Reginald Staples, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP and former participant in the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program, shares how the Cincinnati-based initiative continues to shape careers in the legal field. SWEL was founded by prominent attorney James Johnson, who passed away in June 2025.
Launched in 1988, the program gives students of color hands-on legal internships and mentorship. It has helped more than 100 students become lawyers, judges and U.S. attorneys. With Black lawyers making up just 5% of the profession, SWEL focuses on increasing representation in law.
Staples says mentorship is key and notes the program is looking to expand to cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C.