US Students

2L applications for the 2026 summer program and Robert S. Strauss 2L Scholarship will open on May 1, 2025.

Akin is defined by the caliber of our work, exceptional client service and a culture that is rooted in collaboration and caring. We are looking for 2L summer associates who will further the firm’s five core values: future-focused, diversity-minded, dedicated to excellence, service-oriented and collaborative. Learn more about our summer program here and our Robert S. Strauss 2L Scholarship below.

How to Apply

The firm participates in on-campus interview programs, job fairs and resume collections at law schools across the nation. We also encourage qualified applicants to apply directly via our online application portal.

Robert S. Strauss 2L Scholarship

We believe the best way to recruit exceptionally well-qualified lawyers to Akin, and the legal profession, is to reach out broadly and share with them what’s possible. To further these efforts, we offer the Robert S. Strauss 2L Scholarship to rising 2L students of all backgrounds who have impressive academic credentials and leadership experience, and have overcome personal adversity to achieve their goal of pursuing a legal career, or who have helped others facing adversity to achieve their own goals.

Opportunities are available in Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C.

Scholarship Details

2L scholarship recipients are paid the summer associate salary during their ten weeks and are eligible to receive a scholarship of $50,000. The first portion of the scholarship ($25,000) is paid upon starting with the firm as a 2L summer associate. The second portion ($25,000) is paid upon committing to return to the firm as a first-year associate following law school graduation.

Eligibility

The program is open to all students, regardless of background, who have overcome personal adversity to achieve their goal of pursuing a legal career, or who have helped others facing adversity to achieve their own goals. Applicants must be enrolled in a JD program at an ABA-accredited law school with an expected graduation date of spring 2027. Law students who participate in Akin’s 1L Scholars Programs are not eligible to receive this award.

Application Process

Applications should include a resume, transcript (uncertified is acceptable) and a short personal statement. The personal statement (no more than 500 words) should describe either how you have overcome personal adversity to achieve your goal of pursuing a legal career, or how you have helped others facing adversity to achieve their own goals. Please also share how those experiences will shape your contributions at Akin. The firm recognizes that second semester grades at some law schools are not released until June; accordingly, applicants may submit their application with a preliminary transcript and supplement it once second semester grades are released.

FAQs

When does the 2L hiring process begin?

Our 2L application for the 2026 summer program will open on May 1, 2025, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply!

What do I need to include in my application?

All 2L applications require a resume and transcript. The firm recognizes that second semester grades at some law schools are not released until June; accordingly, feel free to submit your resume and preliminary transcript and upload your final transcript once it is released. When applying for our 2L scholarship, please be sure to include a personal statement in your application materials.

What offices host summer associate programs?

Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

How many summer associates are you looking for?

Our summer associate class sizes vary by office with roughly 100 summer associates firmwide.

Do your offices hire summer associates by practice group?

Summer associates are not hired into specific practice groups and have an opportunity to try assignments from multiple practice groups during the summer. We hire keeping the needs of specific practice groups in mind. See below for an overview of offices with hiring needs for each practice group.

Corporate – Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Financial Restructuring – Dallas, New York, Washington

International Trade – Los Angeles, Washington

Investment Management – Dallas, New York

Intellectual Property – New York, Philadelphia, Washington

Litigation – Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Washington

Regulatory – Washington

Tax – Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York, Washington

Can I apply to more than one office?

We ask that you apply to only one office.

What can I expect in Akin’s interview process?

The interview process typically begins with a virtual screening interview with one or two attorneys. Following the initial interview, a callback interview will be scheduled. In a callback interview, you’ll typically meet with 4-6 attorneys, including partners, counsel, and associates. Callbacks can take place in person or virtually. Throughout the process, you’ll also have the chance to get to know a variety of attorneys and ask questions.

If I receive an offer, how long will it remain open, and can I request an extension?

We ask candidates to inform us of their offer decision by two weeks following the date of the offer. Of course, we would appreciate hearing from you sooner. If you would like to request an extension to your offer deadline, we ask you to reach out to us as soon as possible.

Selection

We will award a limited number of scholarships to qualified applicants across our Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., offices. Scholarship award recipients will be notified on a rolling basis. Scholarship applicants will not need to apply separately for an Akin 2L summer associate position. All scholarship applications will be considered in connection with the offer process for the Akin summer program. Applicants who are not awarded a scholarship may still be considered for the Akin summer program.

For questions and or assistance, please contact our recruiting team.

Learn more about Akin’s Core Values.