2026 1L Summer Associate

Job Description:

APPLY NOW: SUMMER ASSOCIATE TWO SUMMER OPPORTUNITY (2026 & 2027)

Perkins Coie is accepting applications from first-year law students interested in joining the firm as Summer Associates for both the Summer of 2026 and the Summer of 2027. This two-summer opportunity is designed to give students a deeper, more connected experience with the firm—culminating in the opportunity to join Perkins Coie as a full-time associate after graduation.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

Resume;

Undergraduate, graduate (if applicable), and unofficial law school transcript (if law school transcript not available at the time of application, one must be provided as soon as available);

Writing sample (maximum 10 pages); and

Cover letter describing your areas of interest and geographic preferences.

If you would also like to be considered for our Inclusive Leaders Fellowship, a highly selective opportunity offering mentorship, leadership development, and a financial stipend, please select "yes" in response to the related question in the application and include a Personal Statement with your materials. To learn more about our Fellowship, the requirements for the Personal Statement, and the financial stipend, please click

here

.

About the Summer Associate Program

Our Summer Associate Program is the primary path to full-time associate hiring at Perkins Coie. Summer Associates receive meaningful, substantive work—research, drafting, analysis, and client-facing projects—alongside skilled attorneys and mentors. Our Summer Associates regularly attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings, and can work on pro bono matters, as well as participate in professional development activities and attend social events that help build lasting relationships across the firm.

The two-summer structure allows participants to return for a second summer, building on their first-year experience with increased responsibility, deeper client engagement and relationship building, and further development of core legal skills.

About Perkins Coie

Perkins Coie LLP is an international law firm recognized for its collaborative culture, commitment to excellence, and people-first approach. The firm has been named Fortune's Best Places to Work list for 23 consecutive years, reflecting our belief that exceptional work happens in a culture of respect, growth, and inclusion.

Practice Areas Recruiting – Palo Alto Office

General Corporate/Business

– Specific focus on Emerging Companies & Venture Capital

Patent Prosecution

– Patent Prosecution candidates must be admitted to, or be eligible to sit for, the Patent Bar and have a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, and/or a related field. Candidates with technical degrees in the life sciences may also be considered.

Summer Associates are hired to join a specific practice within the firm. Applicants are encouraged to select the practice area that best matches their academic or professional background, skills, and interests, and to describe this connection in their cover letter and application materials. While we understand interests may evolve, transfers to other practice areas are uncommon.

The summer program is designed to help students build a solid foundation in their chosen area of law and develop meaningful, long-term connections within that practice. Students should view their selection as a multi-year opportunity to deepen their expertise and contribute to the important work of the firm and practice group.

Application Deadline

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2025. Early applications are encouraged. All materials must be uploaded in PDF format. Candidates can expect updates on their status by late January 2026.

Eligibility

All first-year students in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school are encouraged to apply. Perkins Coie is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other identity.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is not benefits-eligible; however, paid holidays are provided. Monthly compensation in California is $18,750.