Local law firm offers fellowship opportunity to UC students

In a new partnership announced this summer, Cincinnati-based law firm Graydon Head & Ritchey announced a fellowship opportunity for graduates of the University of Cincinnati College of Law’s LLM, or Master of Laws, program.

The firm will offer each fellow “practical work experience and exposure to a variety of practice areas.” Graydon offers services in many legal areas, from litigation and real estate to employment and business.

Graydon was founded in the heart of the Cincinnati in 1871 – the same year the Tyler Davidson Fountain, the centerpiece of Fountain Square, was dedicated. They offer a wide variety of legal services ranging from benefits and compensation to real estate, business, and personal client services. Currently, the firm is headquartered in downtown Cincinnati with offices in Over-the-Rhine, West Chester, Northern Kentucky and Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Stemming from its mission to become the “most innovative, vibrant, and inclusive law firm” in the Greater Cincinnati area, Graydon is launching the fellowship as part of its commitment to embrace and promote a diverse and inclusive working environment and community. It will not only allow for students to gain the hands-on experience of working in a law firm, but will also promote networking with internationally trained lawyers.

This opportunity resonated with the current class of LLM students, who visited Graydon for lunch following the announcement of the partnership. “I appreciated their focus on diversity, welcoming people who come from outside the U.S. and bring various expertise so we can learn from each other,” said Kitso Matlhape, a current LLM student and lawyer from Botswana.

Cincinnati Law boasts a wide array of externships, internships, clinics, and other opportunities that maximize a student’s connections with the real world and practical capacities. The partnership with Graydon enhances the capabilities of these students to succeed not only the program but also in their careers moving forward.

Established in 2012, the nine-month LLM program also gives students the opportunity to design a course of study that meets their professional goals and current life situation. Immersing students not only in a course of study but also in the Cincinnati community through the legal profession, court system, government, and more allows for collaboration that may not be as accessible anywhere else.

Graydon will begin accepting applications for the fellowship in the fall and plans to make its selection in early 2019. The fellowship will commence in July 2019 and will continue through May 2020.