A recent merger between New York-based Kostelanetz LLP and Atlanta-based WELTY PC has created an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the law firm and Spelman College, a historically Black college for women. Kostelanetz LLP, specializing in tax and white-collar criminal defense practices, has a deep bench of tax controversy attorneys with extensive government experience, making them a key draw for clients in tax controversy cases. WELTY PC’s ten attorneys and three litigation support personnel are expected to further enhance the firm’s civil and criminal tax practice. This partnership will also allow Kostelanetz to expand its presence in Atlanta and strengthen its connection to Spelman College.
Spelman College, founded in 1881, is a highly ranked HBCU that has produced notable alumni such as Marian Wright Edelman, Bernice King, and Alice Walker. Kostelanetz LLP has been actively recruiting talent from Spelman through its Pre-Law Paralegal Program, which provides high-achieving college graduates with internships and hands-on experience in the legal field. The firm’s partnership with Spelman aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession while ensuring that clients benefit from the extraordinary talent available at the college.
The Pre-Law Paralegal Program at Kostelanetz LLP offers participants training in various aspects of law, including torts, contracts, and criminal law, and provides a starting salary of $70,000 per year. Alumni of the program have gone on to attend top law schools such as Berkeley, Columbia, and Harvard. The firm’s collaboration with Spelman College has resulted in the recruitment of exceptional talent, as evidenced by the success of interns like Destiny Reese and Grace Hall, who have both excelled in their roles at the firm and are pursuing legal careers.
The merger with WELTY PC not only adds to the talent pool at Kostelanetz but also provides the firm with a physical presence in Atlanta. This expansion is expected to enhance the firm’s practice and strengthen its connections with Spelman College. The interns and alumni of the Pre-Law Paralegal Program express excitement about the increased exposure and opportunities that the merger will bring, emphasizing the value of learning from attorneys in person and gaining hands-on experience in the legal field.
Moving forward, interns like Destiny Reese and Grace Hall are considering careers in tax law, with a focus on tax planning, compliance, and white-collar defense work. They credit the Pre-Law Paralegal Program for helping them realize the importance of teamwork in the legal profession and the impact of tax law on society. The success of the program has inspired hope for continued growth and collaboration between Kostelanetz LLP and Spelman College, with the goal of fostering diversity and excellence in the legal field.
