Austin Summer Program

Throughout our summer program, we strive to present a practical and meaningful picture of firm life at Akin Gump, with work assignments similar to those given to first and second year associates.

The Austin office summer program is designed for students who have completed their first and second year of law school. In 2008, there was one-first year and five second-year summer associates in the Austin office.

Assignments and Evaluations

Summer associates are asked to indicate areas of interest, but may work on a variety of projects within various sections. Attorneys are asked to provide summer associates with written and oral evaluations after the completion of each assignment.

Mentors and Advisors

To ensure that each summer associate has interesting assignments, productive feedback and timely evaluations, we pair them with an advisor. We also pair them with two mentors to help them obtain a realistic picture about the practice, the culture and the resources at Akin Gump.

Events

Our 2009 summer program will strive to give students a better picture of life both in and outside the office. Throughout the summer, we organize social events so that you can get to know the attorneys in our office. Events in the past have included parties, lunches, dinners, happy hours, boating on the lake, baseball games, golf, cooking classes, wine tasting and much more.

Pro Bono

The firm is committed to volunteering hours through Austin's Volunteer Legal Services. Pro Bono cases that have been handled by Attorneys in the Austin office include:

divorce
bankruptcy
tenant rights
corporate structure work

Summer associates are encouraged to assist with Pro Bono cases from Volunteer Legal Services. These cases are treated the same as billable work for all associates and summer associates.

Diversity

The Austin office is committed to minority recruiting. We actively seek qualified minority applicants. In addition to outreach by our Hiring Committee, minority hiring is promoted through job fairs, conducting mock interview programs and hosting receptions. We encourage interested applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Hiring Criteria

The Austin office seeks well-rounded individuals with excellent academic credentials, strong interpersonal and communication skills, outside activities, previous work experience and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Where To Apply

All interested applicants should send a resume and transcript to:

Bryn Williams
HR/Attorney Recruiting & Development Coordinator
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
300 West 6th Street, Suite 2100
Austin, TX 78701-3911
512.499.6221
512.499.6290 (fax)

top of page

Austin Summer Program FAQs

Q: How many summer associates does the firm expect to have each year?

A: The Austin office aims to hire new associates each fall. In 2008, our summer program included one first-year and five second-year summer associates.

Q: How many offers do you make to your summer associate class?

A: Our goal is to make offers to each summer associate who demonstrates the ability to practice law at the level required by our practice.

Q: What is your hiring criteria for summer associates?

A: We look for outstanding academic credentials, law review/journal experience, moot court experience, previous work history, excellent interpersonal skills, and participation in extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership abilities and team players. We seek well-rounded, intelligent individuals.

Q: Do you hire 1Ls for your summer program?

A: We make this decision each year after on-campus interviewing has occurred.

Q: What is your salary for summer associates?

A: The salary for 2009 summer associates will be $3077 per week.

Q: Do you allow split summers?

A: No. We have a first-half only summer program and require that summer associates spend a minimum of six weeks with us. We do offer up to eight weeks, if preferred.

Q: What if I am unsure of the area in which I would like to practice?

A: Each clerk will have the opportunity to work with various practice groups during their time at Akin Gump. We strive for our summer clerks to have the flexibility to explore all areas of law.

Q: What can I expect as far as training in your summer program?

A: We offer basic skills seminars in-house, in addition to our ongoing litigation and corporate training programs. Summer associates also have the opportunity to observe and participate in client meetings, depositions, hearings, trials and closings.

Q: Who should I contact with questions about the Austin summer program or to apply?

A: Bryn Williams
HR/Attorney Recruiting & Development Coordinator
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
300 West 6th Street, Suite 2100
Austin, TX 78701-3911
512.499.6221
512.499.6290 (fax)
bwilliams@akingump.com