ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Legal Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Profit Center

Summer Clerkship Program

Charleston, SC · On-site

Whenever possible, clerks have the opportunity to associate with judges, attorneys, and clients ... legal practice setting. NOTICE TO 2L APPLICANTS FOR SUMMER CLERKSHIPS If you wish to apply for a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Legal Associate Jobs

Summer Legal Associate information

See salary details

$8

$29

$60

How much do summer legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer legal associate in the United States is $29.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $33.65 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 are Summer Legal Associates?

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 cities are hiring for Summer Legal Associate jobs? Cities with the most Summer Legal Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Legal jobs? The most popular types of Summer Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Legal Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Legal Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Legal Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Legal Associate jobs are:
Summer Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Legal Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,327 per year, or $29 per hour.
2027 Summer Associate (Washington, D.C.)

2027 Summer Associate (Washington, D.C.)

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

Washington, DC

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

Hughes Hubbard & Reed, LLP is seeking current 1L students interested in joining the 2027 Summer Associate class (expected to be a rising 3L in summer 2027).

Throughout our 10-week program, Summer Associates will be assigned to assist partners and associates with their legal tasks, giving them hands-on experience and mentoring opportunities in either our litigation or corporate practices.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform highly complex legal research and writing on a wide variety of legal matters
  • Analyze and prepare effective legal opinions, ordinances, contracts, agreements, leases, deeds, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents
  • Prepare sound legal opinions using independent judgment
  • Provide legal advice, opinions and recommendations, communicated both orally and in writing
  • Draft and review various legal documents

Position-Specific Skills and Requirements:

  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Pursuing JD (on track to graduate in 2028)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Apply