Fellows will receive a paid 1L Summer Associate position in one of our US offices: Austin, Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles, New York or San Diego. As a 1L Summer Associate, you will participate in various trainings including mock transactional exercises; work with attorneys in our Corporate, Fund Formation and Strategic Transactions & Licensing practices; and attend various social events to get to know your colleagues outside of the office in a more relaxed atmosphere. Upon selection as a Fellow, you will be assigned a mentor for the duration of your Fellowship experience. Fellows will also spend up to one week with a Gunderson Dettmer client as part of their 1L summer experience.
In addition to a paid Summer Associate position, Fellows will receive a scholarship of up to $40,000. The award will be paid in three installments: as you successfully complete your first summer with Gunderson Dettmer as a 1L Fellow, upon accepting and receiving an Associate offer as you successfully complete your full 2L summer and, ultimately, at the one year anniversary as a full-time first-year Associate.
Selection Criteria
Success looks different for everyone, and we believe it should be evaluated holistically. We will consider your demonstrated interest in emerging companies and venture capital; your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; the quality of your personal statement; and your personal, professional, leadership, community and/or academic achievements. In short, we want to get to know you.
Interested 1Ls are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the 1L Diversity Fellowship, you must:
- be enrolled and in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school
- have an interest for a future career in venture capital and emerging companies
- have an anticipated graduation date of 2026 at the time of application
- be available to participate in our 2024 and 2025 Summer Programs
Diversity Fellows may not be a recipient of a diversity-related award from another law firm, may not be a client or an immediate family member of a Gunderson Dettmer client and/or employee, and may not be currently employed by Gunderson Dettmer.
Application Process
Applications must be received by February 2, 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We understand that first semester grades may not be available until early 2024, so transcripts can be submitted later via email to recruiting@gunder.com once available. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, while in-person callbacks can be accommodated depending on location. Recipients will be announced in March 2024.
Applications must contain:
- Current resume
- Undergraduate transcript (unofficial copy will suffice)
- Graduate transcript(s) (if applicable; unofficial copy will suffice)
- Law school transcript (once available; unofficial copy will suffice)
- Two personal statements (see the prompts listed below), taking into account your personal, professional and/or academic experience and accomplishments, especially as they relate to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and contributions to your own personal growth or that of others; community service; demonstrated leadership and any other notable experience. In particular, please address the following two questions in your personal statements:
- Why are you interested in emerging companies and venture capital? (250 words or less)
- How has your interest in and experience with diversity, equity and inclusion influenced your personal, academic and/or professional goals and accomplishments? (1,000 words or less)