William T. Coleman, Jr. Fellowships
William T. Coleman, Jr. 1L and 2L Fellowships
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, Jr. 1L and 2L Fellowships.
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 receives an offer to join O’Melveny’s 2027 Summer Program may 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 2027 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?
Candidates must submit: (1) a resume; (2) undergraduate and law school transcripts (if your law school transcript is not yet available, you may still apply and upload your law school transcript at a later date); and (3) a statement of 300 words or less that reflects on how you intend to foster inclusion and belonging while being an active contributor at a vibrant and dynamic law firm.
The materials submitted 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.
Submit application materials through O’Melveny’s online career portal. For questions, please contact recruiting@omm.com.
William T. Coleman, Jr. 1L Coleman Fellowship
The fellowship is awarded to first-year law students with demonstrated leadership in fostering inclusion and belonging.
Who is Eligible for the 1L Coleman Fellowship?
Any first-year law student in good standing may apply between November 1 and December 31, 2025. The application period is now closed. 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 1L Coleman Fellows Receive?
- A one-time US$5,000 award paid upon joining O’Melveny’s 2026 Summer Program as a 1L summer associate to help pay for law school tuition and expenses, in addition to being paid as a summer associate (currently US$4,327 per week).
- Access to the developmental and networking opportunities afforded to all of our summer associates.
How Do I Apply for the 1L Coleman Fellowship?
The application period is now closed.
O’Melveny will notify candidates selected as 1L Fellows. 1L Fellows are not eligible for O’Melveny’s 2L Coleman Fellowship, which awards up to US$50,000.
For questions, please contact recruiting@omm.com.