THE LIGHTFOOT ACADEMY: TRIAL SKILLS FOR DIVERSE TALENT

Are you a diverse student hoping to become an outstanding trial lawyer? The Lightfoot Academy offers diverse future law students a chance to experience life at a leading boutique litigation law firm. 

The week-long program is open to rising seniors in college seriously considering law school, as well as incoming law students interested in becoming trial lawyers. The program takes place June 12th-16th, 2023, in Birmingham, Alabama and provides an opportunity to learn from skilled trial lawyers and understand how a litigation firm operates.  

PREPARING FOR A FUTURE IN LAW

Modeled after Lightfoot’s unique summer clerkship program for law school students, the immersive Lightfoot Academy seeks to provide a front row seat for diverse future lawyers to see our trial lawyers in action as they work on behalf of our clients. Over the course of the program, students will have direct, one-on-one access to experienced trial lawyers in the country, with the chance to participate in multiple aspects of the litigation process, including sitting in on client and team meetings, observing trial lawyers in action, and being trained and mentored by our partners and associates.   

This program also will include curated, interactive educational sessions focused on the skills and habits necessary to succeed in law school and in a litigation practice. Students will learn about the legal profession, including what it’s like to practice law and how to set the groundwork for a long career. This program also features several social events designed for pre-law students to develop meaningful connections with our lawyers, including with younger associates who can offer insights into all that Lightfoot offers to those starting their legal careers. 

Application Requirements 

Lightfoot seeks to fill The Lightfoot Academy with five to seven diverse students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, a commitment to excellence, a genuine desire to become a trial lawyer, and an openness to an eventual career in our markets after law school.   

If you are selected for The Lightfoot Academy, Lightfoot will pay for all travel, lodging, and meals during your time with us. 

Applicants should provide their resume, transcripts, a cover letter, and a brief answer to the following two questions (the answer shall be no more than 500 words total):

• At Lightfoot, diversity and inclusion are core priorities. There is immeasurable value and power in a diverse collection of backgrounds, ideas, skills and experiences. Tell us something about you or your background that would contribute to the diversity and inclusion of the legal profession, and why you are interested in being considered for the Academy. 
• Lightfoot is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with an office in Houston, Texas, but we work all across the country. You certainly don’t have to be from Alabama to fall in love with our city, but we would like to know: Why are you interested in spending part of your summer with us in Birmingham? 

The application deadline for the 2023 program is April 1st. 

Are you interested in developing the network and skills needed to a successful trial lawyer?  If so, we look forward to receiving your application for next year’s program. Apply here.