Simpson Thacher Leadership Fellowship

Simpson Thacher has a deep and abiding commitment to public service, developing community engagement and cultivating future leaders. Our attorneys believe in using their skills and passions to serve all communities, fight against injustice, and preserve access to the courts. The Firm is also committed to supporting community engagement initiatives in the areas where we live and work. From our work with pro bono partners on thousands of pro bono projects and engaging with local and national bar associations, to hosting winter clothing drives and employment programs for economically disadvantaged populations, the Firm creates opportunities for employees across our offices, practices and departments to participate in public service and be active members of their local communities.

The Simpson Thacher Leadership Fellowship seeks candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership through public service, community development or advocacy, volunteer work, sportsmanship, and/or on-campus involvement.

In addition to the substantive experience, comprehensive legal training, and salary associated with the Simpson Thacher summer associate program, the Fellowship offers $50,000 to help defray the cost of tuition, loans, and other law school-related expenses.

Leadership Fellowships are offered in all of our U.S. offices.

Application Details

2028 Fellowship applications are now open.

Fellowship application materials can be submitted in two ways:

1. Contemporaneously with your application for the 2028 summer associate program, or
2. By completing the Fellowship Confirmation Form and emailing your personal statement to [email protected] no later than Friday, January 22, 2027. Please ensure all forms are complete and use “Leadership Fellowship Application” as the subject line.

Fellowship applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for those applicants who receive a summer program offers, after offer decisions have been made. 

The $50,000 fellowship award will be paid in two installments:

• $25,000 upon starting the 2028 summer program
• $25,000 upon starting with the Firm as a first-year associate

Application Materials

• Completed summer associate application (resume, law school transcript, undergraduate transcript)
• A personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing how you have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to service at your law school, undergraduate institution, workplace or community, and how this service will contribute to Simpson Thacher’s commitment to leadership, public service, and community engagement
• Confirmation of one or more years in a leadership capacity or 50+ hours as an active participant in a volunteer role, student organization, or similar.  Please use this link to complete the Fellowship Confirmation Form.    

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate a consistent and exemplary commitment to leadership and/or community engagement on or off campus

• Examples of leadership and/or community engagement include but are not limited to involvement with student-led organizations (e.g., Student Government Organization Officer, Mock Trial Captain), club and teams (e.g., Varsity Soccer Captain, President of Business Law Club), bar associations and development programs in the legal profession and/or the greater community (e.g., Student International Bar Association Officer, Head Start Program lead), pro bono work, community service and/or volunteer work (e.g., Habitat for Humanity volunteer; AmeriCorps lead), leadership positions during prior military service, and similar activities

• Exceptional undergraduate and law school performance
• Highly motivated with proven leadership ability
• Possess a long-term interest in practicing law in one of Simpson Thacher’s U.S. offices

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled and in good standing at an ABA accredited law school and expect to graduate in 2029
• Must participate in and complete Simpson Thacher’s 2028 Summer Associate Program and return as a first-year associate
• May not be the recipient of a similar fellowship award from another law firm for the same time period

Equal Opportunity Policy

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.