Pro Bono Scholars Program

The summer after your 1L year, you’ll spend part of your summer working at Akin and part of your summer working at a public interest organization. Pro Bono Scholars make a commitment to return as 2L summer associates.

The application period for the 2026 program opens on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In the Public Interest

Many Pro Bono Scholars identify their own public interest organizations, while others work with our pro bono team to secure a placement. You’ll choose from a wide array of transactional and advocacy opportunities. Our Pro Bono Scholars have worked with nearly 40 public interest organizations since the program started in 2008.

At the Firm

During your first summer, you’ll receive pro bono assignments in a variety of subject areas and interact with lawyers during training sessions, lunches and networking events. Your weeks at the firm include a multiday bootcamp for Pro Bono Scholars, featuring off-site pro bono work, training sessions with public interest leaders and our pro bono team and an introduction to our commercial practices.

During your second summer, you’ll be based at the firm working on sophisticated pro bono matters in addition to commercial assignments. You’ll be eligible for consideration to join the firm as an associate once you graduate. Pro Bono Scholars who join the firm as lawyers will be placed into one of the firm’s commercial practice groups.

Compensation

Pro Bono Scholars are paid the summer associate salary during their 10 weeks and are eligible to receive a scholarship of $50,000. The first portion of the scholarship ($10,000) is paid upon starting with the firm as a 1L scholar. The second portion ($20,000) is paid upon returning to the firm as a 2L summer associate. The third portion of the scholarship ($20,000) is paid upon your acceptance of an offer to return to the firm as a first-year associate following law school graduation. Applicants may not be the recipient of a similar award from another law firm.

Applications to the Pro Bono Scholars Program

To be considered for the Pro Bono Scholars program, please describe how a commitment to pro bono practice at Akin, and the experience of being a Pro Bono Scholar, will help you meet your career goals.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing at an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, and have an anticipated graduation date of 2028.