2027 1L Summer Associate (Dual Summer) - Palo Alto

Perkins Coie•Palo Alto, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ashurst Perkins Coie is accepting applications from first-year law students for a two-summer associate opportunity in its Palo Alto office, covering the 2027 and 2028 summer programs. The program is intended to provide a connected, multi-year experience and may culminate in an opportunity to join the firm as a full-time associate after law school graduation. Summer associates join a specific practice area; this position recruits for Corporate, with a focus on Emerging Companies & Venture Capital. Summer associates perform substantive legal work, including research, drafting, and analysis, and may take part in client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors. They regularly have opportunities to attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings, work on pro bono matters, participate in professional development, and attend social events. In the second summer, participants build on their first-year experience through increased responsibility, deeper client engagement and relationship-building, and further development of core legal skills. Applicants should submit a resume, a cover letter identifying their areas of interest and geographic preference, undergraduate and graduate transcripts if applicable, law school transcripts (unofficial versions accepted, with unavailable transcripts provided when available), and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages. Applications are considered on a rolling basis beginning November 2, 2026, and early applications are encouraged. Materials must be uploaded as PDFs; candidates can expect a status update by late January 2027. Applicants seeking consideration for the Inclusive Leaders Fellowship should indicate this in the application and submit a Personal Statement. The position pays $18,750 per month and is not benefits-eligible, although paid holidays are available. The firm describes itself as an international law firm with a collaborative culture, commitment to excellence, and people-first approach.

Requirements

Be a first-year student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school.
Demonstrate academic achievement, excellent writing and interpersonal skills, and experience that may contribute to a successful legal career.
Submit a resume, cover letter, applicable undergraduate and graduate transcripts, law school transcripts, and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages.
Upload all application materials in PDF format.

Nice To Haves

Relevant academic or professional background, skills, and interests matching the Corporate practice, particularly Emerging Companies & Venture Capital.
Life experiences that have shaped the applicant’s perspectives and professional goals.
For consideration for the Inclusive Leaders Fellowship, submit a Personal Statement and indicate interest in the application.

Responsibilities

Perform legal research, drafting, and analysis.
Work on client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors.
Attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings.
Work on pro bono matters.
Participate in professional development activities and firm social events.
During the second summer, take on increased responsibility, deepen client engagement and relationship-building, and further develop core legal skills.