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2L Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP

These are the offices where we will be offering 2L positions for 2027 summer associate programs: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Columbia, SC;

Pirkey Barber PLLC

2027 2L Summer Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$3.1K/wk

We are seeking a 2L Summer Associate to join our 6-week program in the second half of summer in Austin, TX. Summer Associates are expected to work in-office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Pirkey Barber PLLC

2027 2L Summer Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$3.1K/wk

We are seeking a 2L Summer Associate to join our 6-week program in the second half of summer in Austin, TX. Summer Associates are expected to work in-office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Tucker Ellis LLP

2027 Summer Associate- 2L

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$3.4K/wk

2027 Summer Associate - 2L Tucker Ellis is seeking highly motivated 2Ls (Class of 2028) with a strong academic record (GPA 3.4 or above) for our 2027 Summer Associate Program located in our Cleveland ...

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How much do 2l jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2l in the United States is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 2L?

2L refers to a second-year law student in a traditional three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program. The 2L year is often considered a pivotal time, as students take more specialized courses, participate in internships or clerkships, and may join law review or moot court. This year is critical for building a resume, networking, and preparing for post-graduation employment. Many students secure summer associate positions during this time, which can lead to full-time job offers after graduation.

What kinds of legal work or responsibilities can a 2L expect during a summer associate position?

As a 2L summer associate, you can expect to gain hands-on experience by working on real legal matters such as conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, assisting with client meetings, and sometimes observing depositions or court proceedings. You'll likely rotate among different practice groups to get a sense of various legal specialties and work closely with both junior and senior attorneys. Collaboration is a key part of the experience, as you'll often work with other associates and partners, which provides valuable networking and mentoring opportunities. Many firms also include training sessions and social events to help you integrate into their culture and develop your skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2L, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2L, you need strong legal research and writing skills, a solid understanding of foundational law concepts, and successful completion of first-year law coursework. Familiarity with legal databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in citation formats like Bluebook, is critical. Exceptional time management, networking, and oral communication skills help you stand out in internships and on-campus interviews. These skills are essential for excelling academically, securing internships, and preparing for a successful legal career.

What is the difference between 2L vs Paralegal?

Aspect2LParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree (JD), passing the bar examPost-secondary education, certificate or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals, law firms, courtsLegal support staff, law firms, legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both 2L and paralegals work within legal environments, 2L refers to second-year law students who are pursuing their JD degree and may intern or assist lawyers, whereas paralegals are trained legal support professionals who assist lawyers with case preparation and research. The main difference lies in credentials and roles: 2L students are still in law school, while paralegals are trained professionals working under lawyer supervision.

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2L jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2L job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,389 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

2027 2L Summer Associate

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Ogletree Deakins
Law Firms • 1 - 5K employees

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 34 rated law firms

Good employer

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Job description

Position Summary
Ogletree Deakins has an opportunity for a 2L (class of 2028) to join us in the Milwaukeeoffice for a 10-week 2027 Summer Associate position. The student will gain substantial experience at one of the largest labor and employment firms, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters.
Summer Associates at Ogletree receive mentorship from attorneys across the firm along with meaningful work experiences and relationship building. They will also collaborate with other Summer Associates across the firm with work projects and attend office and firm-wide social events. Each Summer Associate is assigned a Supervising Shareholder and Associate Mentor in their perspective offices and one-on-one support and coaching from the Attorney Development and Recruiting and Retention departments. These departments also present a series of live training at the beginning of the summer in a robust program called JD to OD. Presented by firm experts, JD to OD equips Summer Associates with foundational skills and knowledge. Topics include firm resources and technology, communication best practices, memo drafting, and time entry. By the end of JD to OD, Summer Associates are prepared to excel at OD, immediately contribute to their local offices, and shape their future legal careers.
Essential Functions
  • Research projects.
  • Drafting written discovery requests and responses, motions, legal correspondence, and preparing legal updates.
  • Observation and participation in strategic planning for depositions, mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials.
  • Participation in witness interviews and client meetings.
  • Wide variety of other assignments.

Requirements
  • Participation in extracurricular activities highlighting leadership skills, commitment, and time management.
  • Upper 33% of class standing or minimum 3.2 GPA.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work well with others and independently.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Interest in pursuing a career in management-side labor and employment law upon graduation from law school.
  • Undergraduate Degree that demonstrates academic excellence and critical thinking ability.

Contact Information
If you have questions, please e-mail Katherine Manus at katherine.manus@ogletre.com with "2027 2L Summer Associate - Milwaukee" in the subject line. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.
Firm Overview
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a "Law Firm of the Year" for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its "Law Firm of the Year" in the Litigation - Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.
We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.
Equal Opportunity Employer.

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