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Summer Law Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Earthjustice

2027 Northern Rockies Clerkship

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$1.3K/wk

RESPONSIBILITIES Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research ...

Earthjustice

2027 Northern Rockies Clerkship

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$1.3K/wk

RESPONSIBILITIES Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research ...

Earthjustice

2027 Florida Regional Clerkship

Miami, FL · On-site

RESPONSIBILITIES Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research ...

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Summer Law Associate information

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$10

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How much do summer law associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer law associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 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 are Summer Law Associates?

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 the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
2027 Clean Energy Program Clerkship

2027 Clean Energy Program Clerkship

Earthjustice

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM
The Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates in state and federal courts and before energy regulators across the country to advance an equitable clean energy transition. Our work includes expanding and increasing access to clean energy resources; advocating for the closure of coal-fired power plants; opposing efforts to build new gas-fired power plants; and advocating for the cleanup of coal waste.  We represent and partner with diverse clients individually and as part of coalitions.
 
ABOUT US 
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting  environmental protections. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups and supporters to take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country and have a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 
  
We welcome all interested law students from across the country to apply for a summer law clerk position.  We expect that students will work proximate to or in an office where the program is located. 
  
RESPONSIBILITIES 
Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research, develop strategy and legal theories, gather evidence, and attend client meetings and court proceedings. Earthjustice’s summer law clerk program also includes various programmatic offerings, such as in-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues, interactions with other local and regional environmental groups, and a job interview workshop.  
  
COMPENSATION 
Earthjustice summer law clerkships are paid positions. The total stipend amount will be dependent on any external funding a student secures, such as through their law school’s summer funding program. Earthjustice will provide a one-time stipend at the start of the clerkship in the amount of $1,382.00 per week, minus the total amount received from any other sources and applicable taxes. The summer law clerkship is designed to be 10 weeks long at full-time hours (37.5 hours/week).  
  
You are welcome to pursue outside funding. The ability to secure outside funding will not be considered as part of the hiring process.  
  
HOW TO APPLY 
Eligibility: Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (i.e., not graduating before December 2027) and be available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027. Summer law clerks must work from the U.S. during their clerkship.  
  
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their complete application via Jobvite by September 7, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  
  
Each Earthjustice litigation team participates in clerk hiring; candidates may submit applications to whichever and however many litigation teams they are interested. Please be prepared to respond to our  September follow-up e-mail, requesting your ranked choice of the teams for which you have applied. Do not include such rankings within your Jobvite application. 
 
Application Materials Requested:  
  • Resume. 
  • Cover letter that addresses:  
    • (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume; 
    • (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and 
    • (3) whether there are particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you. 
  • Additional documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): 
    • (1) A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.  
    • (2) Unofficial transcript. 
  • Finalists will be asked to submit two references; these may be law school faculty or legal professional, clinical, or volunteer supervisors. 
 
RESOURCES  
While identical applications for each team will be considered, we recommend tailoring your cover letter to describe why you are interested in that specific team. Additional information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process.   
  
If you experience any technical difficulties or require any accommodations throughout the hiring process, please contact us at jobs@earthjustice.org. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.