Summer Associate Program
It’s time to take what you’ve learned in law school and give it context 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. You’ll also form new relationships, expand your network and find out what it’s like to be an Akin lawyer.
Choose to work on assignments that excite you
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. Summer associates can work on and shadow matters ranging from billion-dollar contracts, to briefs involving discrimination claims, to intellectual property (IP) work and more.
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). Come to departmental breakfasts and lunches to hear from more lawyers and learn about their experiences. The firm also hosts a Wellness Week over the summer and sponsors related activities.
Learn foundational skills in research and writing, oral communication, relationship building, client service and more
Summer associates participate in both practice-specific courses and general sessions on career growth and networking. The summer program offers a balance of firmwide training and local training to give our summer associates a true sense of working in a collaborative and multidimensional law firm.
Top Rated Programs
Vault 2024 Best Summer Associate Program Survey
#26
overall
#24
social experiences
Chambers Associate
Most Satisfied Associates —Exceeding Expectations
Benefits & Quality of Life—The Elite
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 has provided a remarkably collegial and thoughtful environment for a big law firm. The firm maintains a variety of influential clients and provides attorneys with exciting work opportunities.”
The people at Akin are extremely approachable, intelligent, and personable. The firm has all the benefits of Biglaw with an added bonus of exceptional people.”
“It strikes the perfect balance of prestigious and collegial. It is certainly a top firm that takes its work very seriously, but it is also a place that employs approachable people.”
“[This is] a place where people genuinely like each other and the firm. It is prestigious but welcoming. I do not feel intimidated or alone in this process. Everyone has been very supportive and willing to help on assignments or talk about practice areas.”
As a firm, Akin is empathetic towards causes and groups of persons in our country that are working towards a more equal and just society. Akin boasts a broad range of practice groups and personalities that are committed to excellence and helping one another, both inside and outside the firm.”
It is a tremendous firm where there is plenty of opportunity for mentorship and quality work. The firm does high profile work and is willing to involve junior attorneys early. The firm appears to be dedicated to recruiting and retaining junior associates.”
“Akin has everything an aspiring lawyer could ask for: legal expertise in many areas, a fantastic culture of collegiality, and prestige. Every person I have interacted with has been absolutely wonderful.”
“Akin is a very welcoming firm. Even in a hybrid environment, attorneys made sure to include summer associates on interesting shadowing opportunities and to take the time to explain the deals in detail and answer any questions.”