The Franczek Radelet "LEADS" Fellowship Program

In 2011, Franczek Radelet announced the implementation of an initiative that we believe to be unprecedented in terms of its focus and structure.  The Firm’s Legal Education for the Advancement of Diversity and Scholarship (LEADS) Fellowship Program is an exciting and creative diversity pipeline initiative that we believe to be unprecedented in terms of its focus and structure.

The LEADS eight-week summer program is designed for diverse first and second year law students with an interest in pursuing a legal career in private practice representing employers in labor and employment matters.  The goal of the program is to provide concentrated labor and employment legal experience while developing a pipeline of highly qualified, diverse candidates for future employment in the legal profession.

The LEADS Curriculum

This program, unlike most traditional law firm summer associate programs, will include specific learning and experience modules for the LEADS Fellows during an eight week fellowship period.  The curriculum will combine substantive legal experience with practical training provided by Franczek Radelet attorneys.  LEADS Fellows will also receive an orientation to the business of practicing law, with a focus on transitioning from the life as a law student to that of a private practice attorney. 

With each Fellow assigned to a small group of Franczek Radelet attorneys, Fellows will also learn first-hand the work and demands associated with being a practicing labor and employment attorney.  Work experience will include substantive exposure to real time labor, employment, litigation and employee benefits issues facing employers.  The Firm will also be soliciting participation by Firm clients so that Fellows may have an opportunity to spend part of the eight-week program working with an in-house legal or human resources department.

The Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Franczek Radelet values highly the varied perspectives and experiences which are found only in a diverse workplace. As a Firm, we define diversity as inclusion of employees of different race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, cultural and ethnic background, ability, nationality and other unique attributes that do not interfere with effective job performance and superior client service.