First Year Law Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a National Security and International Trade law clerk to join our dynamic Washington, D.C. office for the 2026 - 2027 school year to assist in a variety of legal and administrative matters.
The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated interest and be versed and conversant in regulatory practices within export controls, economic sanctions, CFIUS regulations, as well as customs and other trade regulations. Candidates must have completed their first year of law school and have a combination of demonstrated interest and, ideally, prior work experience in these areas.
This is a year-round clerkship, which will require candidates to live within a commutable distance of our Washington, DC office.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Lawyers, administrative staff, legal support staff, and clients
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct research and analysis regarding complex issues of international trade law and national security law.
• Draft memoranda and other written work products addressing such issues.
• Support and participate in meetings with company and government officials.
• Attend administrative and court proceedings.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Currently enrolled in law school with plans to graduate in the spring/summer of 2028
• Demonstrated interest in and experience with export controls, economic sanctions, CFIUS regulations, as well as customs and other trade regulations
• Demonstrated record of success in customer-facing roles and exceptional customer service
• Ability to understand complex legal documents and concepts
• Ability to derive appropriate conclusions from the cases and other materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Good time management skills and ability to solve critical problems related to the case
• Must be familiar with legal terminology and court rules and procedures

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Live within commuting distance of the Washington, DC office
• Frequently work at fast pace with unscheduled interruptions
• Responsibilities may occasionally require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines
• This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend, and stand on a stool may also be required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft products pertaining to the specific position, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Effectively manage and communicate confidential issues

ABOUT THE FIRM
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.
The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.
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Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.
Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check. In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person's race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm's policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.