Clerkships

Bob Mow Internship at the U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas

Bob Mow, a highly regarded lawyer known for his professionalism and expertise, was a go-to attorney for some of the toughest legal cases, including ethics and malpractice complaints. He earned accolades such as the Dallas Bar Association's Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2003, the Texas Bar Foundation's Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year, and SMU's Distinguished Alumni for Private Practice. In 2014, he received the Fellows Justinian Award from the Dallas Bar Foundation, recognizing his outstanding legal career and unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards. The Dallas Bar Foundation established this clerkship in 2016 to honor Bob Mow's remarkable 50-year legal legacy.

Chief Justice Carolyn Wright Internship

The Dallas Bar Foundation established the Chief Justice Carolyn Wright Internship at the Fifth District Court of Appeals in 2020 in honor of Chief Justice Wright’s long standing commitment to mentoring law students receiving a summer clerkship through the Dallas Bar Foundation Collins 

Clerkship program. 

James Alexander Internship

James R. Alexander, a dedicated lawyer with a 70-year career in Dallas, passed away in 2016 at the age of 93. He was an active member of various legal associations, including the American Bar Association, Dallas Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and the Dallas Estate Planning Association. Additionally, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Sigma Alpha Mu, earning recognition for over seven decades of volunteer service fostering academic excellence and leadership development in collegiate men. The Dallas Bar Foundation has introduced a six-week summer internship at a local non-profit organization, set to be awarded for the first time in 2023.

Judge Harlin D. "Cooter" Hale (Ret.) Fellowship

The Dallas Bar Association’s Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Section proudly presents the Honorable Harlin Dewayne (“Cooter”) Hale (Ret.) Summer Fellowship, celebrating Judge Hale's impactful career in the bankruptcy bar. Recognized for his mentorship and dedication, Judge Hale co-founded McGuire, Craddock, Strother & Hale, P.C., and served on the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. This six-week fellowship, established upon his retirement, honors his commitment to legal education and character development, benefiting law students, interns, and young lawyers.

Justice James A. Baker Clerkship

The legal community mourned the loss of Justice James A. Baker, esteemed former Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, in 2008. To honor his legacy of mentorship and ethical values, the Dallas Bar Foundation initiated the Justice James A. Baker Scholarship Campaign. This ongoing memorial scholarship perpetuates his impact by supporting aspiring legal minds, with the first award being a six-week clerkship with Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson at the Supreme Court of Texas.

Nikki DeShazo - Edward Smith Probate Clerkship

The Hon. Nikki DeShazo (ret.) and Edward V. Smith III Probate Clerkship was established in 2016 to pay tribute to Judge DeShazo and her late husband's illustrious legal careers, marked by leadership and professionalism. This clerkship offers a unique opportunity for 2L and 3L students at SMU Dedman School of Law, Texas A&M University School of Law, and the University of Dallas College of Law to gain valuable mentorship and expand their expertise in probate law during an 8-month term from September 1 to April 30.

Stephen H. Philbin II Fellowship - Media Law

In 1982, Stephen Philbin, a media law authority and partner at Locke Purnell Boren Laney & Neely, tragically passed away at 39 due to leukemia. Remembered for his dedication to media law and the freedom of the press, he advised prominent media organizations in Texas like The Dallas Morning News. In his honor, his sister, Susan Rowan Philbin, established a six-week memorial internship in 2016 to inspire law students to pursue their passion in First Amendment and Media Law.

William E. Collins Clerkships

Since 1989, the Dallas Bar Foundation has sponsored the William E. Collins Clerkship program for minority law students seeking summer work experience in Dallas. Named after William E. Collins, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, these 6-week clerkships offer a stipend of $550.00 a week, providing valuable opportunities for students who may not have secured their own summer placements. Clerks are encouraged to report their experience at the end of their placement.