 1L year (to be paid at the end of the 1L summer program);
- $5,000 upon the fellow's offer and acceptance of a 2L summer associate position (to be paid upon acceptance, but no sooner than the completion of the 1L summer program);
- $10,000 following the completion of the fellow's 2L summer (to be paid at the end of the 2L summer associate program); and
- $10,000 upon offer and acceptance of a permanent associate position with Smith Anderson (to be paid in January following the 2L summer).
These scholarship awards may be used toward law school tuition, fees and school-related costs.
Application Process:
To apply for a fellowship, please submit application materials via email to Smith Anderson's Director of Legal Recruiting, Sheryl Roberts, at sroberts@smithlaw.com. We will accept application materials between October 15, 2026 and January 4, 2027 (applicants who submit materials before receiving 1L grades should supplement their applications with those grades once received).
Application Materials:
- Resume
- Writing sample (self-edited) from first year of law school
- Copies of college and first semester law school transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
- Personal Statement 1 (500 words or less) explaining the applicant's demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in their schools and communities through their activities, background and life experiences
- Personal Statement 2 (250 words or less) explaining the applicant's interest in practicing law in the Research Triangle region at Smith Anderson and using this opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion in the business and greater community
Applicants will be considered based on a variety of factors, including academic credentials, interviews, participation in efforts that promote diversity and inclusion, leadership experience, personal achievements, and commitment to the Research Triangle region. Those who are invited to interview will be notified approximately one week after the application deadline. Interviews will be held on January 14 and 15, 2027.