The Stanford Center for Racial Justice (SCRJ) is thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural Harry Bremond-Wilson Sonsini Foundation Student Fellowship, open to Stanford 2L and 3L students. The fellowship offers students a unique dual learning experience that immerses them in racial justice work through a wide range of impactful opportunities. Students will spend time advancing innovative projects and initiatives at the Center—developing a deeper understanding of racial justice issues and honing their legal and policy research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills. Their Center work will be complemented with opportunities to explore pro bono practice at Wilson Sonsini, through mentorship, a speaker series, and educational engagement with live cases. Students will also have opportunities to generate ideas for, support, and attend events, including conferences, workshops, and/or other professional gatherings.

The fellowship is supported by a generous gift from the Wilson Sonsini Foundation and honors Mr. Harry Bremond, who joined Wilson Sonsini in 1967 when there were just a handful of  attorneys and a single office (there are now over 1100 attorneys and 19 offices). One of the very first Black lawyers between San Francisco and San Jose, Harry Bremond witnessed and shaped the growth of Silicon Valley. He represented companies that would transform technology, American society and the world. He mentored generations of lawyers who themselves would shape the Valley. And through it all he remained a steadfast advocate for racial justice. A leader and founder of  Wilson Sonsini’s pro bono program and the pro bono movement within law firms, Bremond has been recognized for his racial equity work by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, the Equal Justice Society, and the Charles Houston Bar Association. This remarkable lawyer has been described, appropriately, as a Black Legend of Silicon Valley. In the spirit of Harry’s commitment to advancing the social good, this fellowship has been established to provide students with opportunities to further explore the complexities of race and justice in America while also getting exposure to the many pathways an attorney can advance racial justice in the legal profession, whether by practicing at a private law firm, nonprofit legal organization, or government agency.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a passion for addressing racial inequality, supported by a distinguished academic and professional background. This student possesses a deep intellectual curiosity, is highly motivated, collaborative, and brings a keen analytical mind to complex racial justice issues, recognizing nuances that challenge conventional thinking around solutions to racial bias and discrimination. Strong candidates will have exemplary legal and policy research, writing, and analytical skills. Adaptable and innovative, they are eager to engage in thought leadership, contribute to impactful projects, and deepen their understanding of how law and policy intersect with societal injustices in the U.S. Their ability to navigate both academic and professional environments will ensure they maximize the fellowship’s unique dual focus.

Applications are now open and directions can be found here. Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Join Us at the Fellowship Launch Event

Please join us, Mr. Harry Bremond, the Wilson Sonsini team, and special guests to celebrate Harry’s legacy and the launch of this exciting new opportunity for Stanford law students. The discussion will be moderated by Professor Rick Banks, Founder and Faculty Director of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice, followed by a dinner reception.

• Date: November 7, 2024
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT
• Location: Stanford Law School, Room 290
• Registration: Please RSVP here. This event is open to the Stanford Law School community.