Fellowship Program

Law School Fellowship Program

Since 2004, Godfrey & Kahn has invested $2 million in full-ride law school scholarships, mentoring, and summer experiences for nearly 40 students the talent to shine.

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We're Committed to Building the Legal Pipeline

Our program grew from the firm’s vision for more widespread access to the legal profession and continues today through our partnerships with the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School. After two decades of dedication to our Law School Fellowship Program, we are more committed than ever to removing financial barriers and supporting talented individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives who are dedicated to pursuing a career in business law.

About Our Program

Godfrey & Kahn's Law School Fellowship Program provides:

A three-year tuition scholarship that covers up to 100% of the student’s tuition cost after factoring in any other scholarship or grant.
A summer associate position in one of the firm’s five Wisconsin offices after the recipient’s first year of law school.
Mentorship during law school and while participating in the first-year summer associate program, as well as networking opportunities.

Two students each year may be awarded: one attending the University of Wisconsin Law School and one attending Marquette University Law School.

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Our Objectives Are Clear

Our Law School Fellowship Program is driven by four core objectives:

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Supporting Future Legal Talent

We identify and support promising individuals facing barriers in pursuing legal education by providing financial assistance and mentorship to help them thrive academically and professionally.

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Enriching Firm Culture

We value distinct and unique perspectives and experiences, actively seeking candidates from varied backgrounds to enrich our firm culture and expertise. Embracing a broad range of viewpoints fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence in all aspects of our work.

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Making a Community Impact

We extend our commitment beyond our walls by investing in the education and mentorship of future lawyers. Our program is more than just an initiative—it's a reflection of our unwavering commitment to cultivating the legal leaders of tomorrow throughout Wisconsin and the country.

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Promoting Education

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of a successful legal career. Through our program, we foster and support scholars’ academic achievement and learning at Wisconsin’s premier law schools. Our program removes financial barriers that otherwise would have a lasting impact on law students’ academic journey and future careers. By promoting education and encouraging individuals to pursue law school in Wisconsin, we ensure that the legal profession in our state remains vibrant and accessible to all.

Marvin C. Bynum II

Shareholder, 2007 Law School Fellowship Recipient

Simply put, Godfrey & Kahn's Law School Fellowship Program changed my life in ways I never could have imagined when I began my legal education journey. When applying to law school, I did not have significant financial resources, nor did I have connections to the legal field. Not only did the program open doors that were previously shut to me, it also opened my eyes to a dynamic, intellectually stimulating career path that keeps me challenged and engaged.

All along the way, I am fortunate to have been supported by firm leadership, attorneys and staff who believe in my potential and push me to be and give my best, both at the firm and within my community. It has been my great honor to be a past fellowship recipient, and I am proud to continue my program participation as our firm works to attract future candidates and provide them the same types of opportunities that I enjoyed.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

This is a scholarship opportunity for students who have been accepted to Marquette University Law School and/or the University of Wisconsin Law School for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications will only be accepted for students entering those schools in the fall of 2025.

To be eligible for our Law School Fellowship Program, applicants must:

Face financial constraints hindering their education
Exhibit leadership skills, community involvement, and a genuine concern for other people
Possess unique perspectives or experiences, such as the ability to overcome obstacles
Demonstrate academic achievement

*Interest in working in private practice as a business law attorney is a beneficial attribute.

The application period has ended. Check back in February 2026 for the next cycle.

Key Dates for 2025 Applicants

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February 14: Application Open

Law School Fellowship application process opens. Candidates must consent to the school(s) sharing their law school application with Godfrey & Kahn.

March 15: Application Due

Final day to submit application.

March 17 - 28: Virtual Interviews

SparkHire screenings (one-way video interviews) will be conducted.

Candidates will respond to three questions recorded on their own time in their own space. A 60-90 second recorded response is allowed for each question with unlimited “takes” and unlimited “think” time to articulate a response.

April 2 - 11: In-Person Interviews

In-person interviews in our Milwaukee office. Interviews will typically last half a day and the firm will cover the candidate's travel expenses.

Application Overview

What's on the Application?

Before you apply, please review the below criteria so you're prepared to answer all parts of the application. The candidate will be asked:

To confirm whether the candidate was accepted at a Wisconsin law school (the University of Wisconsin Law School or Marquette University Law School) by completing the Application and Disclosure of Admittance
To provide a financial needs statement
To provide a statement about key qualities they may possess, including: experience with overcoming obstacles, academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and concern for others
To disclose whether they were eligible to receive a Pell Grant
To disclose any awarded or anticipated scholarships, grants or funding toward law school education
To disclose whether the candidate is a first-generation law student
To provide additional optional statements regarding:
- The potential positive impact of receiving a scholarship
- Academic and career goals
- Additional information for the firm's consideration

Godfrey & Kahn supports equal opportunity. Admitted students to the University of Wisconsin Law School and/or Marquette University Law School are encouraged to apply. Godfrey & Kahn does not discriminate against applicants for the fellowship because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal law.