Best Summer Associate Programs
Junior lawyers at large law firms look back on their experiences as summer associates to rate the summer program on attorney interactions, career development, and social experiences. Vault's 2025 Rankings are derived from Vault's Annual Associate Survey conducted from January 2024 through March 2024.
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2025 Best Summer Programs for Attorney Interactions
Wiley Rein LLP
Wiley Rein may be a one-office firm, but it packs a punch. It is known for its prominent Telecom, Media & Technology group comprising more than 60 top attorneys in the field and also—not surprising for a DC firm—for its government and policy work. The firm’s other major practices include insurance, government contracts, election law, international trade, and intellectual property. The firm represents a wide range of clients—from Fortune 500 corporations to trade associations to individuals—in myriad industries, including energy, manufacturing, defense, aerospace, intelligence, information technology, professional services, telecommunications, health care, A&E, and construction.
SCORE 10.000
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
A top law firm for quality of life every year, a mainstay among the Vault Law 30 firms, and the oldest firm in Los Angeles, O’Melveny is a highly sought-after firm with hundreds of lawyers across 18 offices and eight countries. The firm prioritizes associate development and is a leader in DE&I, pro bono, and employee wellness. Its prominence in California and elsewhere has fostered exceptional opportunities in many areas of law, including entertainment law and technology/emerging companies.
SCORE 9.805
2024 Ranking
#9
Benesch Law
Founded in 1938, Benesch is one of Cleveland's most notable law firms, but it has expanded beyond its Midwest roots to provide legal services coast-to-coast, counseling clients in more than 20 industries. The firm's core practices are Corporate & Securities, Commercial Finance & Banking, Healthcare, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate. The firm takes training seriously, and associates appreciate the transparency into career development at the firm.
SCORE 9.800
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
A top firm for labor and employment work, Morgan Lewis has an expansive worldwide reach across 30+ offices. The firm attracts those who want to give back via pro bono work—20 hours are required for bonus eligibility—and who are seeking a nonhierarchical culture with ample transparency. Boasting an army of over 2,000 attorneys nationwide and worldwide, Morgan Lewis provides a wealth of opportunities to work on diverse and high-stakes matters in the firm’s core practice areas.
SCORE 9.733
2024 Ranking
#7
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose is an all-around legal powerhouse, including a top-ranked media, entertainment, and sports practice and nationally recognized labor and employment and investment funds practices. Pro bono is part of the firm’s lifeblood, as is a strong commitment to diversity. Amiable go-getters will do well in the firm’s supportive, team environment.
SCORE 9.731
2024 Ranking
#15
Bracewell
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s Texas roots are still as strong as demonstrated by its impact in the energy sector, four offices within the state, and a friendly, hospitable culture.
SCORE 9.722
2024 Ranking
#2
Clifford Chance US LLP
As a global force since its merger in 1987, Clifford Chance unsurprisingly seeks candidates with international aspirations and foreign language skills. This Magic Circle firm offers a welcoming culture and interesting work, and it genuinely supports pro bono and diversity efforts. One might assume that it would be easy to get lost in such a massive enterprise, but employee relations and firm transparency are exceptional.
SCORE 9.661
2024 Ranking
#3
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Based in the Big Apple, Kelley Drye & Warren has more than 185 years of legal experience. With expertise in over 30 practice areas, the firm has compiled an impressive client roster including Tata America, Arcelor Mittal USA, JPMorgan, Labcorp, Quincy Bioscience, Unilever, The Walt Disney Company, Kohl’s Department Stores, Foot Locker, Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc., salesforce.com, and Nestle.
SCORE 9.643
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Linklaters
Linklaters is a Magic Circle firm with a 185-year legacy, including over 50 years in the United States. The firm presents great opportunities for international work and international travel to its 31 worldwide offices. The firm receives high praise for requiring pro bono work as part of its practice. Compensation and partner/associate relations are other highlights for Linklaters associates.
SCORE 9.643
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is the largest exclusively-Texas law firm, with over 500 attorneys working from six offices across the state. Associates express high levels of satisfaction with nearly every aspect of firm life, from hours to culture to compensation to D&I. As a full-service firm, virtually all practice areas are represented, and associates enjoy a variety of sophisticated legal work.
