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Our Summer Associate Program

It’s time to apply what you’ve learned in law school through real-world experience. In our summer program, you’ll learn how to put together a brief or contract, and how to collaborate with teams of lawyers and professionals to create innovative solutions.

Work Assignments

We don't put you through a formal practice group rotation. Instead, our assigning partners and work coordinators will help you discover practice areas that spark your curiosity.

Meaningful Events

The best way to get to know our lawyers is to connect and be yourself. Participate in networking events, join coffee chats and get involved in one of our many Firmwide Resource Groups (FRGs). The firm hosts a Wellness Week over the summer and sponsors related activities, including activities to encourage firm personnel to give back to their local communities through community service and charitable giving.

Mentoring

Be mentored by a team of lawyers who will invest in your development from the start. Your mentors will make introductions across the firm, spend time one-on-one to answer questions and join you for networking events. Mentors will help you secure assignments in your areas of interest and navigate the program. They can also be a sounding board as you explore your career goals.

Training

Our Summer Program Academy teaches you foundational skills in research and writing, oral communication, relationship building, client service and more. You will participate in both practice-specific courses and general sessions on career growth and networking.

Pro Bono

Working on pro bono matters helps you learn on the job and make a difference. You'll join your peers and senior lawyers working to profoundly empower people, organizations and causes.

Diversity

Our diverse and inclusive culture generates ideas and innovation. Learn more about the firm's commitment to diversity.

Opportunities for 1Ls

Gain valuable, hands-on experience early in your legal career as part of our 1L summer associate class. To learn more about the opportunities view the 1L Opportunity dropdown.

Offices Hosting Summer Associates

Our program offers a balance of firmwide and local training to give our summer associates a true sense of working in a collaborative and multidimensional law firm. We offer summer associate programs in the following exciting metropolitan areas.

Highly Rated Programs 

  • Nationwide Vault 2024 Best Law Firm to Work For - #40 nationwide and #26 Best Summer Program
  • The American Lawyer 2023 Summer Associates Survey - #15 firm nationwide
  • The American Lawyer 2023 Midlevel Associates Survey - #22 firm nationwide
  • Chambers Associate - Most Satisfied Associates –Exceeding Expectations, Benefits & Quality of Life –The Elite, and Career Development –The Elite
“My summer at Akin consisted of substantive, client facing assignments that required interactions with attorneys at high levels throughout the firm. Having the opportunity to work day-to-day with the partner in charge, department leads, and other well-established attorneys demonstrated the collaborative nature of the firm and its associates.”
Akin summer associate

Recruiting

Contact our Recruiting teams about opportunities for law students.