DLA Piper names 13th class of Krantz Fellows

DLA Piper is pleased to announce that Constance Du and Garanique Williams have joined the firm as its 13th class of Krantz Fellows.

Through the Krantz Fellowship, DLA Piper annually selects two new associates to spend their first year at the firm working exclusively on pro bono matters. The firm created the fellowship in honor of Sheldon Krantz, a former partner and founding director of New Perimeter, DLA Piper's nonprofit affiliate that provides long-term pro bono legal assistance in underserved regions around the world.

“We are pleased to welcome Constance and Garanique as our newest Krantz Fellows as they begin their legal careers focusing on providing pro bono support to underserved communities. We know they will be able to make significant contributions while gaining skills that will serve them throughout their careers,” said Lisa Dewey, US pro bono partner for DLA Piper and former director of New Perimeter.

Du and Williams will work on domestic matters as well as New Perimeter projects. At the end of the fellowship, they will transition into traditional associate roles.

Based in the firm's Chicago office, Du plans to concentrate on serving asylum seekers, survivors of domestic violence, and international environmental nonprofit groups. Du will also be working with New Perimeter to promote access to justice, sound legal institutions, social and economic development and women’s advancement. She received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and her B.S. in Public Policy and Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.

“I am honored to be spending my first year at DLA serving as a Krantz Fellow and am grateful for the opportunity to begin my legal career doing such important pro bono work,” Du said. “There is no other role that would allow me to serve such diverse clients during my first year of legal practice, and I am thrilled to join a firm that truly applies its resources towards helping underserved and marginalized communities.”

Garanique will be based in the firm's Atlanta office. Her plans include continuing her work on international matters through New Perimeter, with a focus on women’s advancement, and zealous advocacy on behalf of immigrants and racial equality. She will also use the fellowship to explore opportunities for mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Williams received her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and her B.A. in Government from Cornell University. 

“The Krantz Fellowship provides me with the platform to become an advocate for underserved communities while gaining valuable legal experience. I am excited to collaborate with a diverse set of lawyers, organizations and businesses that are equally committed to increasing access to justice,” Williams said.