NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday the launch of the New York City Law Scholars Program, a new city-wide initiative designed to enable young lawyers from law firms across New York City to serve their colleagues. New Yorkers for one year appointed to the legal department of a city agency.
The fellows will continue to be hired and paid by their companies, but in all other respects they will be full-time municipal employees and fully integrated into the agency’s legal offices.
“Here in the city it’s not just about problems, but about solving them. The Legal Fellows program will strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors, lay the foundation for a life of civic support and engagement, and help put the talents of these dedicated attorneys to work to address some of the greatest challenges New Yorkers face. “.. said Mayor Adams.” I am grateful for the studios that offer young lawyers these opportunities and invest in our city, its residents and our future. I look forward to welcoming our inaugural Legal class. Fellows and to thank them in advance for their service to our city. “
The New York City Legal Scholars Program is part of a broader legal services initiative launched by Mayor Adams to strengthen the partnership between city attorneys and private practice attorneys.
“Public service and pro bono legal work have been at the heart of Shearman & Sterling since the company was founded nearly 150 years ago,” said David Beveridge, senior partner at Shearman & Sterling. “We are proud to partner with the city council to contribute to the New York City community and serve the public interest, making positive change for those who need it most.”
Companies wishing to participate in the Legal Fellows program include:
- Pablo Weiss
- King and Spalding
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- O’Melveny; Ropes and gray
- Shearman & Sterling
- Simpson Thatcher
- Wilkie Farr and Gallagher
Scholarship opportunities exist at a variety of agencies within the Adams administration, including the New York City Investigative Department, 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 Labor Relations Office and the Office of the main council.
In addition to the New York City Legal Scholars program, the city has future plans to identify a wide range of pro bono issues to help further expose the law firm’s young attorneys to the city’s work, according to the mayor’s office.
“I am grateful to our inaugural series of companies for making this major investment in our city and for recognizing the value of public service,” said City Council Chief Counselor Brendan McGuire. “The city aims to deepen its relationship with lawyers in private practice seeking work with a purpose and to develop the next generation of leading lawyers committed to serving the city. We are thrilled to connect these attorneys to the challenging and rewarding work we are doing for New Yorkers and, more broadly, to expand the partnership between this administration and the private attorney. “
