Energy & Infrastructure M&A - 2026 First-Year Associate
About The Position
The Orrick Energy & Infrastructure (E&I) First-Year Associate position is a unique opportunity for a highly qualified 3L student to gain substantive experience at a leading law firm. You will be a full member of Orrick’s First-Year Associate class, with a projected start date of fall 2026. You will work with Orrick’s Energy & Infrastructure M&A practice. This position is based out of Orrick’s Austin, Houston, San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C. offices. You will be compensated as a First-Year Associate. Orrick partner sponsors will oversee your work assignments, networking opportunities, and career coaching. About the Team This is a unique opportunity to join a close-knit, collaborative M&A team within the larger Energy & Infrastructure platform at Orrick. The Orrick Energy & Infrastructure M&A team works on high-impact acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and corporate transactions for market-leading clients across the entire energy and infrastructure sector. The team is looking to grow to cover its significant and increasing deal flow. The Energy & Infrastructure M&A team has carefully crafted a collaborative environment and is focused on training, mentoring, and associate development. In addition to client work, the Energy & Infrastructure M&A partners work side‑by‑side with the associates to conduct regular substantive and soft-skills training programs. Associates on the team help organize and run training sessions, develop pitches, and improve processes for data collection and use of technology.
Requirements
- The firm is looking for entrepreneurial, determined and engaged students with strong academic credentials, superior communication skills, and an interest in M&A transactions.
- Applicants must be current 3Ls (class of 2026) pursuing a JD.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher is preferred.
- Applicants must provide a resume, transcript, and cover letter articulating your interest both in the position and the firm.
- Virtual interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Responsibilities
- You will be a full member of Orrick’s First-Year Associate class, with a projected start date of fall 2026.
- You will work with Orrick’s Energy & Infrastructure M&A practice.
- This position is based out of Orrick’s Austin, Houston, San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C. offices.
- You will be compensated as a First-Year Associate.
- Orrick partner sponsors will oversee your work assignments, networking opportunities, and career coaching.
Benefits
- We offer a full range of elective health benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurances; robust mental well-being benefits; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short- and long-term disability benefits; a health savings account (w/applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and a 401K program.
- This role is eligible to employees will receive compensated time off through Flexible Time Off program, generous Parental leave benefits, and paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
