Energy & Infrastructure M&A - 2026 First-Year Associate

Orrick Herrington & Suttcliffe; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 202,500 - 247,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401K program

Flexible Time Off program

Generous parental leave benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

A leading global law firm is seeking a highly qualified 3L student for a First-Year Associate position in their Energy & Infrastructure M&A practice, based in Houston. This role offers the opportunity to gain substantial experience and mentorship while being compensated competitively at $225,000. As a member of the team, you will engage in high-impact transactions and participate in ongoing professional development initiatives. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until filled.

Qualifications

• Current 3L student with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher is preferred.
• Strong determination and engagement with entrepreneurial spirit.
• Resume, transcript, and cover letter required.

Responsibilities

• Gain substantive experience as a First-Year Associate at the firm.
• Work with the Energy & Infrastructure M&A practice group.
• Participate in training and mentorship programs.

Skills

Strong academic credentials

Superior communication skills

Interest in M&A transactions

Education

JD (Class of 2026)

Job description

Overview

Orrick is a global law firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for four sectors: Technology & Innovation, Energy & Infrastructure, Finance and Life Sciences & HealthTech.

Leading companies at all stages, financial institutions, funds and other entities rely on Orrick for legal solutions that advance business objectives: financings and corporate transactions, dispute resolution, IP protection and navigating the uncertain regulatory and enforcement landscape. We bring particular insight to the transformational opportunities arising from the convergence of tech and AI with every other sector. With 29 Chambers Band 1 practices and 70 Band 1 or higher individual rankings, we are committed to the highest quality in everything we do.

Responsibilities

• 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 and 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• If you have questions about the position, please contact [e-mail].

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $225,000.

Orrick is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive, and thoughtful total compensation package to our attorneys and staff, wherever they work. This compensation and benefits information is based on the Orrick's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, which would be determined by Firm and individual performance.

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.

Orrick accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis, until filled.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-DNI