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The Columbus Bar Association's Minority Clerkship Program (MCP) was established in 1987 and is a collaboration of the CBA, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and Capital University Law School.
Supporting underrepresented law students through meaningful clerkship experiences.
The Columbus Bar Association’s Minority Clerkship Program (MCP) helps diversify the legal profession by connecting underrepresented students with valuable clerkship opportunities. Since its launch, the program has placed over 1,000 summer clerks and continues to drive inclusivity in Central Ohio’s legal community.
Interested in learning more? Qualified students and law firms and corporate and government offices should contact the Columbus Bar Association at clerkship@cbalaw.org or 614-221-4112.
The Minority Clerkship Program (MCP) was a major initiative of former Columbus Bar President Ben Zox and launched under the leadership of Guy Reece, chair of the Minorities in the Legal Profession Committee, and former Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. Norton Webster, a long-time advocate, played a key role in shaping and sustaining the program.
Despite progress in the legal profession, educational and clerkship opportunities are not equally accessible to all. The MCP encourages legal organizations to diversify their intern and clerkship programs, increasing opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Underrepresented groups may include, but are not limited to:
This opportunity is open to all, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Since its inception, the MCP has provided over 1,000 summer clerks with valuable experience, with participating employers investing millions in salaries. Firms such as Carlile Patchen & Murphy, Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter, and Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease have been part of the program since the beginning. Since 1987, the MCP has played a vital role in increasing minority representation in Central Ohio law firms.