Applications are now closed. Check back in late 2026 to apply.
Each year, Sheppard awards $50,000 to three outstanding law students whose resilience and grit will enrich the firm’s culture and excellence.
The Guy N. Halgren Fellowship, named for our Chair Emeritus and his enduring commitment to diversity and inclusion, supports promising future lawyers and champions the next generation of legal talent.
Recipients will gain hands-on experience by working across two practice groups within their home office during their first summer, providing exposure to a broad range of legal work. This unique opportunity helps Fellows make informed decisions about their career paths and fosters professional growth.
FAQs:
How is the participating in the Halgren Fellowship different from the Summer Program?
Halgren Fellows will have the same experience as 2L summer associates. You will receive the same types of assignments, have access to the same opportunities to shadow experienced lawyers and enjoy the same social activities as summer associates. The key difference in the experience is that you will be able to rotate between two different practice areas during your first summer with the firm with the goal of helping you decide which practice group you want to join as a 2L summer associate.
What is required to apply for the Halgren Fellowship?
A complete application will include:
- Resume, undergraduate and law school transcripts and cover letter
- Completion of Sheppard’s Suited assessment
- Personal statement addressing the following questions:
- Explain the road you have traveled to get to law school. What experiences were most influential in shaping your desire to become a lawyer and how did they demonstrate your ability to overcome significant life obstacles?
- Explain your interest in pursuing a long-term career with Sheppard
- Describe how you will continue to serve your community and promote inclusion in the legal industry
- Financial need
What are the eligibility requirements for the Halgren Fellowship?
Qualified applicants will meet the following requirements:
- 1L law student enrolled and in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school
- Participation as a summer associate for the full 10 weeks of the upcoming summer program
- Non-recipient of a similar fellowship or award from another law firm paid during the same period
- Long-term interest in practicing in one of Sheppard’s U.S. offices
- Authorization to work in the United States
What criteria are used to evaluate Halgren Fellowship candidates?
In evaluating candidates, we will consider the following:
- History of personal, academic and professional achievement
- Demonstrated commitment to ensuring inclusion for all and improving the communities in which they live, study or work
- Demonstrated ability to overcome significant obstacles in life such as socio-economic disadvantage, disability, being the first in their family to attend college, attending under-resourced schools, or other considerable hardships or challenges
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Financial need
What is the interview process for the Halgren Fellowship?
If you are selected to interview, you’ll first meet for a 20-minute screener interview with a member of the recruiting team.
If selected for a callback interview, you’ll meet with some combination of a member of our Fellowship selection committee, a senior member of the Talent Management team, the recruiting chair(s) from the office location in which you are interested, members of the recruiting committee from that office, and partners and associates of the practice group(s) in which you are interested.
What is the payment timeline for the Halgren Fellowship?
The firm will pay out the $50,000 fellowship grant to each Fellow in three installments:
- $20,000 upon acceptance of both 1L and 2L offers for summer associate positions at Sheppard
- $15,000 upon completion of 2L summer and acceptance of post-graduate position at Sheppard
- $15,000 after joining the firm as a full-time associate, to be paid out during January of first year of practice at Sheppard
