The 1L Clerkship Program, formerly known as the Minority Clerkship Program, began in 1991 under the leadership of Judge Ronald B. Adrine, retired, Cleveland Municipal Court. It was designed as a pipeline initiative aimed at broadening representation within Cleveland’s legal community. This program offers first-year law students the opportunity to apply for summer clerkships or summer associate positions at law firms, corporate law offices, and government agencies committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Over the years, this program has engaged over 40 legal employers in northeast Ohio, aiding more than 300 law students in securing valuable clerkship positions.
Successful applicants who are selected for clerkships can expect to participate in a paid summer position at a law firm, law office, court, or legal nonprofit in Northeast Ohio. Typically, the summer clerkships begin in late May and end in early August. Most require a full time commitment. In addition to the clerkship, the CMBA provides group Lunch and Learn programs during the summer to introduce students to additional Cleveland lawyers and judges.
First year law students and 2LEs are eligible to apply. The competitive application period opens October 3rd and closes November 30th. Interviews and closed writing assignment takes place in January 23rd, 2026. Placement offers are made March 2nd.
In addition to providing law students with hands-on legal experiences and mentoring opportunities, the program helps create pathways for participating employers to build more inclusive and diverse teams within their workplaces.
The CMBA’s 1L Clerkship Program has an Oversight Committee led by Co-Chairs Greg Guice of Reminger Co. LPA and Gabrielle “Gabe” Kelly of ABA Insurance. The Oversight Committee also includes representatives of the participating employers and members of the CMBA.
Contact Community Engagement Manager, Trenton Butler
