Summer Associate Program: Hands-on Legal Experience

Irell & Manella LLP; Washington; Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Irell & Manella LLP invites applications for its Summer Program, recognizing candidates with superior academic credentials and intellectual curiosity, including those who have held other jobs or possess technical degrees.

Each summer associate is assigned an associate mentor and receives first-year associate assignments from the Summer Committee, with exposure to team and client meetings, negotiations, court appearances, depositions and trials.

Qualifications

• Superior academic abilities and intellectual curiosity
• Candidates with other jobs or careers and with technical degrees welcomed
• Summer program includes mentorship and opportunities to attend CLE programs and mock trial

Responsibilities

• Attend team meetings, client meetings, negotiations, court appearances, depositions and trials as part of the Summer Program
• Participate in pro bono work and community service projects including adoption proceedings for needy children and their families
• Engage in training and education through informational programs, CLE events, mock trials and trainer-led sessions

Job description

We are looking for a group of candidates who demonstrate superior academic abilities, intellectual curiosity and the potential to become outstanding lawyers. We encourage students who may have had other jobs and careers in addition to their law school education to apply. Technical degrees are welcome but not required; we value a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

When you arrive, you’ll be assigned an associate mentor. You will receive assignments typical for first-year associates from the Summer Committee. You’ll also be invited to attend team meetings, client meetings, negotiations, court appearances, depositions and trials. And you can participate in pro bono work and community service projects, including adoption proceedings for needy children and their adoptive families.

Training and Education

Training and education are critical components of our Summer Program. We host a series of informational programs, and summer associates are also invited to the regular continuing legal education (CLE) programs, outside speaker events and training sessions. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to participate with lawyers and staff in our annual mock trial—a wrongful death trial prosecuting Wyatt Earp, presided over by a judge.

Building Connections

Building connections is a key objective of our Summer Program. All summer associates attend a weekend retreat and a firmwide party at a hotel location central to our Los Angeles and Newport Beach offices. Other events have included a kick-off bash at the start of the summer, beach parties and karaoke parties. We encourage our lawyers to socialize with summer associates through informal dinners, lunches and other activities. In the past, lawyers and summer associates have organized rock climbing excursions, surfing classes, cooking classes, rounds of golf and grilled cheese and beer tastings, among other outings.