SCORE 9.625
2024 Ranking
#4
Foley Hoag LLP
With headquarters in Boston, Foley Hoag is home to more than 300 lawyers who focus on multiple practice areas. Low on hierarchy and high on transparency, the firm attracts lawyers who are collaborative and respectful. Small teams enable attorneys to spearhead their own work, whether tackling public international law issues or committing to civic engagement.
SCORE 9.591
2024 Ranking
#4
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland is a legal behemoth with thousands of lawyers practicing across areas such as corporate, energy, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax. Its top practice areas include tax law, in which the firm is active in every respect, from planning the most complex corporate tax transactions to representing taxpayers in administrative and judicial tax controversies. The firm also ranks high for associate quality of life, earning recognition for its training and mentorship programs.
SCORE 9.565
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler’s culture reflects its Midwest roots—professional yet warm and welcoming. Associates are also treated to strong mentorship and transparent leadership. The cutting-edge IncuBaker team is representative of the firm’s commitment to innovation, especially in helping clients navigate the intersection of digital business, emerging technologies, and the law.
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SCORE 9.500
2024 Ranking
#10
Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields is ideal for associates seeking exciting international work. The firm is in an expansion phase, which means lots of opportunity for early hands-on experience, as well as valuable mentorship in a friendly culture. Freshfields’ history may date back to the 1700s, but the firm’s recent momentum in the United States reveals an exciting career outlook for its associates. The attorneys at Freshfields have a global perspective, which allows the firm to excel at handling complex, cross-border work.
SCORE 9.500
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
McDermott Will & Emery
Sitting comfortably among the Vault 100 law firms, McDermott is best known for its work in healthcare and tax law—though its practices extend far beyond these. The firm is forward-thinking when it comes to wellness—it was the first to offer lawyers billable credit for participating in 25 wellness hours—and will appeal to those seeking a collegial, supportive environment.
SCORE 9.500
2024 Ranking
#16
Pillsbury
Pillsbury is composed of genuinely caring people, and associates can commit to interesting work from day one. “Super bonuses” are perks for those who excel. The BOSS Lab represents only one of the firm’s impressive commitments to diversity.
SCORE 9.500
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Fried Frank associates work on complex legal matters in a top-to-bottom friendly and social environment across five global offices with 750 attorneys. The firm prioritizes its people and communities, with associate perks like generous wellness offerings—including fitness stipends and an associates-only lounge in the New York office—and strong dedication to pro bono work.
SCORE 9.480
2024 Ranking
#26
Orrick
Innovation is the name of the game at Orrick—from the energy, tech, and finance clients that the firm counsels, to its impactful well-being initiatives and its modern technology tools. Associates who are down-to-earth, collaborative, and forward-thinking will fit right in at this progressive firm. With offices in over 25 markets across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Orrick is a legal powerhouse with dedication to pro bono, diversity, and competitive compensation.
SCORE 9.457
2024 Ranking
#17
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Munger Tolles is incredibly selective, but if you’re hired, you join a top-notch, tight-knit firm where associates participate in major firm decisions. With strong mentorship, which is critical for maintaining the firm’s commitment to maintaining a low partner-to-associate ratio and only 200 attorneys in three U.S. offices—new associates tackle exciting work from day one. Munger Tolles associates can expect meaningful pro bono opportunities, for which the firm has been recognized.
SCORE 9.455
2024 Ranking
#13
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Intellectual property is the name of the game at Fish & Richardson, so be prepared to show off your technical or science background during interviews. Founded in 1878 and home to over 360 attorneys, the firm is home to busy associates who are treated to a great culture, top-notch IP work, and high levels of flexibility. Fish & Richardson hires candidates with the expectation that they will climb the ranks, offering a clear path to partnership for anyone willing to put in the work.
