The ACBA’s Premier Pipeline for Future Attorneys

SCP Participants networking

The Allegheny County Bar Association Summer Clerkship Program is a limited-duration summer employment opportunity where first-year law students that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession are provided with the opportunity to obtain summer employment with employers from law firms, corporate legal departments, non-profit organizations, governmental entities and legal service agencies. The ACBA encourages students with backgrounds that have been historically excluded from the practice of law to apply and participate.

For more information, contact Chance Wideman at cwideman@acba.org.

How to Apply for the Summer Clerkship Program

  • Step 1: Login into your ACBA account here.
  • Step 2: Click here to access the portal.
  • Step 3: Click here to open and complete the application. Save when completed.
  • Step 4: Rank your employer choices. (Click here for the form.)
  • Step 5: Submit your application and writing sample to summerclerkship@acba.org.

Applications are closed.

Click here to access the Summer Clerkship Program Student Portal for all application material.

*Please note that you must be a member of the ACBA to apply for the Summer Clerkship Program. Law Students get membership for free, click here to apply.

Student Eligibility

First-year University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University students in good standing with a commitment to diversity and inclusion may apply. Students with backgrounds that have been historically excluded from the practice of law are encouraged to apply. 

The Summer Clerkship Program is administered by Chance Wideman, the ACBA Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The ACBA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion provides support and assistance to the program through employer recruitment and providing mentors for participating students. 

Program Goals

  • Provide legal employers access to a diverse pool of qualified 1L students
  • Increase opportunities for students at Pittsburgh-area law schools to enhance and supplement their academic experience
  • Foster the development of student’s practical legal skills
  • Promote student-attorney relationships and networking opportunities
  • Expose students to the wide variety of legal employment opportunities available in the region

2026 Program Key Dates

(Click here for a printable schedule.)

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24–Thursday, Feb. 26: Offers Released (“The Draft”)
    Rolling student offers
  • Wednesday, March 4: Second-Round Interviews (if needed)
    Optional matching round
  • Monday, March 9: Final Placements Announced
    Employers notified
  • Tuesday, May 19: Student Orientation
    Official kickoff hosted by ACBA
    *In-person in the Koppers Building

Employer Information and Application

Employer Information
Employer Agreement
Employer Application

2026 Participating Employers:

Below is a list of employers that are participating in this year’s Summer Clerkship Program.

Law Firms

  • Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
  • Caroseli Beachler & Coleman, LLC
  • Clark Hill
  • Dickie McCamey & Chilcote
  • Fisher Phillips
  • Ogletree Deakins
  • Rulis & Bochicchio, LLC
  • Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky
  • The Webb Law Firm
  • Zimmer Kunz, PLLC

Corporate Counsel

  • BNY Mellon
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • PPG Industries, Inc.
  • United States Steel Corporation, Legal Department

Public Interest/Government

  • Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas – Family Division
  • Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas – Judge Henry-Taylor’s Chambers
  • Allegheny County District Attorney
  • Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender
  • City of Pittsburgh
  • Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division
  • Neighborhood Legal Services