Posted January 5, 20269:00 am
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is thrilled to announce the placement of a 2026 Skadden Fellow, Doug Smits. Hailing from 20 different law schools across the country, Doug is one of 34 individuals who make up the 38th Class of Skadden Fellows, each of whom will begin their public interest careers by addressing a broad range of civil legal issues affecting people living in poverty throughout the United States.
Doug’s fellowship project with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will focus on advancing veteran rights through targeted outreach, veteran-specific legal checkups, and services for Northeast Ohio veterans seeking discharge upgrades.
A veteran himself, Doug served in the United States Air Force for twenty years as an enlisted Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He brings a unique skillset that recognizes that the effects of military service do not always end at separation and will apply that perspective when providing legal support. Instead of clearing landmines, his project will focus on clearing legal challenges like discharge upgrades so veterans can access life-changing benefits.
Expected to graduate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in May 2026, Doug holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from American Military University.
The Skadden Fellowship Foundation is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization that was launched in 1988 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Skadden law firm. The program provides two-year Fellowships to recent law graduates to pursue the practice of public interest law on a full-time basis. Skadden Fellows address unmet civil legal needs of people living in poverty throughout the United States. Since its inception, the Foundation has funded over 1,000 fellowships. See the full class of 2026 Skadden Fellows at https://www.skaddenfellowships.org/.
Founded in 1905, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Serving residents of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties, Legal Aid staff and volunteers secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change.