As a summer legal associate, you work as an intern at a law firm during the summer season. A law firm typically operates a summer associate program for law students. During a summer associate program, your duties may include assisting lawyers as they provide legal services, prepare for litigation, undertake negotiations, meet with clients, or perform research to prepare for a hearing or trial. Your responsibilities as a summer associate vary depending on the needs of the lawyer with whom you work. Most programs provide interns with feedback about their performance.