Job Description
Law Firm Seeking 1L Law Students for 2025 Maine Diversity Summer Associate Program
The Maine Diversity Summer Associate Program, now in its sixth year, is looking for first-year (1L) law students to join their 2025 summer class. The program was created by a group of law firms and companies in Maine with a shared commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Participating organizations include Bernstein Shur, Brann & Isaacson, Drummond & Woodsum, IDEXX, L.L. Bean, Martin's Point, Pierce Atwood, Preti Flaherty, Unum, Verrill, and WEX.
The program aims to attract a diverse pool of law students from across the country for a 10-week paid summer internship at one of the participating organizations' Maine locations. This initiative not only supports diversity and inclusion in the legal community, but also provides valuable experience and professional development opportunities for the students. The ultimate goal is to build a stronger, more diverse community of legal professionals in Maine.
The selected first-year law students will have the chance to gain practical experience and learn about legal practice and life in Maine. They will also have the opportunity to participate in professional development programs, network with professionals in the participating organizations and the larger legal community, and build their social and business connections.
Sydney Smith, a student at USC Gould School of Law and a participant in the 2022 D1L program, shared her experience, stating, "The Maine D1L program was the best possible way that I could have spent my first summer of law school. The practical, hands-on experience that I gained during just 10 weeks prepared me so well for my future career, supplementing my legal education in ways that my first year of doctrinal classes could not. The program—and my firm in particular—is full of knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming, and overall fantastic people!"
The application process for the 2025 program will open on November 17, 2024, and will continue on a rolling basis until January 8, 2025. Candidates must have a strong academic record, exceptional writing abilities, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate self-confidence. The program will run from May 27 to August 1, 2025.
Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume, current law school transcript, and a brief personal statement showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion and why they believe it is essential in the legal profession. Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and offers will be extended in late February. For more information and application instructions, please click here.
The participating organizations are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will be considered for the program. Join us in building a diverse and inclusive legal community in Maine!
