Selendy & Gay was conceptualized with diversity, equity and inclusion at the very heart of our culture. Founded as a majority-women-owned firm, we’ve amassed a strong bench of female and LGBTQ+ associates. Now, three years into the life of our firm, it is apparent that we have more work to do in attracting and retaining attorneys of color; a challenge that has been identified throughout our industry and one we believe firms must act thoughtfully and swiftly to rectify.
For our part, we took a comprehensive look at diversity efforts across the legal industry, as well as our own infrastructure, recruiting and training efforts. We considered the host of challenges faced by groups who have historically been underrepresented in the legal profession and examined our own implicit biases, thinking critically about how Selendy & Gay can be an anti-racist institution.
Out of that examination, we have developed a new program that will focus not only on attracting but also retaining and nurturing outstanding racially diverse candidates and first-generation college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of that program: the Selendy & Gay Fellowship. The Fellowship will be open to 2Ls, 3Ls, and lateral associates (including clerks), and will provide long-term, individually-tailored training, mentoring and post-recruitment support to diverse talent to help achieve their long-term potential.
Our bespoke course of training will provide Fellows with access to ongoing professional and personal support, while giving them the agency to opt in and out based on their specific needs and goals. This individualized support will include (but not be limited to):
- Dedicated access to senior partner time;
- Ongoing writing support from a professional coach;
- One-on-one business networking coaching;
- Training on how to effectively “manage up” and cultivate personal leadership skills;
- Access to a suite of outside coaches, from which Fellows will personally select who they wish to work with;
- A $30,000 payment, made in tranches.
“We believe the long-term, individualized investments we make in our Fellows will enhance our ability to attract, retain and promote diverse and underrepresented lawyers,” said Managing Partners Jennifer Selendy and David Elsberg.
“Part of what makes the Selendy & Gay Fellowship so unique is our commitment to design and execute a bespoke program that will stretch over many years. As a young firm, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to set a more equitable standard in hiring and retaining associates of color. It is our great hope that the Fellowship will accomplish this,” said partner David Flugman, who leads the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts.
Eligibility
The Fellowship will be open to 2Ls, 3Ls, and lateral associates (including clerks) who are racially diverse or are first generation college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Please note: Only candidates who separately apply for and receive an offer of employment with the Firm are eligible to be considered for a Fellowship. While we encourage you to submit a Fellowship application at the same time you apply for employment with the Firm, we will notify you of our decision on this application only after we extend an offer of employment.
>> Apply to join us as a lateral or summer associate
Applying
Applicants are asked to tell us about a time when they’ve overcome adversity. The essay should describe how the experience impacted their sense of resilience. Responses should be limited to 1,000 words and double-spaced, and the essay should be attached as a separate Word document to the application linked below.
