Benesch’s 1L Diversity Fellowship
To further support Benesch’s diversity initiatives, the firm has created the 1L Diversity Fellowship for
first year law students who identify as racially or ethnically diverse, LGBTQ and/or identify as having a
disability. This is a paid position within the firm’s Cleveland, OH office and is part of our Summer
Associate Program. The 1L Diversity Fellowship also includes participation in the Leadership Council on
Legal Diversity (LCLD) 1L Scholars Summit, which takes place May 22‐24, 2018 in Philadelphia, PA.
Educational and training programs are provided and go hand‐in‐hand with your direct work experience.
Some of the training programs offered are part of the firm’s year‐round program through department
meetings and specially planned events. Other programs, such as our Summer Associate Retreat are
exclusively created for you.
Our summer associates have immediate contact with clients and are involved in strategy, negotiating
and drafting sessions, as well as business development meetings. As part of Benesch’s Summer
Associate Program, you will receive a variety of work, both in terms of substantive areas of law and in
the types of projects assigned. We review each summer associate’s work on an individual basis and
attempt to include assignments which go beyond standard research projects, although such projects are
important in developing your skills and enabling us to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses.
Criteria
Candidates must be full‐time first year law students enrolled in an ABA‐accredited law school, with an
expected graduation date of spring 2020. Requirements for application include:
Exceptional academic performance;
Outstanding leadership abilities and involvement in diversity organizations;
A commitment to community service; and
Strong interpersonal skills
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume and first year transcript to:
emellott@beneschlaw.com
or
1L Diversity Fellowship
c/o Ellen Mellott
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
200 Public Square, Suite 2300
Cleveland, OH 44114
Timeline
Benesch will accept 1L Diversity Fellowship applications from Monday, January 1, 2018 – Friday,
February 9, 2018. Please note, we do not accept incomplete submissions.