Summer Associates

United States Overview

Our Summer Associate Program — one of the most comprehensive available — drives our hiring efforts. And while we want to know what kind of lawyer you will be, we also realize you want to know what we can do to help get you there.

Program Overview

Full programs are offered in: Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C. and Wilmington.
Skadden hired 204 summer associates in 2024.
Given our global platform, we typically accommodate requests for splitting summers between two offices.
Our flexible program provides opportunities to learn first-hand about our extensive range of practices.

Summer associates gain experience comparable to that of junior associates, including attending client meetings, traveling to client locations and assisting senior attorneys in addressing client needs.
Summer associates working on corporate projects can expect exposure to drafting and negotiation sessions, while those in litigation will gain familiarity with depositions and court proceedings.
Participants receive formal evaluations and reviews, and our attorneys provide informal feedback through everyday work experiences.
In some offices, summer associates share office space with practicing lawyers, which offers additional opportunities for professional development.
More than 85 percent of our summer associates work on pro bono matters.
Of course, we hold numerous social events outside the office to help you become acquainted with your colleagues throughout the office.
The annual salary for this position is expected to be $225,000. Summer Associates are paid on a semi-monthly basis during employment. Visit Associate Salary Information for compensation details.

Visit NALP's Directory of Legal Employers for more information on our program.

Training & Mentoring

Summer associates work in different areas of law, strengthening lawyering skills and gaining insight into the firm in general. The training received during the summer lays the foundation for Skadden’s professional development efforts. Below are a few examples of workshops and presentations that may be offered throughout the summer.

Contract Writing
Writing Strategies
M&A Negotiation Workshop
Banking Training
Complex Litigation & Trials Training
Capital Markets Workshop
Practice Area Presentations
Diversity and Inclusion Seminars
Financial Literacy
Research and Knowledge Management
Writing Strategies and Coaching
Collaboration and Communication\

To ensure personalized attention and support, summer associates are paired with mentors. The program specifics differ slightly from office to office, but each program shares the same philosophy: An ample support network is essential to your growth and success.

Informal feedback is given throughout the everyday work experience, and we provide formal feedback in mid-summer and exit meetings. Summer associates also have the opportunity to complete self-assessments as well as optional upward reviews.

SkadSources

Get an insider’s view on Skadden! Hear from attorneys and summer associates on the most meaningful aspects of our programs, initiatives we undertake to support our attorneys and promote our core values, and what drove candidates to ultimately choose Skadden.

Start Your Path

Timing

We will begin accepting applications for 2025 Summer Associate positions beginning June 1, 2024. Students may apply directly here.

Applications

We value having a class comprised of law students from around the country; therefore, the firm actively recruits at more than 40 law schools through on-campus interviews, job fair interview programs and direct write-in applications. If we are not participating in one of your school’s interview programs, you may apply online [or reach out to the Attorney Recruiting contact in the office(s) of interest with questions].

Interviewing

Students invited back to our offices for full-round interviews will meet with partners and associates from areas and backgrounds in which they express interest. To help us learn more about candidates, we ask those interviewing in our U.S. offices to complete a brief online assessment to see how your goals and values align with ours. Students will also have the opportunity to speak with past participants of the summer program. Each office has its own Hiring Committee, which meets regularly to discuss the pool of candidates.

Learn More

If there are any specific questions or subjects students would like to discuss over the course of their meetings, they are encouraged to let us know. Students who receive offers are welcomed and encouraged to contact the firm to schedule meetings with additional attorneys to address any remaining questions.