Banner Witcoff has opened the application process for the 2024 program of the Donald W. Banner Diversity Fellowship. Law students can submit applications now through Jan. 2, 2024. Please note our 2L class is at capacity, but 1L candidates will be considered for the program until January 2, 2024.
Created to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the field of intellectual property law, the fellowship provides 1L and 2L students with the opportunity to participate in the firm’s summer associate program and $5,000 for law school tuition or other school-related expenses. The clerkships for the summer associate program are in-person in the firm’s Chicago and Washington, DC offices. Recipients who accept full-time positions with Banner Witcoff receive an additional $5,000 financial award.
The fellowship is open to 1L and 2L students who attend an ABA-accredited law school in the United States and identify as members of a historically underrepresented group in intellectual property law or possess a demonstrated commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Applicants also must meet other criteria, including academic merit, a commitment to the pursuit of a career in the field, an interest in a career at Banner Witcoff, and demonstrated leadership qualities and community involvement.
To be considered, applicants must submit a completed application form to fellowship@bannerwitcoff.com, along with their resume, academic transcripts, legal writing sample (five – 10 pages), and a one-page statement describing how diversity has influenced the applicants’ decision to pursue a legal career or how they will help increase diversity in the field of IP law. Please note our 2L class is at capacity, but 1L candidates will be considered for the program until January 2, 2024.
Donald W. Banner (1924-2006) — the namesake of the fellowship and firm — was a leader in the field of patent law. A former U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, he was chairman of the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law, president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, a founding member of the Association of Corporate Patent Counsel, president of the International Patent and Trademark Association, co-founder and president of the Intellectual Property Owners Association and director of The John Marshall Law School Center for Intellectual Property Law.
Posted: October 13, 2023
