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Summer Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

WilmerHale

Director, Legal Recruitment

Washington, DC · On-site

Summer Associate Program/ Law School and Judicial Clerk Recruitment * Proposes and implements strategy for law student outreach and student program(s) through communications with law school placement ...

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All JobsSummer Associate JobsSummer Associate Jobs in Washington, DC

Summer Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do summer associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer associate in Washington, DC is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $23.70 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.

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Summer Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Associate job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,266 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

2027 Summer Associate- Biotechnology & Chemical Group (Chemical Patent Prosecution)

Sterne Kessler

Washington, DC • On-site

$4.3K/wk

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summer Associate Position

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 team of attorneys and agents helps clients in the chemical industry tailor IP strategies to increase shareholder value.

Our expertise includes patenting cutting-edge inventions and enabling improvements that involve new chemical entities (NCE), polymers and polymer processing technology, chemical synthesis, chemical formulations, and commercial and consumer applications of new materials.

We draft patent applications (US and foreign) with an eye to commercializing products and attracting commercial investors in a wide array of industries, including analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, organic synthesis, pesticides and herbicides, nanotechnology, and much more.

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.

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