The Gregoire Fellows Program recognizes students for their academic and professional achievements, unique perspectives and experiences, and leadership potential. Named in honor of former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire (who also serves as a mentor), the program supports students committed to pursuing careers in the corporate legal sector, including private law firms, corporate law departments, and in-house counsel roles, and provides them with immersive professional experience and mentorship.
Fellows spend the summer following their first year of law school gaining invaluable legal experience. Fellows work ten (10) weeks split between a major corporate law firm and a Seattle-area corporation, giving Fellows direct exposure to the practice of law in both traditional and corporate settings.
The Gregoire Fellows Program began in 2015 with a mission to bring greater inclusivity and representation to the legal profession while training students for success in corporate, private, and in-house legal careers. While students from all practice interests are eligible, the Fellowship particularly seeks applicants who are interested in exploring careers in the corporate legal sector. Strong preference is given to applicants with a demonstrated desire to practice law in Washington after graduation.
If selected for the Gregoire Fellowship, applicants will be required to commit to UW Law by April 5 (earlier than the normal enrollment deadline of April 15).
In addition to summer employment, Gregoire Fellows receive:
The Gregoire Fellows Program is designed to strengthen Fellows’ professional development and job search strategy through:
These experiences help Fellows refine their interests in corporate and private firm practice and launch their legal careers with greater clarity and confidence.
Since the first cohort graduated, Gregoire Fellows have demonstrated strong outcomes in academic performance, bar passage, and post-graduation employment. Many Fellows pursue careers in private firms, corporate legal departments, and other positions in the corporate legal sector.
The Gregoire Fellowship Program presents its 2025–2026 cohort as part of a continuing partnership to increase professional diversity.
As part of a continuing partnership to increase professional diversity, eight first-year UW Law students are named Gregoire Fellows.
Eight UW Law students are named Gregoire Fellows as part of a continuing partnership between law schools and the Washington legal community to increase professional diversity.
The University of Washington School of Law is proud to announce its 2022 Gregoire Fellows: Bethany Butler, Sara Cho, Kevin Clancey, Alisa Das, Caroline Dolan, Robert Dowling, Hope Juzon, Mackenzie Kinsella, Jonathan Ng and Alexandra Valenti.
The University of Washington School of Law is proud to announce its 2021 Gregoire Fellows: Max Del Real, Samantha Hussey, Chisup Kim, Justine Kim, Trent M.C. McBride, Alysa Mo, Hosanna Negash, Ellie Pakzad and Sophia Sun