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Summer Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Attorney Recruiting Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Summer Associate Program Leadership: Oversee all aspects of the summer associate program, including candidate selection, onboarding, work coordination, mentorship initiatives, performance evaluations ...

Legal Recruiting Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Create a standout Summer Associate Program by designing and managing training sessions, program events, workshops, mentorships, feedback surveys, performance reviews, program metrics, and the offer ...

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Showing results 21-40

Summer Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$33

How much do summer associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer associate in Chicago, IL is $18.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer associate?

A summer associate job is an intern opportunity in which you can gain practical experience and learn the skills of your trade. Industries from construction to entertainment offer summer associate jobs, but the legal industry is the most common for summer associate jobs. As a law student, you can find summer associate jobs after your first and second years of law school. Your job duties as a legal summer associate include drafting motions and other legal documents, practicing in mock trials, observing or performing litigation alongside an experienced lawyer in court, and conducting legal research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer associate?

To thrive as a Summer Associate, you generally need strong academic credentials, analytical skills, and the ability to conduct thorough research, often supported by progress toward a relevant degree (such as law, business, or finance). Familiarity with industry-specific tools—like legal research databases, financial modeling software, or project management platforms—is typically expected. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and time management skills help candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality work, adapting quickly to new challenges, and contributing effectively during a short-term, intensive program.

What can I expect in terms of mentorship and feedback as a summer associate?

As a Summer Associate, you will typically be paired with a mentor or supervisor who will guide you through projects and help you acclimate to the firm's culture. Regular feedback sessions are common, both informally during daily work and formally through mid-summer and end-of-program reviews. You'll have opportunities to collaborate with various team members, attend training sessions, and participate in networking events designed specifically for associates. This supportive environment is intended to help you develop professional skills and gain insight into potential career paths within the organization.

What is the difference between Summer Associate vs Summer Intern?

AspectSummer AssociateSummer Intern
CredentialsTypically law students or graduate students in related fieldsUndergraduate students or early-stage graduate students
Work EnvironmentHigh-level legal or professional projects, often client-facingSupport roles, assisting with research and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, consulting firms, investment banksLaw firms, corporations, non-profits

Summer Associates usually have more advanced credentials and work on substantive projects, often with client interaction, while Summer Interns typically perform supportive tasks suitable for early-stage students. Both roles provide valuable industry exposure but differ in responsibilities and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Summer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Summer Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Summer Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Summer Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,533 per year, or $18 per hour.

Attorney Recruiting Manager

BakerHostetler

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

BakerHostetler is seeking a dynamic and experienced Attorney Recruiting Manager to join our growing Chicago office. This role is responsible for managing attorney recruiting for the Chicago and Denver offices, including partner, lateral associate, entry-level, and summer associate hiring. Reporting directly to the Director of Recruiting, the Attorney Recruiting Manager will work closely with office and firm leadership to execute strategic talent acquisition initiatives and support the continued growth of both offices.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Attorney Recruiting: Partner with the Firmwide Recruiting Department, Hiring Partners, Managing Partners, and Practice Group Leaders to develop and execute recruiting strategies for partner, lateral associate, entry-level, and summer associate hiring across the Chicago and Denver offices.
  • Candidate Management: Lead the full-cycle recruiting process, including candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, offer preparation, and onboarding. Serve as the primary point of contact for candidates, search firms, and internal stakeholders throughout the hiring process.
  • Search Firm & Lateral Recruiting Management: Develop and maintain strong search firm relationships while proactively identifying and engaging high-caliber attorney candidates through multiple recruiting channels.
  • Hiring Committee & Recruiting Operations: Manage hiring committee processes, maintain recruiting databases and candidate records, oversee reporting and compliance activities, and ensure seamless candidate experience.
  • Summer Associate Program Leadership: Oversee all aspects of the summer associate program, including candidate selection, onboarding, work coordination, mentorship initiatives, performance evaluations, and program events.
  • Law School & Market Outreach: Cultivate relationships with law schools, student organizations, and key recruiting partners. Coordinate participation in on-campus interviews, job fairs, networking events, and other talent outreach initiatives.
  • Recruiting Events & Budget Management: Plan and execute recruiting-related events and manage recruiting budgets for the Chicago and Denver offices, ensuring effective stewardship of resources and alignment with hiring objectives.

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Mentor Program Assistance:Support the co-leaders of the Chicago and Denver Associate Mentor Programs with various initiatives.
  • Marketing:Coordinate updates needed for marketing materials and research popular items and assist with the selection and purchase of BakerHostetler branded "swag" items.
  • Team Collaboration: Participate in Recruiting Department meetings and work with Firmwide Recruiting team with additional projects as needed. Work with team members on Midwest-focused recruiting initiatives.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of law firm recruiting experience. Search firm experience is not essential but is a plus.
  • Advanced ability using Linkedin Recruiter, Firm Prospects, and other attorney search tools, Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Knowledge of viGlobal Suite is a plus.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging AI-enabled tools and technologies to enhance recruiting processes, productivity, and hiring outcomes.
  • Experience utilizing advanced interviewing techniques
  • Sound judgement, experience making informed decisions regarding priorities and available time
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to develop and maintain relationships at all levels
  • Able to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
  • Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail required
  • Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment

The expected annual salary for this position ranges from $130,000-$170,000. The salary offered will be determined by a wide range of factors including but not limited to experience level, education/training, and relevant skills.
Why BakerHostetler?
For more than a century, BakerHostetler has maintained an unwavering dedication to the highest standards of client service. With more than 1,000 attorneys across 18 offices coast to coast, we provide sophisticated and innovative legal counsel. Leveraging the firm's strong foundation, we have opened four offices (Dallas, San Francisco and Wilmington, Del., and Austin) in the past five years. Because our lawyers, and in many cases our clients, rely on BakerHostetler staff members for support, we understand the valuable role they play in our firm. It takes a tremendous amount of coordination and communication to function efficiently as a national firm, and a team-oriented, collaborative staff to make it all run seamlessly.
Benefits
Offering competitive pay and benefits, while providing a collegial and respectful work environment, is part of our commitment to fostering a workplace that values employees.
Our comprehensive and competitive benefit program includes:
  • Competitive salaries and a performance bonus program
  • Group health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Multiple plan options and various benefit levels
  • Same-sex domestic partner coverage
  • Pre-tax premiums
  • Coverage begins on date of hire
  • Group term life/AD&D and voluntary supplemental group universal life insurance
  • Voluntary accident insurance - self and family
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Short-term disability benefits
  • Long-term disability benefits
  • Pre-tax benefit programs - dependent care, health care reimbursement and transit/qualified parking (in most cities)
  • Retirement program - voluntary 401(k) plan

#LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.