Over 30 Years of Excellence.

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Opening Doors, Building Leaders

Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) is a nine-week program that operates from June through early August. SWEL Scholars are expected to complete a full-time, paid internship (Monday - Thursday) and attend SWEL Sessions every Friday during the course of the program. SWEL Scholars are placed in legal internship positions throughout Ohio, most commonly in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus. Scholars are placed among a variety of employers in both the private and public sector. SWEL Sessions are days designed to provide Scholars with skills and insight that are essential to making an informed decision about attending law school and entering the legal profession. The exposure Scholars gain during their internships supplement what they learn during SWEL Sessions.

In addition to fulfilling internship and SWEL Session responsibilities, Scholars participate in the following activites throughout the summer:

SWEL Welcome Reception
SWEL Orientation Retreat
Annual Community Service Fundraiser
Annual SWEL Community Service Event
The James L. Johnson Law School Visits
Annual SWEL P&G Day
SWEL Appreciation Luncheon

Scholars are also strongly encouraged to attend additional events that arise during the summer to enhance their summer experience.

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Mission & Vision

Mission

To primarily help African American students make an informed decision when it comes to entering law school and the legal profession. SWEL sets the stage for each scholar’s own self-discovery by exposing them to the inherent opportunities and challenges of practicing law through summer work experiences, coaching and networking.

Vision

To be the best decision-development program for African American scholars and others interested in the legal profession

We are in: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Dayton, and Columbus

OUR STORY

Developed in 1988, the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program was developed as a pilot program by the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati - Cincinnati Bar Association Round Table. Members of the Round Table rose to the task and created what is now known as Greater Cincinnati's premier African American pipeline program to support students from high school to law school.