Firm Welcomes Inaugural 'Lightfoot Academy' Class

June 8, 2021

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC is proud to welcome its inaugural class of Lightfoot Academy participants. Seven college seniors and incoming law students from across the country will participate in the week-long pre-law program starting June 7.

Modeled after Lightfoot’s immersive summer clerkship program, the Lightfoot Academy program will give the class an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work as a lawyer, and specifically as a litigator. During the program, students will engage with aspects of the litigation process, including sitting in on client and team meetings, writing briefs and motions and observing trial lawyers in action. Throughout their time at Lightfoot, participants will be mentored by Lightfoot partners and associates.

The new program, announced earlier this year, is designed to encourage and support qualified, diverse students pursuing a legal education. The Lightfoot Academy is open to rising college seniors who are seriously considering law school, as well as incoming law students interested in becoming trial lawyers.

“The goal of the Lightfoot Academy is to develop a pipeline of diverse students who aspire to be trial lawyers," said Haley Cox, the firm's hiring partner. "As we welcome this talented inaugural class, we are thrilled at the opportunity to help them develop the critical tools for law school and professional success.”

The inaugural participants for the 2021 Lightfoot Trial Academy are:

• Greta Chen, Duke University (2021), attending NYU Law this fall
• Mary Catherine Cook, Vanderbilt University (2018), attending Harvard Law this fall
• Olivia Fenderson, Jacksonville State University (2022)
• Stephen Galloway, Mercer University (2019), attending Vanderbilt Law this fall
• Natalia Malinowski, Auburn University (2022)
• Roop Patel, Centre College (2021)
• Tomás Rios, NYU (2022)

The Lightfoot Academy also includes curated, interactive educational sessions focused on the skills and habits necessary to succeed in law school and in litigation practice. Students learn about the legal profession, including what it’s like to practice law and how to set the groundwork for a long career. The program also features several social events designed for pre-law students to develop meaningful connections with the firm's lawyers, including with younger associates who can offer insights into all that Lightfoot offers to those starting their legal careers.