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Summer Law Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Wilmerhale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC

In conjunction with Hiring Partners, manages the evaluation and offer process for summer associates. Law School and Judicial Clerk Recruitment * In collaboration with the Hiring Partner and Legal ...

WilmerHale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

In conjunction with Hiring Partners, manages the evaluation and offer process for summer associates. Law School and Judicial Clerk Recruitment * In collaboration with the Hiring Partner and Legal ...

WilmerHale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

In conjunction with Hiring Partners, manages the evaluation and offer process for summer associates. Law School and Judicial Clerk Recruitment * In collaboration with the Hiring Partner and Legal ...

Lawyers On Demand, a Consilio Company

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CONTRACT Legal Recruiting Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$50/hr

Collaborate and work closely with Summer Associate Program Committee. * Coordinate virtual on-campus interview programs (OCI) at several law schools, including registration, OCI-related logistics ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSummer Law Associate JobsSummer Law Associate Jobs in Reston, VA

Summer Law Associate information

See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do summer law associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer law associate in Reston, VA is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a summer law associate typically expect during their internship?

As a Summer Law Associate, you can expect to work on a variety of assignments, such as conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, assisting with due diligence, and supporting attorneys in case preparation. You may also be invited to attend client meetings, depositions, or court proceedings to observe and learn. The workload and level of responsibility can vary depending on the firm's practice areas, but most programs aim to provide hands-on experience and exposure to the firm's culture. This role often involves collaborating closely with partners, associates, and other interns, offering valuable networking and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Summer Law Associate vs Law Clerk?

AspectSummer Law AssociateLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsLaw students, typically in 2nd or 3rd yearLaw students, often in 2nd or 3rd year or recent graduates
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies during summerCourts, law firms, or government offices, often during academic year or after graduation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in law firms and legal departments for summer internshipsCommon in courts and legal institutions for research and case preparation

While both Summer Law Associates and Law Clerks are law students or recent graduates gaining legal experience, Summer Law Associates typically work in law firms or corporate settings during summer internships, focusing on client work and case research. Law Clerks often work in courts or legal institutions, assisting judges or attorneys with case research and drafting. Both roles provide valuable legal exposure but differ mainly in work setting and responsibilities.

What is a summer law associate?

Summer Law Associates are law students, typically between their second and third year of law school, who work at law firms or legal organizations during the summer. These positions offer hands-on legal experience, mentorship, and exposure to different practice areas. Summer Law Associates often assist with legal research, drafting documents, and attending meetings or court proceedings. The program is also an opportunity for law firms to evaluate potential future associates, and successful summer associates may receive offers for full-time employment after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer law associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Law Associate, you need a strong academic background in law, excellent legal research and writing abilities, and completion of at least one year of law school. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality legal work, supporting attorneys, and demonstrating your potential for a future associate position.
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Summer Law Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Law Associate job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,995 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

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

Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox

Washington, DC • On-site

$4.3K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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 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.

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.
  • Patent bar eligible with an advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, pharmacology, or equivalent discipline. Industry experience preferred.
  • Stellar academic credentials.
  • Obvious interest in intellectual property and patent law, specifically in patent prosecution.

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.
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.

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