William T. Coleman, Jr. Fellowship
William T. Coleman, Jr. Fellowship
William T. Coleman, Jr., a longtime senior partner and an indelible part of O’Melveny’s fabric, served the legal profession and his country for more than 50 years. A tireless advocate for equality and a key player on the team that litigated the landmark Supreme Court civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education, Coleman urged junior lawyers to cultivate their cultural literacy and pay close attention to events unfolding on the world stage. To honor that vision and spirit, O’Melveny created the William T. Coleman Fellowship.
William T. Coleman, Jr. 2L Coleman Fellowship
The fellowship is awarded to rising second-year law students with demonstrated leadership in fostering inclusion and belonging.
Who is Eligible for the 2L Coleman Fellowship?
Any rising second-year law student who first submits an application to join O’Melveny’s 2028 Summer Program may then submit a 2L Coleman Fellow application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Law students who are immediate family members of O’Melveny attorneys or business professionals are ineligible for the Coleman Fellowship.
What Do 2L Coleman Fellows Receive?
In addition to being paid as a summer associate, 2L Coleman Fellows are eligible for an award of up to US$50,000 to be paid in phases:
- US$25,000 of the award will be paid upon joining O’Melveny’s 2028 Summer Program as a 2L summer associate; and
- an additional US$25,000 will be paid to each Fellow who returns to the firm as a new associate.
2L Fellows will participate in developmental and networking opportunities afforded to all of our summer associates.
How Do I Apply for the 2L Coleman Fellowship?
Applying is a two-step process:
- Apply to the 2028 Summer Program first. Submit your summer associate application through O’Melveny’s online career portal. You must complete this step before you can apply for the Fellowship.
- Watch for an Application Received email. You will receive an email confirming your 2028 summer program application, which will also have a link to the Fellowship application.
What Materials Do I Need to Submit for the 2L Coleman Fellowship?
The 2L Coleman Fellowship application requires:
- a resume;
- undergraduate transcript;
- law school transcript (if it is not yet available, you may still apply and upload your law school transcript at a later date); and
- two separate statements, each 300 words or less, answering the following questions:
1. What are the specific actions you will take to help ensure your colleagues of all backgrounds thrive while on client matters at O’Melveny?
2. How do you envision your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and/or belonging shaping your work within any practice area at O'Melveny?
Together, your submitted materials should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance, including special achievements and honors
- examples of enhancing inclusion and belonging, and of living O’Melveny’s Values: excellence, leadership, and citizenship
- excellent interpersonal skills
O’Melveny will notify candidates selected as 2L Fellows.
For questions, please contact recruiting@omm.com.