#USA #Los Angeles #D.Law #NextGen Academy #FAIR Fellowship

D.Law NextGen Academy Launches Summer Associate Program

D.Law, a premier employment law firm based in California, is excited to announce the initiation of its second annual NextGen Academy Summer Associate Program. This initiative welcomes seven promising law students who will gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field of employment law advocacy during the summer months. The program, which can be found at D.Law NextGen Academy, underscores the firm’s commitment to nurturing future attorneys who are passionate about worker rights.

The selected 2026 D.Law summer associates include Lilit Arakelyan, Charles Caudill, Ashley Huendo, Parthvi Kothari, Christopher Levendosky, Nicole Manssourian, and Alexis Villa Torres. A noteworthy highlight this year is that three of these summer associates, namely Charles Caudill, Ashley Huendo, and Nicole Manssourian, have been distinguished as 2026 FAIR Employee Justice Fellows. This honor has been conferred by the Foundation for Advocacy, Inclusion and Resources (FAIR) in collaboration with the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA). Only 11 such fellowships were awarded statewide this year, positioning D.Law as a leading firm in fostering diverse legal talent within the program.

The FAIR Employee Justice Fellowship is a prestigious initiative aimed at enhancing diversity among those who are engaged in employment and labor law on behalf of workers. This 10-week program not only awards fellows a stipend but also adds to their firm salary, recognizing their dedication to social justice and advocacy for workers. D.Law proudly acknowledges FAIR’s crucial role in creating pathways for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds into the legal profession.

Brandon Ruiz, the firm’s Litigation Manager and Program Director, expressed his thoughts: "This program was built on the belief that exceptional legal talent exists everywhere, and our job is to find it, invest in it, and give it a place to grow. Our second year of the Summer Associate Program brings in a remarkable group of students, and we couldn't be more proud to welcome them to D.Law. Seeing three of them recognized as FAIR Employee Justice Fellows is a testament to the caliber of people drawn to this work and to the values we share as a firm."

The D.Law NextGen Academy Summer Associate Program is expertly crafted to furnish law students with immersive, real-world experience while working closely with D.Law attorneys. Participants engage in cases that are critical to workers’ rights, covering topics such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage claims. This year marks the second iteration of a program designed to identify and cultivate the next generation of advocates committed to employee-side legal work.

To find out more about the NextGen Academy and its significant contribution to the future of labor law, visit D.Law NextGen Academy. 的