Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship

Harness IP’s Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship provides diverse, first and second year law students with career mentoring and financial assistance as they explore their interest in intellectual property law, gain a better understanding of working in an intellectual property law firm, and continue to excel in law school.

The Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship includes:

  • A paid summer clerkship with Harness IP in one or more of its four Metro offices (Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; St. Louis, MO; Washington, DC), compensated at Harness IP’s standard summer associate rates.
  • A $5,000 Scholarship upon successful completion of the summer clerkship.
  • The availability of a mentor, with whom the candidate will work during the summer clerkship period, throughout the following school year.
  • An option to renew the Fellowship following the successful completion of a first summer clerkship with Harness IP, based on mutual agreement.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship, candidates must:

  • Be a member of one of the underrepresented racial/ethnic groups defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a woman, a member of the LGBTQ community, an individual with a disability, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Be in good standing as a law student at an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Have a degree in engineering, life sciences, chemistry, computer science, or have substantial prior trademark, copyright, or related job experience.
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities and community involvement.
  • Contribute to diversity efforts through involvement in law school or other community efforts.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Complete a clerkship with the firm.
  • Have a strong interest in joining Harness IP as an associate after law school graduation.

Application Process

To be considered as a candidate for the Diversity & Inclusion, candidates must provide the following documents:

  1. A completed Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Application submitted by March 31, 2022. Please download the application form, print and fill out the last page, scan or take picture of it, and send it in with the other required materials.
  2. Current resume
  3. Undergraduate and law school transcripts
  4. Personal statement (500 words or more) addressing how the candidate will contribute to the legal profession diversity goals
  5. Two professional or academic references
  6. Legal writing sample
  7. Any other pertinent information the candidate believes may be helpful for the firm to know

Selection Process

A selection panel consisting of the firm CEO and the chairs of various other firm committees, including but not limited to the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, will evaluate all applications and select Program recipients.

Online Application

Harness IP is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship. Please submit completed application forms and all attachments to agordon@harnessip.com on or before March 31, 2022.

 

Our Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship is not just another summer job. The students who join our program will see the full picture as to what is needed to be an attorney when they complete law school. They are in the front seat, working alongside the brightest attorneys in the industry and receiving the work experience and training as they continue their learning journey.  

Hear from one of our past Fellows Hamad Mirza on why he chose our firm: