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Summer Associate Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$20 - $24.75/hr

You'll be in the office 3 days a week and 2 days WFH. This position will provide administrative support in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, the Summer Associate Program, on-campus ...

Lateral Recruiting Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

As needed, assist Legal Talent Managers (local/regional) with the planning and/or execution of the annual summer associate program. Depending on coverage needed, responsibilities may include ...

Lateral Recruiting Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

As needed, assist Legal Talent Managers (local/regional) with the planning and/or execution of the annual summer associate program. Depending on coverage needed, responsibilities may include ...

As needed, assist Legal Talent Managers (local/regional) with the planning and/or execution of the annual summer associate program. Depending on coverage needed, responsibilities may include ...

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Summer Associate Program information

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

To thrive as a Summer Associate, you typically need strong analytical abilities, academic achievement, and relevant coursework or prior internships in your field of interest. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, research databases, or sector-specific software is often expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality work, collaborating effectively, and making a positive impression during a competitive, short-term placement.

What are some common challenges faced by participants in a Summer Associate Program, and how can they be addressed?

Summer Associate Programs are fast-paced and often involve a steep learning curve, as participants are expected to quickly adapt to new tasks while balancing multiple assignments. Common challenges include managing time effectively, networking within a short period, and navigating unfamiliar workplace expectations. Seeking feedback regularly, asking questions when in doubt, and actively participating in team projects can help associates overcome these challenges and make the most of the experience.

What is the difference between Summer Associate Program vs Summer Intern?

AspectSummer Associate ProgramSummer Intern
CredentialsUndergraduate or law school students, often with some coursework completedUndergraduate students, typically early in their studies
Work EnvironmentProfessional, client-facing, often in law firms, consulting, financeSupportive, learning-focused, may involve basic tasks
DurationTypically 8-12 weeks during summerUsually 8-12 weeks during summer
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in law, consulting, finance firmsCommon across various industries including law, finance, engineering

The Summer Associate Program is a competitive, often more advanced internship aimed at students nearing graduation, offering more direct exposure to professional work. Summer Interns are usually earlier in their academic careers, focusing on gaining initial experience. Both roles are valuable for career exploration but differ mainly in level of responsibility and target candidate experience.

What is a Summer Associate Program?

A Summer Associate Program is a structured internship, typically offered by law firms, consulting firms, or investment banks, designed for students—often in law or graduate school—during their summer break. These programs provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to a firm's culture and operations. Summer associates work on real projects, receive mentorship, and often participate in training sessions and social events. Successful performance in a Summer Associate Program can lead to a full-time job offer after graduation.
What cities in California are hiring for Summer Associate Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Summer Associate Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Associate Program job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 62% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Senior Coordinator: Human Resources

Senior Coordinator: Human Resources

Mayer Brown

Palo Alto, CA

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Coordinator: Human Resources

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world's major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do. We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm's client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Human Resources department in our San Francisco or Palo Alto office.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

  • Law Student Recruitment: Partner with the Northern California Hiring Partners and the Student Recruitment team to oversee student recruitment for the Northern California offices, including 2L and 1L hiring, clerkship recruitment, summer associate programs, on-campus events, and related activities
  • Handles law school registration, interviewer materials distribution, candidate interview and callback scheduling, ATS data tracking, interviewer feedback collection, candidate communications, and gifting
  • Represent the Firm at law school events and strategize on school outreach initiatives
  • Support Hiring Committee meetings by preparing candidate packets and tracking decisions
  • Develop and maintain tracking systems and spreadsheets to support the Hiring Committee and Student Recruitment functions. Issue offers letters and prepare status reports in ATS system
  • Support Clerkship recruiting initiatives and events
  • Summer Associate Program Support: Coordinate summer associate pre-hire document collection, onboarding, work allocation, feedback processes, and event planning
  • Coordinate event calendars, venue selection, vendor contracts, transportation, training sessions, and mentoring initiatives
  • Track expenses against the annual summer program budget
  • Prepare agendas and materials for Summer Committee meetings
  • Attend summer associate program events
  • Responds to questions and requests from summer associates and attorneys about summer program
  • General HR: Coordinate, communicate, audit, and prepare reports for attorney and business services workflow processes (e.g., pre-hire, onboarding, orientation schedules, feedback meetings, transfers, separations)
  • Schedule and conduct onboarding orientation training meetings and arrange catering and conference room reservations
  • Manage and clear pre-onboarding tasks in the Rival system to ensure new hires are fully processed and ready for their start date
  • Send departmental announcements notifying office of staff arrivals/departures
  • Prepare HR forms and memoranda pertaining to employee status changes, and collaborate with Attorney and Staff Personnel to facilitate the processing of those changes
  • Create and maintain attorney and business services personnel files to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines
  • Handle employee inquiries, provide guidance on HR policies and procedures and communicate Firm policies as requested
  • Partner with the national and local HR team in fulfilling various employee engagement initiatives (e.g., Administrative Professionals Week, employee recognition programs, mentoring program, COVID/Flu shot clinics, Life Event Announcements)
  • Plan and coordinate events for the Northern California offices beyond student recruitment initiatives, i.e. events led by Employee Resource Groups, holiday events, and other office activities
  • Collaborate with other departments to foster a positive work environment and ensure effective communication
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet national and local Firm goals
Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job

Professional Experience:

  • Minimum of three years of experience in HR coordination or a similar role, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment required
  • Solid understanding of HR practices and employment laws

Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
  • Knowledge of HRIS software preferred

Performance Traits:

  • Strong customer service and hospitality skills
  • Ability to work in a diverse and collaborative environment and support the demanding needs of the Firm
  • Ability to travel and work onsite in both the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices based on business needs
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities
  • Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion at all times
  • Self-starter with high level strategic thinking, problem-solving and good judgment skills
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks with strict attention to detail and adjust to changing priorities
  • Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with all levels of the Firm and external vendors

The typical pay scale for this position between $83,000 and $110,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.

This description is not exhaustive, and the Firm may modify it at any time at its sole discretion; nothing herein creates an employment contract or alters the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.

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