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Summer Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50/hr

This is a paralegal trainee job if you have a BA degree and an interest in a career in the world of ... A political science-related degree is essential and any internship or prior summer experience in a ...

Litigation Paralegal

Rochester, NY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Personal Injury Litigation Paralegal: We are actively searching for a New York Personal Injury ... • Summer Fridays (Early closures Memorial Day- Labor Day) • 401k Plans + matching for ...

Our paralegals play a vital role on our case teams and are respected for their ideas and ... off-site summer party, holiday event, and numerous in-office activities to get to know your ...

Paralegal

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to work with one or more Estate Planning ... Firm‑sponsored events (e.g., Administrative Professionals Day, Summer Party, Harvest Luncheon ...

Paralegal

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to work with one or more Estate Planning ... Firm‑sponsored events (e.g., Administrative Professionals Day, Summer Party, Harvest Luncheon ...

Our paralegals play a vital role on our case teams and are respected for their ideas and ... off-site summer party, holiday event, and numerous in-office activities to get to know your ...

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and ... Paralegal, Employment and Compliance: The Paralegal will be an integral part of the legal team with ...

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and ... Paralegal, Employment and Compliance: The Paralegal will be an integral part of the legal team with ...

Estate Planning Paralegal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

... Admin Day celebration, summer party, Harvest Lunch, and Christmas Lunch. Our staff has the ... We are seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to work with several estate planning Attorneys. The ...

We are seeking an experienced Senior Paralegal for a dual role that will support with contract ... summer Fridays, paid maternity leave and more. There is also a generous employee referral program ...

Our paralegals play a vital role on our case teams and are respected for their ideas and ... off-site summer party, holiday event, and numerous in-office activities to get to know your ...

Paralegal

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$25.50 - $33.16/hr

Paralegal Job ID: 322861 Location: District Support Services Cntr Full/Part Time: Full Time Regular ... Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7am-6pm Work Calendar 12 Months Maricopa Summary 10 Colleges.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Paralegal for a dual role that will support with contract ... summer Fridays, paid maternity leave and more. There is also a generous employee referral program ...

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Summer Paralegal information

See salary details

$33K

$59.7K

$89K

How much do summer paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer paralegal in the United States is $59,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a summer paralegal?

To thrive as a Summer Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal research, document review, and case preparation, often supported by coursework in legal studies or prior paralegal experience. Familiarity with legal database tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in supporting attorneys and managing multiple tasks. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accuracy, meeting deadlines, and contributing to the efficiency of legal teams during busy summer periods.

What is a summer paralegal?

Summer paralegals are typically students or recent graduates who work in law firms or legal departments during the summer months to gain practical legal experience. They assist attorneys with tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for court proceedings. This role provides valuable exposure to the legal field and helps individuals considering a legal career to better understand the work environment and responsibilities. Summer paralegals often work on a temporary, full-time basis and may receive training and mentorship throughout their tenure.

What does a summer paralegal do?

As a Summer Paralegal, you can expect to assist attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and helping prepare for hearings or trials. You'll often collaborate closely with attorneys, legal assistants, and other paralegals to ensure deadlines are met and cases progress smoothly. The work is typically fast-paced and requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills. You may also have opportunities to observe client meetings or court proceedings, providing valuable exposure to real-world legal practice.

Is it hard to get a summer paralegal job right now?

Securing a summer paralegal position can be competitive, especially at well-known firms, but opportunities are available for candidates with relevant coursework, strong organizational skills, and legal research abilities. Applying early, networking, and demonstrating proficiency with legal software can improve chances of obtaining a position.

How to get a summer paralegal role with no experience?

To secure a summer paralegal position with no experience, focus on building relevant skills such as legal research and writing through coursework or internships, and highlight any related academic achievements. Volunteering or assisting with legal clinics can also demonstrate commitment and gain practical exposure, making you a more competitive candidate for entry-level roles.

What is the difference between Summer Paralegal vs Paralegal?

AspectSummer ParalegalParalegal
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a paralegal studies programCertified or experienced paralegals with formal education or certification
Work EnvironmentTemporary, often in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices during summerFull-time or part-time, ongoing employment in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly for internship or summer program positions in legal industryPermanent or long-term legal support roles across industries

The main difference is that a Summer Paralegal is a temporary, often internship-based position for students or recent graduates, while a Paralegal is a permanent role requiring more experience or certification. Summer Paralegals gain practical experience during the summer, whereas Paralegals typically have ongoing responsibilities in legal settings.

More about Summer Paralegal jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Paralegal jobs? Cities with the most Summer Paralegal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs? The most popular types of Paralegal jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Paralegal jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Paralegal jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Paralegal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,731 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Spelman Pre-Law Paralegal Internship (Summer 2026)

Kostelanetz LLP

New York, NY

$38.46/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Kostelanetz LLP is a boutique law firm that offers a paid internship (at $38.46 per hour) to a Spelman College rising senior interested in joining the firm as a full-time pre-law paralegal for the summer.  The internship is part of Kostelanetz's broader program to develop ties with Spelman College.  

