Description

Note: Applications for the 2026 summer program will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 16, 2026. Application materials can be submitted using a form on the MBA website: https://www.meckbar.org/clcp-students

The Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program (CLCP) seeks high-performing, first-year law students for a 10-week on-site summer clerkship position with a law firm and corporate legal department in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA) seeks to eliminate biases, barriers, and prejudices within the legal profession by creating and promoting environments that treat all individuals with respect and dignity. The CLCP program is a part of the Mecklenburg Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. The Committee’s goal is to foster an equitable and inclusive environment within the Bar where every member can feel respected, valued, and culturally enriched; to recognize the individuality of each person and the collective strength of our differences. 

The CLCP is an inclusive program that seeks to attract individuals with diverse perspectives, without limitation to, age, race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, disability, socioeconomic status, veteran status, first generation university graduate or law school attendee, and marital and parental status. We acknowledge that the varied perspectives and backgrounds of our members are central to the MBA’s success as an organization and are valuable to the public we serve.  

The purpose of the Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program is to facilitate and maintain a legal talent pipeline in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County through a collaboration of the Mecklenburg Bar Association, supporting law firms, and corporate legal departments. Through this partnership, the CLCP attracts high-performing first-year law students to Charlotte by offering a comprehensive split-summer clerkship between law firms and legal departments. The CLCP also provides clerks with event-based programming, alumni outreach, networking opportunities, as well as exposure to various organizations and government entities. 

From 2006 to this date, the CLCP has hosted 193 students from law schools around the country. The CLCP program has a strong Charlotte alumni base and continues to grow each year by clerks either returning for 2L summer employment opportunities or as full-time attorneys.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program clerks are chosen from law schools across the country as part of a very competitive selection process. Each applicant provides a resume highlighting legal and undergraduate academic achievements and other professional experiences and grades, along with a statement explaining why the applicant would like to practice law in Charlotte. CLCP firms and corporate employers select candidates to interview from the initial applicant pool. From there, the clerks who accept employment offers become part of the Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program.

Requirements

Eligibility: 

• Strong academic performance
• First-year law school student expected to graduate Spring 2028

Application Materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Undergraduate college transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)
• Written statement (one to two pages) explaining who you are and why you would like to practice law in Charlotte
• Sample of writing from the first semester of law school 
• First semester law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)

Note: GPA and transcript information from 1L fall semester is integral to the selection process. Employment offers may be contingent upon grades based on employers’ hiring criteria. Applicants should be prepared to provide first-semester transcripts to prospective employers as soon as transcripts are available. 

INTERVIEW & OFFER PROCESS

Employers will work directly with students to schedule and conduct interviews from December 2025 through January 2026. Following interviews and transcript review, employers will send candidates offers for the 2026 CLCP program and candidates will have a minimum of THREE days to decide whether to accept or decline the offer.

ASSIGNMENT LAW FIRMS AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS

The clerkship is a minimum of 10 weeks in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area with time split between a law firm and a corporate legal department. The start date for the 2026 CLCP program will be determined by the law firm and corporation. Clerks are expected to commit to the full 10 weeks and all associated programming as participants in CLCP.

COMPENSATION

Each employer will set the compensation for its clerk(s). 

HOUSING

Selected clerks are responsible for securing proper housing during their summer in Charlotte; however, the CLCP program is happy to provide resources and recommendations on housing options. Some firm representatives may have additional resources or provide subsidized housing during the summer.

TRANSPORTATION

Selected clerks are responsible for securing appropriate transportation to satisfy work and program requirements during the summer.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Candidates selected for the CLCP will start on the day required of them by their employer. The CLCP will host bi-weekly events on Wednesdays throughout the program except during the week of July 4. CLCP events consist of a kickoff and closing reception, networking luncheons and dinners, tours, community service, and events with CLCP alumni. One or two judicial luncheons may also be scheduled. Clerks will be provided with a calendar of events prior to coming to Charlotte for the summer. Clerks will also have the opportunity to attend events hosted by other employers and we will provide information as employers let us know. 

Law School Class Levels: 1L