ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Legal Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Hedrick Gardner

2027 Summer Law Clerk

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Company Description For 70 years, our firm has been a trusted legal partner throughout North and ... Direct mentorship from partners and associates handling active litigation * Hands-on courtroom ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$10.22/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program In addition, full-time positions also offer the ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$13.80/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program In addition, full-time positions also offer the ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$13.80/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program In addition, full-time positions also offer the ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$13.80/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program In addition, full-time positions also offer the ...

fogelman

Maintenance Supervisor

Cary, NC · On-site

Housing Discount * Summer Incentive Program - incentives, lunch & perks * BCBS Health, Dental ... Incentives * $500 Associate Referrals * Employee Connect - resources for legal, financial ...

All JobsSummer Legal Associate JobsSummer Legal Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Summer Legal Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$28

$58

How much do summer legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer legal associate in Raleigh, NC is $28.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or cases do summer legal associates typically work on, and how is their work supervised?

Summer Legal Associates usually assist with a range of projects such as legal research, drafting memoranda, preparing case briefs, and sometimes attending client meetings or court proceedings. Their work is supervised by experienced attorneys or partners, who provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship. Associates often rotate between different practice groups to gain exposure to various areas of law and to collaborate with multiple team members. This structure offers a comprehensive learning experience and insight into potential career paths within the firm.

What is a summer legal associate?

Summer Legal Associates are law students who work temporarily, typically during the summer, at law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. They gain practical legal experience by assisting with research, drafting documents, attending client meetings, and observing court proceedings. This position offers students an opportunity to develop legal skills, network with professionals, and often serves as a pathway to full-time employment after graduation. Most summer legal associate positions are highly competitive and require excellent academic credentials.

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

To thrive as a Summer Legal Associate, you need strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, often supported by completion of at least one year of law school. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, are typically required. Initiative, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality legal work, meeting deadlines, and contributing effectively to a legal team.

What does a summer legal associate do?

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.

What is the difference between Summer Legal Associate vs Summer Legal Intern?

AspectSummer Legal AssociateSummer Legal Intern
CredentialsLaw students in 2L or 3L years, often with some coursework completedTypically law students in early years or pre-law students
Work EnvironmentMore integrated into legal teams, handling substantive tasksSupport roles, assisting with research and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agenciesCommonly used interchangeably with Summer Legal Associate, but often less formal

The Summer Legal Associate role generally involves more advanced legal work and greater responsibility compared to a Summer Legal Intern. Interns often focus on supporting tasks, while Associates are more integrated into legal teams, gaining hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, and client interaction.

More about Summer Legal Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Legal jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Summer Legal jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Summer Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Summer Legal Associate jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Summer Legal Associate job openings:

Summer Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Legal Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,643 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

2027 Summer Law Clerk

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description
For 70 years, our firm has been a trusted legal partner throughout North and South Carolina - delivering strategic defense, practical counsel, and results that matter. Across our five offices, we combine knowledge and experience with the resources and insight to manage complex claims and litigation efficiently.
We believe the strongest defense is built on solid relationships and client engagement. Our attorneys are more than counsel. We stand beside clients at every stage of a dispute by offering clear guidance, focused strategy, and relentless advocacy. Clients trust us to protect their interests and show up when it matters most.
What sets us apart is our commitment to true partnership. We invest deeply in understanding each client's unique perspective, challenges they are facing, and their priorities, ensuring our counsel is practical and aligned with your business goals.
We blend a legacy of steady, dependable advocacy with a collaborative multi-generational approach - where experience meets innovation and grit meets adaptability. This balance allows us to navigate complex claims with precision that enhances efficiency and outcomes.
Our five offices across the Carolinas give us unmatched perspective. We understand the nuances of state and regional regulations and court practices, enabling us to craft defense strategies grounded in real-world environments.
Job Description
Position Summary
Hedrick Gardner is seeking motivated law students to join our Summer Law Clerk Program. Summer clerks will work directly with experienced litigators on active insurance defense matters, including general liability, premises liability, automobile and trucking liability, coverage disputes and workers' compensation. This program offers substantive legal work, courtroom exposure, and direct mentorship with multiple supervising attorneys designed to give clerks a realistic and rewarding introduction to insurance defense litigation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct legal research and analysis on liability, coverage, and procedural issues
  • Draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and discovery responses under attorney supervision
  • Assist with case investigation, including review of medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
  • Attend depositions, mediations, hearings, trials, and site inspections alongside assigned attorneys
  • Help prepare deposition outlines, trial exhibits, and witness materials
  • Summarize deposition transcripts and medical records
  • Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and claims adjusters on case strategy
  • Participate in firm training sessions, mentorship lunches, and practice group meetings

Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school; rising 3L preferred
  • 3.0 GPA or above required
  • Top 35% of class preferred
  • Strong academic record and demonstrated legal research and writing skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical ability and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced litigation environment
  • Genuine interest in civil litigation and/or workers' compensation and/or administrative law practice
  • Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively within a team
  • Proficiency with Westlaw or Lexis and Microsoft Office preferred

Additional Information
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly compensation
  • Direct mentorship from partners and associates handling active litigation
  • Hands-on courtroom, deposition, and mediation experience
  • Firm-sponsored training, CLE-style sessions, and professional development programming
  • Social and networking events with attorneys and staff across our Carolinas offices
  • Potential pathway to a post-graduate associate position

Hedrick Gardner is committed to the equal employment opportunity of all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.

Apply