Akin Gump Pro Bono Scholars Office Hours with Steven Schulman
October 9, 2025
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sign up for a 20-minute coffee session to chat with Partner Steven Schulman about the 1L Pro Bono Scholars Program.
Sign up for a time slot in Symplicity.
About the Program
The summer after your 1L year, you’ll spend six weeks working at Akin and the rest of your summer working at a public interest organization of your choice. Pro Bono Scholars make a commitment to return as 2L summer associates.
In The Public Interest
Many Pro Bono Scholars identify their own public interest organizations, while others work with our pro bono team to secure a placement. You’ll choose from a wide array of transactional and advocacy opportunities. Our Pro Bono Scholars have worked with nearly 40 public interest organizations since the program started in 2008.
At The Firm
During your first summer, you’ll receive pro bono assignments in a variety of subject areas and interact with lawyers during training sessions, lunches and networking events. Your weeks at the firm include a multiday Scholar Summit for Pro Bono Scholars and Robert S. Strauss Scholars, featuring off-site pro bono work, training sessions with public interest leaders and our pro bono team and an introduction to our commercial practices.
During your second summer, you’ll be based at the firm working on sophisticated pro bono matters in addition to commercial assignments. You’ll be eligible for consideration to join the firm as an associate once you graduate. Pro Bono Scholars who join the firm as lawyers will be placed into one of the firm’s commercial practice groups.
Questions
If you have questions about 1L Summer Opportunities at Akin, please contact our recruiting teams.
If you or an event participant requires disability-related accommodations, please contact HLS Accessibility Services at accessibility@law.harvard.edu two weeks in advance of the event.