The Excelerator is a legal workforce development course designed to help young women of color explore meaningful career pathways within the law as paralegals, legal assistants, or lawyers.
Get ready to dive into the world of law with our three-month preparatory program that makes the law less intimidating and more relatable. The Excelerator is your chance to explore the legal field, figure out the kind of advocate you want to be, and connect with people who share your passions. We’re here to help you bridge the gap between what you learn and how you can actually use it. Think of it as a supportive community that’s got your back as you explore if a legal career is your thing! The priority application deadline has passed, but we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
Unlock new skills and opportunities via:
A two hour weekly course
Homework assignments, reflections, and projects
Guided experiential learning
Build foundational legal knowledge and skills
Networking & career development
Panel discussions, workshops, and exposure visits
Who is it for?
Emerging talent
Those with little to no formal job experience in the legal field.
Transitioning legal professional
Those with some experience or exposure to the legal field, possibly through internships or volunteer experiences.
Entry level legal professional
An individual with professional experience in the legal field, possibly working as a paralegal, legal assistant, or in administrative roles.
Ideal candidates:
– Have an interest in a fulfilling llegal career
– Are from a historically marginalized background
– Are passionate about the potential of a legal career
– Are willing to dedicate five hours weekly from June-August to reflect, learn, and grow
Frequently Asked Questions
The Excelerator is three month-long program with two cohorts of up to 30 apprentices available in 2025.
You will participate in around five hours of programming weekly, including a two-hour course, Saturday speaker series, and potential networking events. Our expectation is that participants attend 100% of live, virtual courses. If you anticipate having conflicts for more than two classes over the three-month program, the Excelerator will likely not be a fit for you at this time.
Interested in applying for Esq. Apprentice's Excelerator program? Nominate a Fellow today!
Once your nomination is received, you'll be contacted by our Programs Team to accept the nomination, complete an application, and commit to the class schedule. Enrollment is limited. Final selections will be notified at least one week before the start of classes.
If you are not able to complete the full, three-month program, we encourage you keep in touch.
Upon completion of the Excelerator, you will be recommended for either Esq. Apprentice's Paralegal Pathway, or apprenticeship program. If neither of those avenues are the best fit for you, the team at Esq. Apprentice will be happy to support your career development in a myriad of ways that will be customized to meet you and your unique needs, goals, and vision.
Joining the Excelerator program is totally free of charge! Nominations are due by May 2nd, 2025. Nominate a Fellow today.
As part of the Excelerator program, you will participate in up to two weekly virtual classes totaling about five hours. Excelerator participants may also have opportunities to attend in-person networking and career development events across the Bay Area–from panel discussions to workshops and site visits. If you are able, you will be strongly encouraged to join these in-person events.
The Excelerator is three month-long program with two cohorts of up to 30 apprentices available in 2025.
You will participate in around five hours of programming weekly, including a two-hour course, Saturday speaker series, and potential networking events. Our expectation is that participants attend 100% of live, virtual courses. If you anticipate having conflicts for more than two classes over the three-month program, the Excelerator will likely not be a fit for you at this time.
Interested in applying for Esq. Apprentice's Excelerator program? Nominate a Fellow today!
Once your nomination is received, you'll be contacted by our Programs Team to accept the nomination, complete an application, and commit to the class schedule. Enrollment is limited. Final selections will be notified at least one week before the start of classes.
If you are not able to complete the full, three-month program, we encourage you keep in touch.
Upon completion of the Excelerator, you will be recommended for either Esq. Apprentice's Paralegal Pathway, or apprenticeship program. If neither of those avenues are the best fit for you, the team at Esq. Apprentice will be happy to support your career development in a myriad of ways that will be customized to meet you and your unique needs, goals, and vision.
Joining the Excelerator program is totally free of charge! Nominations are due by May 2nd, 2025. Nominate a Fellow today.
As part of the Excelerator program, you will participate in up to two weekly virtual classes totaling about five hours. Excelerator participants may also have opportunities to attend in-person networking and career development events across the Bay Area–from panel discussions to workshops and site visits. If you are able, you will be strongly encouraged to join these in-person events.
Donzahniya Pitre
Apprentice Fellow, 2019
It's time to start building the legal career you have always dreamed of.
The Excelerator is a chance to invest in your future and gain the confidence and expertise you need to thrive in the legal field. Interested in starting your journey towards achieving your career goals? Nominations are due by May 2nd, 2025. Secure your nomination today.
GET NOMINATED