Theodore I. Koskoff Trial Advocacy Fellowship

One of the greatest trial lawyers of his generation, Theodore I. Koskoff, was renowned for his eloquence, his brilliant trial tactics, and his supreme mastery of the powers of persuasion. Although he was involved in some of the highest profile cases of his day, he preferred to represent ordinary individuals struggling against an unjust establishment. Building on Ted’s legacy, Koskoff continues as one of the leading trial law firms in the country.

Theodore I. Koskoff (TIK) Trail Advocacy Fellows will work on cases involving wrongful death and other serious tort matters, as well as equal rights, individual liberty, and access to justice. Fellows are also given the opportunity to work on legal projects of their choice. The focus of the Fellowship is on learning the art of trial advocacy, and the Fellow will work closely with experienced trial lawyers. The firm will strive to provide opportunities for meaningful trial experience, and the Fellow must be willing to participate in the presentation of evidence at trial.

Candidates for the Fellowship will have a demonstrated commitment to the rights of individuals as well as superior academic credentials.

DURATION OF THE FELLOWSHIP: September 2024 through September 2025

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for next year’s Fellowship is April 30, 2024. Candidates should submit cover letter, resume, law school transcripts, a writing sample, and reference list to:

Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder
David Bernard
Human Resource Director
350 Fairfield Avenue
Suite 501
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Or by email to:[email protected]

Meet Our Current Tik Fellows

Photo Of Skylar Albertson

Skylar Albertson

2022

“As a Koskoff Fellow, I am eager to learn from experienced, caring advocates in a place that uses the law to fight for people who have found themselves in difficult circumstances.”

Meet Some Of Our Past Tik Fellows

Jessica Hartman

Jessica Hartman

2020/2022

“The Fellowship is a unique and valuable opportunity for anyone looking to be a trial lawyer. As a fellow, I’ve gotten to experience all the different practice areas of the firm, touched every part of the litigation process, and have been given real responsibilities, all while learning from the amazing and experienced lawyers around me. My time as a Fellow during the COVID-19 pandemic has given me special insight into the ingenuity, flexibility, and the strong sense of community among the team at Koskoff.”

Lorena Thompson

Lorena Thompson

2020/2022

“As a Koskoff Fellow, I have been involved in case strategy meetings, retaining experts, and advocating for clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries and losses. Throughout the Fellowship, I have been guided by the wisdom of experienced trial lawyers and the support of their knowledgeable and dedicated staff. My involvement in various aspects of litigation from briefing discovery disputes and opposing dispositive motions to trial and appellate work has given me invaluable practical experience.”

Kenneshea Allums

Kenneshea Allums

2021/2022

“I was excited for the opportunity to participate in the Fellowship program because of the firm’s rich history amplifying the concerns of those disempowered by systemic injustice. Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder is true to its family roots and working here allows me to witness firsthand how celebrated trial attorneys hone their crafts and support one another in this work.”

Erica Ryan

Erica Ryan

2019/2020

“The fellowship is a fantastic opportunity to learn the ins and outs of trial practice. As a Fellow I have been able to work on a wide variety of cases and have gained valuable litigation experience. I have learned a lot from the skilled attorneys at Koskoff and have benefitted tremendously from their advice and guidance.”

Nico Gurian

Nico Gurian

2018/2019

“The Fellowship is offering me an unrivaled opportunity to be involved in every facet of civil litigation – from briefing dispositive motions, taking and defending depositions, all the way to participating at trial. I am able to learn from experienced litigators who give guidance while, at the same time, allow me to take control of my work and pursue new challenges every day. The amount of hands-on, substantive training I am receiving.”

Yaa Sarpong

Yaa Sarpong

2016/2017

“During law school I was involved with many opportunities, but it did not necessarily steer me in one direction in terms of a career choice. I am very excited to be a Fellow at Koskoff, and to work with the talented attorneys and staff here to be able to explore various areas of the legal practice in order to direct my career down the most useful path.”

Sarah Steinfeld

Sarah Steinfeld

2015/2017

“The Fellowship provided me with the unparalleled opportunity to handle all aspects of civil litigation while working on significant public interest cases and learning from skilled and experienced litigators.”

Emily Rock

Emily Rock

2014/2015

“I was thrilled with the breadth and depth of experience I got as a Fellow at Koskoff. I conducted and defended depositions, met with clients, selected jurors for several trials, drafted briefs on motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, and questioned witnesses at trial. I learned so much from working collaboratively with a variety of lawyers and being included in weekly meetings, where I gained knowledge and experience in the different practice areas of the firm.”

Katie Mesner-Hage

Katie Mesner-Hage

2013/2014

“The Koskoff fellowship is a phenomenal and unmatched opportunity for those pursuing a career as a trial lawyer. I saw every facet of civil litigation during my fellowship year — I met prospective clients, argued discovery motions, drafted briefs for the Connecticut Appellate Court and the Second Circuit, observed the art of mediation, and participated in two trials. Most meaningfully for me, I also played a role in bringing the recent lawsuit against several gun companies.”