Information for Students

About the Program

Through the Summer Clerkship Program, the ACBA partners with law firms, offices of corporate counsel, non-profit organizations, government entities and court systems to provide law students with their first summer legal work experience.

Student Experience

Student applicants will take part in an interview process coordinated by the ACBA and have the opportunity meet employers from a wide range of legal fields and job types. Past participants include law firms of various sizes, corporate legal departments, government agencies, judges’ chambers and court offices, non-profit organizations and legal service providers. 

In addition to meaningful and practical work experience, selected program participants will engage in supplemental activities designed to help them integrate into the Pittsburgh legal community and provide support to assist in their legal careers. Examples of these activities include a career sampler panel, lunch with local judges, networking events with practicing attorneys and discussion with fellow peer cohort members.

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

Student Application and Selection Process

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. 

For consideration and to participate in the interview and section process, students must complete and submit the Student Application and provide the required supplemental personal statement and writing sample. 

Interested students should contact their Career Services office or summerclerkship@acba.org for access to the secure student portal used for applying to the program.