2027 2L Summer Associate Program (Washington, DC)

Introducing A&O Shearman.

Weâ ve arrived and weâ re ready for anything anywhere.

With nearly 4,000 lawyers globally, we are equally fluent in English law, U.S. law and the laws of the worldâ s most dynamic markets.

We are now accepting application for our 2027 U.S. Summer Associate Program in our Antitrust, ENRI, and International Arbitration groups.

Program Length: 10 weeks

Can you tell me more about work and mentorship ? Our summer program allows summer associates to work on cutting-edge work alongside a diverse group of partners and associates. Each summer associate will be paired with a partner and associate mentor, who will help integrate summer associates into the firm both substantively and socially. Summer associates will work in practice groups in which they have expressed interest during the interview and onboarding processes. Some may prefer to work in transactional groups, while others are focused on disputes. Some may choose to prefer a smaller, focused group versus a larger group. The best part is that you decide â and that each summer associateâ s path and preferences are unique and individualized. The DC office follows a direct-hire model where an incoming summer associate will indicate their practice group of interest during the interview process and spend their summer in that group.

What opportunities for professional development are available ? Our Professional Development team coordinates comprehensive programs as part of Summer Associate University (SAU). Topics include Writing, Negotiations, Professionalism, Research, Wellness, Law Firm Economics and more.

Are there opportunities to split between offices ? Office splits will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

What is the salary ? Summer associates are paid $4,327 per week.

Hiring Criteria

Required: We are looking for strong academic performance, law school involvement, and an enthusiasm about the practice of law. We also remain strongly committed to inclusion and expect that our associates will view collegiality and teamwork as important personal and firm values. Only JD 2028 law students are eligible to apply.

Preferred: Relevant work experience; law journal/moot court participation; foreign language skills.

Resume, law school transcript, and cover letters are required. Please indicate your practice group(s) of interest in the cover letter. 

To learn more about our firm and summer program, please see our interactive brochure. As part of the application process, you will be invited to complete our optional Online Experience. This platform is designed to give you insight into the type of work you may be doing and the situations you might encounter as an attorney at A&O Shearman. If you consent in the application, you will receive a separate email with the link to access the Online Experience at a later date. Participation is optional and will not affect hiring decisions.

*Please note: Once available, please email your update law school transcript to [email protected] with the subject line: Updated Transcript - 2L Summer Associate (DC).