2027 1L Summer Associate (Dual Summer) - Palo Alto
About The Position
Ashurst Perkins Coie is accepting applications from first-year law students for a two-summer opportunity in its 2027 and 2028 summer programs. The program is intended to provide a connected experience with the firm and may lead to an opportunity to join as a full-time associate after law school graduation. Summer associates are hired into a specific practice area; this opening is for Corporate, with a focus on Emerging Companies & Venture Capital, in the Palo Alto office. Summer associates receive substantive assignments involving research, drafting, analysis, and client-facing projects, working alongside attorneys and mentors. They may 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-summer experience with increased responsibility, deeper client engagement and relationship building, and further development of core legal skills. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter describing their area of interest and geographic preference, undergraduate and graduate transcripts if applicable, law school transcripts (unofficial versions accepted, with a transcript to be 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 candidates can expect status updates by late January 2027. All materials must be uploaded as PDFs. Applicants may also request consideration for the Inclusive Leaders Fellowship by selecting yes in the application and submitting a Personal Statement.
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 can contribute to a successful legal career.
- Submit a resume, cover letter, applicable undergraduate and graduate transcripts, law school transcript, and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages.
- In the cover letter and application materials, describe relevant practice-area interests and geographic preference.
Nice To Haves
- Life experiences that have shaped the applicant's perspectives and professional goals.
- For Inclusive Leaders Fellowship consideration, submit a Personal Statement and indicate interest in the application.
Responsibilities
- Complete substantive legal research, drafting, and analysis assignments.
- Contribute to client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors.
- Attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings.
- Work on pro bono matters and participate in professional development activities.
- Build knowledge and skills in the Corporate practice, particularly Emerging Companies & Venture Capital.
Benefits
- Paid holidays are available.
- Mentorship and professional development activities are part of the summer program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