During the summer, the Spelman intern benefits from a robust, hands-on program including mentorship at the paralegal, associate, and partner levels; 1L and LSAT-prep resources provided by our attorneys, paralegals, and staff; opportunities to write for prestigious legal journals; and more. Internship responsibilities include case management, legal research, document review, legal and litigation support, interfacing with clients, as well as administrative work, under attorney supervision.

Following graduation from Spelman, students who have completed the internship are typically offered a position as a full-time, pre-law paralegal, with the option to spend one or two years with the firm prior to enrolling in law school.

While not all Spelman interns may pursue a path in one of our practice areas, such as tax law, one of our goals is to help pre-law students understand the various paths available to them, including policymaking, government service, private practice, accounting, and teaching, among others.

The internship application opens on November 24th, 2025, and will close on January 9th, 2026. Please direct all questions concerning applications to tdorsey@kostelanetz.com

Applicant requirements* 

  • Rising senior (current junior) currently enrolled at Spelman College 
  • Minimum 3.6 GPA
  • Outstanding academic credentials with strong writing, communication, and organizational skills
  • Multi-task oriented, friendly, and capable of working well with others
  • Exceptional computer skills - proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel a plus

*We particularly welcome members of the Morehouse-Spelman Pre-Law Society.

Past interns have typically had Spelman GPAs at or near 3.9, and shown a strong interest in pursuing a career in law. 

We're proud of our Spelman Internship alumni.  Many of them appear in this short video.  Our alumni include:

  • Destiny Reese, who joined the firm as its first Spelman intern in the Spring of 2021 and was hired as a full-time Paralegal after graduating summa cum laude from Spelman in May 2021 with a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing. She graduated from Emory University School of Law in 2025, and now serves as an Associate at Kostelanetz.
  • Grace Hall, who joined the firm as an intern in the Spring of 2022 and graduated summa cum laude from Spelman in May 2022 with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Writing.  She graduated from University of Virginia Law School in 2025, and now serves as an Associate at Kostelanetz.
  • Kennedy Mackey, who joined the firm as an intern in the Summer of 2022 after graduating magna cum laude from Spelman with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Philosophy. She graduated from Harvard Law School in 2025 and now serves as an Associate at Winston & Strawn LLP.
  • Nadya Lopez, who joined the firm as a Spring 2023 intern. She joined the firm as a full-time Paralegal in 2023, after graduating summa cum laude from Spelman with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in English. She currently works in education consulting for Prodigious Prep.
  • Melina Watson, who joined the firm as a Spring 2023 intern.  She joined the firm as a full-time Paralegal in 2023, after graduating summa cum laude from Spelman with a B.A. in Philosophy and a Minor in Political. She left the firm in 2025 to attend Columbia Law School.
  • Brittany Mahone, who joined the firm as a Summer 2024 intern, while pursuing a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Psychology at Spelman. She currently is a full-time Paralegal at Kostelanetz.
  • Tyler Dorsey, who joined the firm as a Summer 2025 intern, while pursuing a B.A. in English at Spelman.  She will be returning to Kostelanetz as a full-time Paralegal after graduating from Spelman.

The firm's Spelman Summer Internship program is administered by Kostelanetz lawyer Daniel Cady Davidson (whose suggestion to the firm in 2020 was the inspiration behind the program), Deputy Operations Director Karen Mowatt, and paralegals Brittany Mahone and Caitlin Lewis.

Kostelanetz has been a sponsor of the Morehouse-Spelman Pre-Law Society (MSPLS) since 2021.  As a sponsor, the firm connects directly with the student leaders of MSPLS to co-create events and panels that align with our goals as well as students' interests. Past programs include "LSAT 101," "Tax Law and Racial Justice," and "Exploring Careers in Tax Law."  In 2022, Kostelanetz hosted a panel for MSPLS students entitled "From Spelman to Law School: A Conversation with Kennedy Mackey, Destiny Reese, and Grace Hall."  Our lawyers also assisted MSPLS students by conducting mock interviews to help them prepare them for employment and law school applications.

Kostelanetz's roughly 50 lawyers focus on tax litigation, white collar criminal defense, complex commercial civil litigation, tax planning, trusts and estates, securities law, and government procurement. The firm is highly ranked and has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Hackensack, N.J.  We currently have 12 pre-law paralegals. They recently graduated from Brown, UChicago, Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UPenn, Spelman, Vanderbilt, and UVA.

Kostelanetz LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Kostelanetz LLP's hiring practices are designed comply with, among other things, the New York City Human Rights Law, which, among other things, prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender (including sexual harassment), gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, military service, marital status, partnership status, height, weight, unemployment status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, caregiver status, and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses.

We welcome applications from all qualified persons including, without limitation, women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, people from low-income backgrounds, and veterans. Applications from people who are members of underrepresented and/or marginalized communities are highly encouraged.

Qualified candidates should submit PDF copies of their cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and writing sample.