Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law is delighted to announce its partnership with the Philadelphia Bar Foundation’s Honorable Albert W. Sheppard Fellowship Program in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas – Commerce Court Division. There is one slot available for a second- or third-year law student to participate in this exceptional program designed to honor the memory of Judge Albert W. Sheppard, Jr., who served as a judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1983 to 2011. During his tenure, Judge Sheppard, who was committed to promoting civility, courtesy, and respect in the court system, created the now internationally recognized Commerce Case Management Program which promotes fair and cost-effective resolutions for complex business disputes.
During the 2023 spring semester, the student will participate as part of Drexel’s co-op program. The experiential component of the co-op will be under the authority of the Supervising Judge in Commerce Court, the Honorable Nina Wright Padilla. Students will have the opportunity to engage in legal research and writing in the area of commercial litigation. Students will learn about Pennsylvania law, analyze evidentiary issues, gain experience in aspects of Pennsylvania civil procedure, and draft written work.
In the summer of 2023, the Albert W. Sheppard Scholarship Fund will provide a $3000 stipend for the selected Sheppard Fellow. This fund was established by the Philadelphia Bar Association Business Law Section’s Business Litigation Committee in conjunction with the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, to honor the memory of Judge Sheppard and his contributions to the Philadelphia legal community. The Sheppard Fellow will be required to complete a two-page report summarizing their experience which will be submitted in a finished form appropriate for publication and may be posted on the Bar Foundation’s website. In addition, the Fellow will be recognized in the Bar Foundation’s Annual Report and at Bar Foundation events.
The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is dedicated to promoting equal access to justice and equity for all people in the community. Through programs, grants, and partnerships, the Bar Foundation removes barriers to justice, engages the community in support of civil legal aid, and builds system-wide capacity in order to strengthen the provision of quality legal services and to ensure that all individuals understand their rights to equal justice under law.
This unique co-op opportunity is ideal for second- or third-year law students who are interested in learning more about business law and commercial litigation and who want to gain research and writing experience. Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in Business Organizations). Students must commit to 22 hours a week for the 2023 Spring semester and 10-12 hours a week during 2023 Summer. Interested students should forward a cover letter/statement of interest addressed to “The Honorable Albert W. Sheppard Commerce Court Fellowship/Practicum Selection Committee”, a resume, the names and e-mail addresses for two references, and an unofficial transcript to Prof. Reena Parambath at rep42@drexel.edu no later than noon on Monday, October 3.