William T. Coleman, Jr. Fellowships

Overview Events William T. Coleman, Jr. Fellowships Hong Kong Summer Internship & Trainee Solictor Program

William T. Coleman, Jr. 2L 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, Jr. 2L Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to rising second-year law students with demonstrated leadership in fostering inclusion and belonging. Each 2L Fellow is eligible for an award of up to US$50,000 to use for law school tuition and expenses.

Who is Eligible?

Any rising 2L law student who receives an offer to join O’Melveny’s 2026 Summer Program may submit a 2L Coleman Fellow application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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 $50,000 to be paid in phases:

$25,000 of the award will be paid upon joining O’Melveny’s 2026 Summer Program as a 2L summer associate; and
an additional $25,000 will be paid to each Fellow who returns to the firm as a new associate.

Fellows will participate in developmental and networking opportunities afforded to all of our summer associates.

How Do I Apply?

Candidates must submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume; (3) undergraduate and law school transcripts; and (4) a statement of 300 words or less that reflects on your experience and commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging.

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 those candidates selected to be 2L Fellows.

Submit application materials through O’Melveny’s online career portal. For questions, please contact ommcoleman@omm.com .

Law students who are immediate family members of O’Melveny attorneys or business professionals are ineligible for the Coleman Fellowship.