Fellowship Program

Law School Fellowship Program

Since 2004, Godfrey & Kahn has invested $2 million in full-ride law school scholarships, mentoring, and summer experiences for nearly 40 students with diverse backgrounds and the talent to shine.

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We're Committed to Building the Legal Pipeline

Our program grew from the firm’s vision for more widespread access to the legal profession and continues today through our partnerships with the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School. As we approach two decades of dedication to our Law School Fellowship Program, we are more committed than ever to removing financial barriers and supporting talented individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives who are dedicated to pursuing a career in business law.

About Our Program

Godfrey & Kahn's Law School Fellowship Program provides:

A three-year tuition scholarship that covers 100% of the student’s tuition cost after factoring in any other scholarship or grant.
A summer associate position in one of the firm’s five Wisconsin offices after the recipient’s first year of law school.
Mentorship during law school and while participating in the first-year summer associate program, as well as networking opportunities.

Two students each year may be awarded: one attending the University of Wisconsin Law School and one attending Marquette University Law School.

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Our Objectives Are Clear

Our Law School Fellowship Program is driven by four core objectives:

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Supporting Future Legal Talent

We identify and support promising individuals facing barriers in pursuing legal education by providing financial assistance and mentorship to help them thrive academically and professionally.

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Enriching Firm Culture

We value distinct and unique perspectives and experiences, actively seeking candidates from varied backgrounds to enrich our firm culture and expertise. Embracing a broad range of viewpoints fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence in all aspects of our work.

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Making a Community Impact

We extend our commitment beyond our walls by investing in the education and mentorship of future lawyers. Our program is more than just an initiative—it's a reflection of our unwavering commitment to cultivating the legal leaders of tomorrow throughout Wisconsin and the country.

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Promoting Education

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of a successful legal career. Through our program, we foster and support scholars’ academic achievement and learning at Wisconsin’s premier law schools. Our program removes financial barriers that otherwise would have a lasting impact on law students’ academic journey and future careers. By promoting education and encouraging individuals to pursue law school in Wisconsin, we ensure that the legal profession in our state remains vibrant and accessible to all.

Marvin C. Bynum II

Shareholder, 2007 Law School Fellowship Recipient

Simply put, Godfrey & Kahn's Law School Fellowship Program changed my life in ways I never could have imagined when I began my legal education journey. When applying to law school, I did not have significant financial resources, nor did I have connections to the legal field. Not only did the program open doors that were previously shut to me, it also opened my eyes to a dynamic, intellectually stimulating career path that keeps me challenged and engaged.

All along the way, I am fortunate to have been supported by firm leadership, attorneys and staff who believe in my potential and push me to be and give my best, both at the firm and within my community. It has been my great honor to be a past fellowship recipient, and I am proud to continue my program participation as our firm works to attract future candidates and provide them the same types of opportunities that I enjoyed.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

This is a scholarship opportunity for students who have been accepted to Marquette University Law School and/or the University of Wisconsin Law School for the 2024-2025 academic year.

To be eligible for our Law School Fellowship Program, applicants must:

Face financial constraints hindering their education
Exhibit leadership skills, community involvement, and a genuine concern for other people
Possess unique perspectives or experiences, such as the ability to overcome obstacles
Demonstrate academic achievement

*Interest in working in private practice as a business law attorney is a beneficial attribute.

Submit Application

Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2024.

Godfrey & Kahn supports equal opportunity. Admitted students to the University of Wisconsin Law School and/or Marquette University Law School are encouraged to apply. Godfrey & Kahn does not discriminate against applicants for the fellowship because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal law.