November 8, 2022
Willkie is among an inaugural set of eight prominent law firms participating in the New York City Legal Fellows Program, a new multi-million dollar public-private partnership between New York City and major law firms designed to enable junior attorneys at law firms across New York City to serve in the legal department of a city agency for a one-year appointment. The pro bono fellows will continue to be employed by their firms, but in all other respects, will be full-time city employees and fully integrated into agency legal departments.
The program is part of a broader Legal Services Initiative launched by NYC Mayor Eric Adams to enhance the partnership between the city’s lawyers and those in private practice. Fellowship opportunities exist across a range of agencies, including the New York City Department of Investigation, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, the Mayor’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, and the Office of the Chief Counsel.
In an announcement on the program issued by the NYC Office of the Mayor, Willkie Chairman Matthew Feldman said: “Willkie is proud to be among the law firms taking part in the inaugural Legal Fellows Program in New York City. This talented group will help solve some of the city’s most urgent challenges and we feel privileged to have this opportunity to utilize our skills and resources to support Team New York.”
Willkie currently maintains four other externship programs with pro bono legal organizations open to associates. The attorneys serve on a rotating basis as full-time attorneys, gaining hands-on legal experience while promoting social justice. Associates from all departments are invited to participate in these externships.
The program is part of a broader Legal Services Initiative launched by NYC Mayor Eric Adams to enhance the partnership between the city’s lawyers and those in private practice. Fellowship opportunities exist across a range of agencies, including the New York City Department of Investigation, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, the Mayor’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, and the Office of the Chief Counsel.
In an announcement on the program issued by the NYC Office of the Mayor, Willkie Chairman Matthew Feldman said: “Willkie is proud to be among the law firms taking part in the inaugural Legal Fellows Program in New York City. This talented group will help solve some of the city’s most urgent challenges and we feel privileged to have this opportunity to utilize our skills and resources to support Team New York.”
Willkie currently maintains four other externship programs with pro bono legal organizations open to associates. The attorneys serve on a rotating basis as full-time attorneys, gaining hands-on legal experience while promoting social justice. Associates from all departments are invited to participate in these externships.