Summer Program

Summer Program

Our summer program gives you a sense of a junior associate’s life at Latham.

As a summer associate, you will meaningfully contribute to work through our Unassigned Program, which empowers you to explore our 50+ practices, while balancing the firm’s strategic needs, and participating in pro bono matters. We encourage you to pursue your interests and gain valuable substantive experience by collaborating with leading experts across various fields. 

Assigned mentors will answer your questions and help guide you through the summer. Like our associates, you will be engaged in substantive matters and receive real-time feedback.

At Summer Academy — a highlight of our summer program — you will join summer associates from across the firm and immerse yourself in Latham’s culture through training seminars and social events.

Networking and building relationships with Latham professionals is an essential part of your summer — and your career. You will have opportunities to join practice group presentations, participate in affinity group events, and attend casual lunches and social events with our lawyers.

We offer opportunities for US law students at an ABA-accredited school to learn from some of the best in the profession, hone their skills, and grow their talents.

1L US Opportunities

Interested in a program that isn’t open yet? Sign up to be notified when applications open.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will close January 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET.

IMPORTANT: We offer a variety of positions based on office and practice interests. Please apply to only ONE program, as additional applications will not be considered.

  • Employment Opportunities
    • 1L Unassigned Summer Associate (Austin and Houston): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, with the optional opportunity to apply to our Pathways Program. Applications are open in our Austin and Houston offices only. APPLY NOW.
    • 1L IP Litigation Summer Associate (Select US Offices): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, but with a dedicated focus on IP Litigation. Applications are accepted starting December 2 in our Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. offices. 
      • If you have any questions about the IP Litigation Summer Program, please reach out to Julia Graham.
    • 1L Transactional Summer Associate (Washington, D.C.): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, but with a dedicated focus on transactional work. Applications are accepted starting December 2 in our Washington, D.C. office only.
    • 1L Diversity Scholar – Pathways Program (All US Offices): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, but with additional opportunities as part of our Pathways Program. Applications are accepted starting December 2 in all US offices.

2L US Opportunities

2025 2L applications are closed. Sign up to be notified when 2026 2L applications open.

  • Employment Opportunities
    • 2L Unassigned Summer Associate (All US Offices): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program. Not tied to our Pathways Program. Applications are accepted in all US offices. 
    • 2L IP Litigation Summer Associate (Select US Offices): All of the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, but with a dedicated focus on IP Litigation. Applications are accepted in our Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. offices. 
      • If you have any questions about the IP Litigation Summer Program, please reach out to Julia Graham.
  • Optional Add-On Scholarship Opportunity
    • 2L Diversity Scholar – Pathways Program (All US Offices): Additional opportunities as part of our Pathways Program. Applications are accepted in all US offices. 

International Opportunities

Learn more about opportunities for US law students in Hong Kong, London, and Singapore.

Selection Criteria

The application process is open to all first and second-year law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, regardless of race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law.

Latham’s Recruiting Committee will evaluate all applications and consider the following factors:

  • Academic and leadership achievements
  • Life experiences that have shaped values and professional goals
  • Relevant experience (academic, clinical, externship, and/or employment)
  • A desire to practice at a global law firm
  • If applying to an IP litigation program: relevant technical background (engineering, computer science, chemistry, biology, or physics)
  • If applying to a practice specific program: desire to practice in the applicable group(s)
  • If applying to the Pathways Program: additional factors listed on our Pathways Program page

Application Requirements

A complete application package must include the following items:

  • Completed Online Application
  • Personal Statement (if applying to our Pathways Program)
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Law School Transcript
  • Undergraduate School Transcript (if applying to an IP Litigation Program)