New York (May 12, 2026) – The Venable Foundation announced today that it has awarded $5,000 public interest fellowships to five students attending Columbia Law, Fordham Law, and NYU Law. The annual program, celebrating its 18th year, supports New York City-based law school students committed to working for a nonprofit or a federal, state, or local government agency during the summer.
Students are chosen based on their academic performance, demonstrated qualities of leadership, and commitment to the use of the law to further the public good. This year’s Venable fellows and internship assignments include:
- Melat Eskender, Columbia Law, Neighborhood Defender Service: Harlem in NYC;
- Neo Nguyen, Fordham Law, Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) in NYC; and
- Jake Schneebaum, Fordham Law, New York City Commission on Human Rights;
- Michelle Howard, NYU Law, Native American Rights Fund in Washington, DC; and
- Alisha Zhao, NYU Law, Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco, CA.
"Many of our attorneys have worked in public service prior to joining Venable and continue to support nonprofits as volunteers or through our firm’s bro pono program," said Matt McLaughlin, partner-in-charge of Venable’s New York office. "We are excited to support students’ interests in public service."
"We are very proud of the longevity of this program and the opportunity to help law students advance the mission and important work of nonprofits throughout New York City," said Mark Vecchio, partner and Chair of Venable’s New York Corporate Group.
In prior years, students have used the fellowship to support their work at such varied organizations as the New York Legal Assistance Group, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Court of International Trade, the National Women's Law Center, South Brooklyn Legal Services, ACLU of Southern California, Immigration Legal Services, the Northern Virginia Capital Defender's Office, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, among others. Awards are distributed by the Venable Foundation, which is proudly funded by the partners of Venable.
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