NCBF Open Door Fellowship Application

NCBF Open Door Fellowship Application (Summer 2026)

The Open Door Fellowship seeks applications from first-year law students who are members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession, including first-generation college students and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Applicants must be interested in practicing law in North Carolina, be enrolled full-time at a North Carolina law school, and have a demonstrated commitment to the NCBF’s mission and values.

Any information shared in this application will be kept confidential and used only for review by members of the Open Door Fellowship Committee and representatives of employer host organizations and will not be disclosed to any third party without your express consent.

As part of this application, you will be asked to answer four short essay questions:

(1) Briefly describe your ideal summer 2026 internship experience. (300 words or less)

(2) Describe what “open doors” means for you and for the legal profession. (500 words or less)

(3) Describe any obstacles that you have had to overcome in order to get to this point in your life and career.

(4) Describe your short and longer-term career goals and aspirations, and ways that you anticipate contributing to the North Carolina community of legal professionals as an attorney.

Educational Background
Name of Law School*
Anticipated Law School Graduation Date (If you do not know the exact day, please use 01)*

MonthDayYear
Undergraduate Institution*
Date of Undergraduate Graduation (If you do not know the exact day, please use 01) *

MonthDayYear

Demographics
Disclosure regarding the following information is welcomed to the extent applicants are comfortable.
With what gender do you identify?
Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Do you identify as a person with a disability or impairment?
With what race(s)/ethnicity(ies) do you identify?
Parent/Guardian 1 Occupation
Parent/Guardian 2 Occupation
Parent/Guardian 1 Highest Level of Education Completed
Parent/Guardian 2 Highest Level of Education Completed

Were you the first in your family to graduate from college?
Do you identify as an immigrant or first-generation American?
Were you raised speaking a language other than English in your household? (If yes, you will have the opportunity to indicate the language(s))
Language(s)
Were you raised in a rural environment? If yes, you will have the opportunity to indicate the location.
Location (City, State)
Did you attend an elementary or secondary school that had more than 50 percent minority student enrollment? (If yes, you will have the opportunity to share the name and location of the school.)
Name of School & Location (City & State)

Fellowship Goals
Briefly describe your ideal summer 2026 internship experience. (300 words or less)*

Essays
Required: Describe what “open doors” means for you and for the legal profession. (500 words or less)
Required: Describe any obstacles that you have had to overcome in order to get to this point in your life and career. (500 words or less)
Required: Describe why this opportunity would be particularly impactful for you. (500 words or less)
Required: Describe your short and longer-term career goals and aspirations, and ways that you anticipate contributing to the North Carolina community of legal professionals as an attorney. (500 words or less)
Optional: List organizations, activities, or memberships in which you are involved that exemplify your personal or professional interests or values. (250 words or less)
Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with the selection committee that might help them better understand your background, your experiences, or your fit for this fellowship opportunity? (Additional information may include a short self-introduction video (linked below or downloaded on the next page), social media posts/content, articles or other features about your work or accomplishments, or other information or content that may demonstrate your commitment to diversity in the legal profession.)

Document Upload

Please upload your resume (including current GPA) and your undergraduate transcript (this can be unofficial). Reach out to Ebony Bryant (opendoor@ncbar.org) if you have any issues or questions.
Resume (including current GPA)

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Undergraduate Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

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Should be Empty:

Please provide the following contact information.