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Summer Associate Program Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Analytica

2027 Summer Intern Associate

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

... 2027 Summer Associate Internship Program an open opportunity designed to provide hands-on ... This internship program supports career exploration across both technical and business disciplines ...

KeenLogic

Summer Counselor

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

The program offers an enriching and quality educational experience with a wide variety of ... Must have an associate degree in education or related field (bachelor's degree and teacher ...

KeenLogic

Summer Counselor

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

The program offers an enriching and quality educational experience with a wide variety of ... Must have an associate degree in education or related field (bachelor's degree and teacher ...

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All JobsSummer Associate Program JobsSummer Associate Program Jobs in Washington, DC

Summer Associate Program information

See Washington, DC salary details

$28.3K

$59.3K

$102.5K

How much do summer associate program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer associate program in Washington, DC is $59,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $67,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Summer Associate Program jobs in Washington, DC? For Summer Associate Program jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Associate Program jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Associate Program jobs in Washington, DC are:
Summer Associate Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Associate Program job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,303 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
2027 Summer Associate- Trial & Appellate Group (Patent Litigation)

2027 Summer Associate- Trial & Appellate Group (Patent Litigation)

Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox

Washington, DC

$4.3K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Sterne Kessler: 

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms dedicated to the protection, transfer and enforcement of IP rights for its clients. Based in Washington, D.C., we are a full-service IP firm offering patent litigation, patent preparation and prosecution of design and utility patents, and trademark and brand protection. Our firm culture is what sets us apart in the industry. It is the talent and dynamism of each individual that contributes to our shared success. We have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance.

Sterne Kessler’s distinct approach integrates its trial skills and experience, technical depth, knowledge of patents, and leadership at the PTAB to win for clients in district courts and at the USITC. Over the last five years, we have been one of the most active firms at the USITC, been lead counsel in over 100 Federal Circuit Appeals, and been counsel in over 750 PTAB proceedings.

What to Expect:

  • We will review and consider applications from students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program expecting to graduate in May 2028 for our 2027 Summer Programs.
  • The 2027 Summer Program will be held in-person in our Washington, DC office from May 24 – July 30, 2027.
  • Summer associates may work-from-home 1-2 days per week.
  • Summer Associates are compensated at a rate of $4,326/week.
  • Our summer associates work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by a broad range of innovative individuals and companies.
  • Your summer will include relevant work assignments, an informal mid-point and formal end-of-summer evaluation, workshops/trainings, and exposure to our team structure, all designed to reflect what life is like for an attorney at Sterne Kessler.
  • Our summers enjoy a number of social events, which allow summer associates to get to know our attorneys on a personal level. Past events have included our firm-wide crab feast, our firm-wide night at the Nationals, other DC sporting events, cooking classes, city and museum tours, and more.

To Apply:

To qualify for this Summer Associate position, you must be/have:

  • Currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program and expect to graduate in May 2028.
  • An obvious interest in intellectual property and patent litigation.
  • A STEM undergraduate or advanced degree and/or industry experience (preferred, but not required).
  • Stellar academic credentials.

To complete your application, please complete our application online and upload the following documents:

  • Resume.
  • Transcripts: law, undergraduate, and graduate (if applicable). We accept unofficial transcripts.
  • Writing sample: Legal writing sample preferred. If you do not have a legal writing sample, please provide a writing sample that allows us to assess your technical or persuasive writing.   
  • Cover letter (optional, but helpful to provide additional context on your expertise and interest in our firm).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the positions are filled. We encourage you to apply early. Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. If you are unsure if your materials successfully uploaded, please email all your materials to recruiting@sternekessler.com. 

For questions, please contact Heather Molina at hmolina@sternekessler.com or 202-772-8968.

Apply