Match Corps Alumni in Law

Looking for a Meaningful Gap Year before you apply to Law School?

Consider a gap-year in the most competitive urban education fellowship in the country


“I chose to join the Match Corps because I wanted to stop being a student after twelve years of schooling and re-energize before I jumped into the challenge that is law school. Of course, there are myriad options for “gap-year” experiences. But the Match Corps experience immerses Corps members – uniquely so – in a fast-paced, high responsibility, high accountability environment. As it turns out, that’s a lot like law school. Add to that, as a Corps member you get to play an integral part in a movement that is changing the educational landscape for the better. For me, the choice was easy and the experience invaluable."

Justin Sallis, Match Corps II
Law Clerk to the Honorable Thomas F. Hogan at the US District Court for the District of Columbia
George Washington University Law School ‘11


"Working with my students and observing them persevere each day to meet their goals inspired me to work harder to pursue my own goals...My time with my students continues to influence my work as I seek out pro bono and other opportunities to engage with the Boston community as often as I can."

Smita Deshmukh, Match Corps IV
Washington College of Law, American University
Associate, Sullivan & Worcester LLP


“In my senior year of college, I was fairly certain that I wanted to go to law school, but I wanted to spend at least a year outside the ‘academic bubble’ before going back to school. I could not have asked for a position more rewarding than the Match Corps. It gave me an opportunity to have a real impact on the lives of teenagers and their families – while also building the problem-solving and communication skills that have served me well in law school.

My experience in the Match Corps – in the relationships I formed and the skills I built – continues to have an impact on me. It strengthened my desire to work with adolescents and their families – even though I’ve decided to do so in the legal rather than educational setting.

I would recommend the experience to anyone looking for a challenging, rewarding experience after college – regardless of whether education is your ultimate career path or whether you simply want to make a difference out of college."

Siobhan Atkins, Match Corps VI
New York University Law School ‘14


“As a college senior, I had no idea what I wanted to do post-graduation. All I knew was that I wanted to do something meaningful. Luckily, I found Match. I spent two amazing years working with incredible kids and extraordinary colleagues. Moreover, my time at Match set me up for future success. Being a tutor, mentor, and quasi-social worker immediately transformed me from a naïve recent college graduate into a professional and an adult. I also learned that I was very interested in education law and policy, leading me to law school. For anyone who is unsure about their next steps, but wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of deserving children, apply to Match. You will not regret it. “

Robert Shames, Match Corps V
Columbia University Law School ‘13


Match Corps Alums Have Attended the Following Law Schools:

  • American University Washington College of Law
  • Boston College School of Law
  • California Western School of Law
  • Columbia Law School
  • Fordham Law School
  • Harvard Law School
  • NYU School of Law
  • Northeastern University School of Law
  • University of Chicago Law School
  • University of Kansas School of Law
  • University of Michigan Law School
  • University of North Carolina Law School
  • Notre Dame Law School
  • Washington & Lee School of Law
  • Washington University in St. Louis Law School