Six BigLaw firms join fellowship program for women re-entering the practice
OnRamp Fellowship, a program that places women who took hiatuses from practice with law firms and in-house departments, recently expanded its participants to include six new law firms: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Morrison & Foerster; Loeb & Loeb; Stoel Rives, Wiley Rein and Wilson Elser.
According to Bloomberg BNA, 25 firms (including the latest additions) participate in the program, which has offered more than 150 fellowships since its formation in January 2014. Amazon’s legal department and Barclay’s compliance group are also participants.
Lawyers who receive OnRamp Fellowships are paid an annual stipend of $125,000 in larger markets, according to the website, and $85,000 to $115,000 in smaller legal markets.
Candidates must have at least three years of legal experience, and been on hiatus for two or more years. The women pay a $200 application fee, and the program relies on personality tests, writing assessments and value assessments for placements.
The fellowship lasts for six months or one year, according to OnRamp’s website, and their goal is to “replenish the talent pipeline in leading organizations with experienced women who have the potential and the desire to advance into leadership roles.”
Bloomberg BNA reports that 25 fellows have been hired by participating law firms, and more are in the interview process.
The program also offers fellowships in the financial services industry, with similar requirements as its law firm placements.
“Everyone realizes we are in a war for talent, and we are fighting for the same talent,” said Caren Ulrich Stacy, founder and CEO of the Onramp Fellowship & Diversity Lab, told Bloomberg BNA. “Some are looking for new and inventive ways to find people.”
