Raja Gaddipati Fellowship at DLA Piper

The application window for 2025 will open in December 2024.

About the Program

DLA Piper's Raja Gaddipati Fellowship is a pipeline initiative that offers undergraduate students and recent graduates insight into a large law firm environment. The six-week, full-time paid summer internship involves a combination of research projects, lectures, and direct mentoring. Students complete a rigorous application and interview process to compete for a limited number of seats. After completion of the program, graduates have attended Harvard Law School, Georgetown Law School and Columbia Law School, among other institutions.

The fellowship is named in honor of former DLA Piper partner, Raja Gaddipati, who was deeply involved in the community and ensuring all law students have an opportunity to succeed in the profession.

The Application

Candidates must submit the following for consideration: resume and a cover letter stating their interest in the program, an unofficial school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.

The most qualified candidates will be invited to answer a series of questions via recorded video. Once all video responses are reviewed, the top candidates will be notified by the recruitment team to schedule a live video interview with members of the firm's Talent, Development & Inclusion team.

Applications will be accepted starting Monday, December 9, 2024. The application window will close on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Only complete submissions will be reviewed. Please note that expenses, such as relocation, housing, or transportation fees, are the fellow's responsibility. Fellowships will be awarded in late March 2025.

Qualified applicants must:

Be enrolled in an accredited college degree program entering their senior year in fall 2025 or be a recent graduate applying to law school within one year
Have a genuine interest in attending law school and have taken, or plan to take, the LSAT
Intend to apply to an accredited law school in 2025 or 2026
Demonstrate strong academic performance
Express interest and commitment to advancing an inclusive culture
Demonstrate involvement in the campus and local community
Present exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

From our Alumni

Participating in the Raja Gaddipati Fellowship was the most impactful experience of my undergraduate career. The opportunity to work directly with leaders in the legal industry and explore the world of global corporate law as a senior in college was an incredible honor and privilege. The fellowship expanded my perception of the legal industry in ways I never could have imagined, refined my career goals and law school plans, and introduced me to better friends and mentors than I ever could have asked for.

— Constance Du, 2019 Raja Gaddipati Fellow, 2022 DLA Piper Summer Associate, and current DLA Piper Associate

The beneficial experience of being a Raja Gaddipati Fellow has extended far beyond my six-week tenure. On top of the high-quality practical experiences that the fellowship provided, the network of support I enjoyed has carried over as I apply to law school and prepare for a legal career.

— Afi Blackshear, 2019 Raja Gaddipati Fellow

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