THE LIGHTFOOT ACADEMY: TRIAL SKILLS FOR RISING TALENT
Are you a student passionate about litigation and aspiring to become an exceptional trial lawyer? The Lightfoot Academy is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the day-to-day experience of a leading boutique litigation law firm.
Our 2025 Lightfoot Academy will take place June 9-13th in Birmingham, AL. The week-long program is open to rising seniors in college seriously considering law school and incoming law students with a keen interest in becoming trial lawyers. The Academy provides a chance 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 offers participants a chance to observe our seasoned trial lawyers in action as they represent our valued clients. Over the course of the program, students will have direct, one-on-one access to some of the most knowledgeable trial lawyers in the country. They will engage in various stages of the litigation process, including attending client and team meetings, observing trial lawyers in action, and benefiting from training and mentoring by our partners and associates.
Additionally, the Academy will present curated, interactive educational sessions focused on the skills and habits necessary for success in law school and litigation practice. Participants will get a comprehensive overview of the legal profession, insights into practicing law and guidance on building a lasting legal career. To foster meaningful connections, the program also includes several social events, offering pre-law students the chance to interact with our lawyers, especially our younger associates who can offer insights into all that Lightfoot provides for those starting their legal careers.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Lightfoot Academy aims to host five to seven students who exhibit strong academic achievement, a genuine passion to become a trial lawyer and an openness to joining our legal market post-law school.
Should you be chosen for the Lightfoot Academy, your travel, accommodation, and meal expenses during the program will be covered by Lightfoot.
Prospective applicants are asked to submit their resume, transcripts, cover letter and a brief answer to the following two questions (the answer shall be no more than 500 words total):
- How does your background or life experience contribute to enriching the legal profession, and why are you interested in being considered for the Academy?
- While Lightfoot’s main office is in Birmingham, Alabama, with another in Houston, Texas, our reach is nationwide. You certainly don’t have to be from Alabama to fall in love with our city, but we would like to know: What draws you to spending a part of your summer with us in Birmingham?
Applications will open on March 1st and must be submitted by April 18th.
