Following the invitation to interview with the firm's attorneys, interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the Patterson Belknap Fellowship (the "Fellowship"). The Fellowship may be awarded at the firm's discretion to recipients who join the firm as a first-year associate or immediately after their judicial clerkship, and whose accomplishments and passions demonstrate a longstanding commitment to civil rights, human rights, or equal access to justice causes.
Judicial law clerks selected for the Fellowship will be awarded $40,000, payable in two installments: $20,000 included in the first paycheck following the recipient's employment start date, and an additional $20,000 upon the recipient's one-year employment anniversary, provided they remain in good standing.
First-year associates selected for the Fellowship will be awarded $25,000, payable in two installments: $12,500 included in the first paycheck following the recipient's employment start date, and an additional $12,500 upon the recipient's one-year employment anniversary, provided they remain in good standing.
A statement of interest is required to be submitted, which should be no greater than 500 words and describe your:
- Unique and longstanding commitment to justice, including your demonstrated passion for civil rights, human rights, or equal access to justice;
- Aspirations for continued engagement on civil rights, human rights, or equal justice for all; and
- Overall readiness to serve as an agent of positive change within the firm and the broader legal community, including any experiences navigating obstacles to achieving academic or professional success.
In determining whether to award a fellowship, the firm will consider your statement of interest, resume, official law school transcript, and writing sample (all of which will have been submitted in connection with your employment application). The firm also will make a philanthropic contribution in the amount of $5,000 to a registered 501(c)(3) organization that the fellow designates, subject to review and approval by our Management Committee.
The Patterson Belknap Fellowship application period has concluded for Judicial Clerks who have received employment offers for the Fall 2026 - Winter 2027 new attorney cohort. The Patterson Belknap Fellowship application period for 3L candidates commences this summer. Please visit this page for updates in late June 2026. Any questions regarding the Patterson Belknap Fellowship should be addressed to Kito Huggins, Patterson Belknap's Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer.