SCORE 9.429
2024 Ranking
#23
Williams & Connolly LLP
One of the most selective law firms, Williams & Connolly is a litigation standout known for handling complex, high-stakes matters. The firm has a promote-from-within culture with an emphasis on organic mentorship. Associates are given great responsibility early in their careers and appreciate being treated with respect, as shown by their ability to work when, how, and where they wish.
SCORE 9.417
2024 Ranking
#14
Latham & Watkins
You know you’ve made it in the legal industry when you’ve landed a spot at Latham. The firm is a global leader across dozens of practice areas, with over 3,000 lawyers in 14 countries, and recruits the best of the best. This globalization allows Latham to service clients with the finest legal resources, regardless of location. Those seeking autonomy to shape their practice and wanting extensive training and support will be pleased with their opportunities at this legal giant.
SCORE 9.403
2024 Ranking
#28
Gunster
At nearly 100 years old, Gunster has been a part of Florida since it was mostly orange groves and mangroves. The firm helps mid to large business in a range of market segments navigate the particulars of Florida’s legal landscape. Approximately 300 lawyers work out of 11 Florida offices from Jacksonville in the north all the way to Miami. Gunster does it all for Florida businesses: corporate deals, litigation, real estate transactions, and tax planning.
SCORE 9.400
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Seward & Kissel LLP
With more than 150 attorneys in two offices, Seward & Kissel is known for its ties to the financial industry and especially its work with hedge funds. Those interested in maritime law will also find top-notch work here. Today, Seward & Kissel remains focused on the corporate and litigation needs of clients in the arenas of financial services, corporate finance, and capital markets. The firm has a national reputation for its work on behalf of large commercial banks, investment banking firms, investment advisers and related investment funds (hedge funds in particular), broker-dealers, institutional investors, and shipping companies.
SCORE 9.400
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Headquartered in Dallas, it’s no surprise the culture at Haynes Boone is as supportive and social as its Texas roots. With friendly colleagues and invested partners, associates get top-notch legal experience at a firm where they feel welcome.
SCORE 9.391
2024 Ranking
#22
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a full-service law firm, with over 300 attorneys in nearly 50 practice areas. Founded in New Jersey, the firm now has five offices across the U.S. Associates report challenging but satisfying work, and they are overwhelmingly pleased with various aspects of working here, from the culture to the work-life balance. Of particular note is the firm’s real commitment to pro bono work, which associates report is genuine.
SCORE 9.371
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Choate, Hall & Stewart
One of Boston's top firms, Choate operates out of one office in Beantown—though its practice extends across the nation with clients such as BioNTech, Wells Fargo, and Summit Partners. The firm specializes in five main areas: complex litigation and investigations; finance and restructuring; life sciences and technology; middle-market private equity/M&A; and wealth management. The firm provides associates with ample hands-on experience and prioritizes associate feedback.
SCORE 9.364
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Locke Lord LLP
Locke Lord offers top-tier legal work in a laid-back, cordial environment. Lean staffing means early responsibility and experience for associates. With a number of women in leadership roles, the firm’s commitment to diversity shows in practice. Communication is key at this collaborative firm, and the social culture transcends the walls of the office. Those seeking to gain quality experience, project leadership, and the ability to move up the ranks should look no further than Locke Lord.
SCORE 9.316
2024 Ranking
#6
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Nine hundred lawyers strong with a long list of lauded practice areas, Akin excels at almost everything. Transparent? Check. Making strides in diversity? You bet. Walking the wellness walk? Absolutely. Social types who are down-to-earth will fit in well at the firm. Akin is a leader in lending a helping hand, with attorneys devoting an average of more than 100 hours to pro bono clients per year and over 70% of attorneys participating in pro bono work.
SCORE 9.273
2024 Ranking
#Not Ranked
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Baker Donelson has a strong footprint in the southeastern U.S., with 22 offices spanning 11 states and Washington, DC. Over 600 attorneys provide representation to clients in over 30 practice areas, including public policy. Baker Donelson is business focused, with an emphasis on creating and implementing innovative solutions that reduce client cost, build on its Centers of Excellence practice areas, and promote business development opportunities for the firm and its attorneys.
SCORE 9.273
2024 Ranking
#19
