Each year, Simpson Thacher awards Public Interest Fellowships to a select group of summer associates. The Fellowships support these students’ participation in a significant public service project of their choosing during part of their summer with Simpson. All summer associates are invited to apply for a public interest fellowship during the month of January before their summer program. Public Interest Fellows spend eight weeks at Simpson Thacher and the next four to six in public service, during which they continue to receive their full salary.

The Firm also awards the Cyrus Vance Fellowship to one summer associate from Yale Law School, allowing him or her to spend a portion of the summer focused on international human rights. The Vance Fellowship honors Cy Vance, the former U.S. Secretary of State, peace negotiator, longtime Simpson Thacher partner and graduate of Yale Law School. The Firm selects Vance Fellows in conjunction with the Schell Center for International Human Rights at Yale.

The Simpson Thacher Public Interest Fellowship and the Vance Fellowship present wonderful opportunities for summer associates to gain practical experience while also making a valuable contribution to the public interest.

In the private sector, the Firm has joined with JPMorgan Chase to offer a four week fellowship with the JPMC legal counsel's office, enabling students to experience one of the world's preeminent financial institutions.  Candidates are chosen based on interest and contribution to increasing diversity in the profession.