Law Students
Join the next generation of exceptional lawyers. Begin your career as a summer associate at Choate.
Built for your success
As is the case with most of what Choate does, we have built a summer associate program to be an experience which is different from what our competitors may offer. We conduct our leading domestic and international practice together under one roof in Boston. Candidates choose us because of our differences. That choice includes intensive training from day one and an opportunity to receive substantive, individualized opportunities to do impactful work and build lasting relationships in the Choate community.
Each year, we recruit a group of exceptionally talented law students who are as interesting and diverse as they are accomplished, with the goal that each one will earn a full-time offer at the end of the summer and join us full-time following graduation.
“ Having the whole firm under one roof gives you a sense of community and makes collaboration easy!”
“The best part of my summer experience was forming bonds with my class, my mentors, and professional development. It’s the people that make Choate special and unique, and I could not be more excited to come back!”
Recent Summer Associates
Summer at Choate
A balanced partner-to-associate ratio keeps our most experienced lawyers in charge of your development.
Meaningful mentor relationships
Our commitment to advancing your career begins as a summer associate at Choate. You are assigned three mentors to guide and assist you - a partner mentor, a mid-level associate mentor and a junior associate mentor. Our multiple-mentor approach is distinctive, and allows for meaningful interaction with lawyers at different stages of their careers. You will work closely with all three of your mentors, gaining experience and creating relationships which will continue throughout your career.
Impactful work
Summer associates are typically given an opportunity to contribute to Firm clients throughout our summer program. We encourage summer associates to work in as many of our areas of focus as interests them within their designated department. Taking on assignments similar to those given to first or second-year associates and working with multiple different practices means that you get a full picture of what day-to-day life at a major law firm is like.
Our summer associates work on case and deal teams, assisting on substantive projects for clients. Typical assignments include legal and factual research, memo writing, researching and contributing to briefs, drafting pleadings, drafting estate planning documents and participating in investigations, discovery and diligence projects. You will also be given the opportunity to assist with the community and pro bono work that is a part of Choate’s core mission.
Every week, summer associates meet with an advisor to discuss their workload. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a wide range of projects to familiarize yourself with the Firm’s practices, as well as explore your own interests.
The Choate Bonus Program
Choate is built different, and our differences provide material benefits to our clients and the best-in-class talent which joins us. We are focused on capitalizing on our distinctive model in everything we do. This includes associate compensation. Choate pays base salaries and “market” bonuses which are consistent with the top firms in the country.
Please contact us to learn more about Choate’s compensation and benefits programs.
Selection criteria
At Choate, we’re devoted to providing the highest quality advice and service to our clients, and we recruit with this standard in mind. In addition to intelligence, interpersonal skills and drive, we look for the following traits in our candidates:
- Strong critical and analytical thinking
- A commitment to excellent client service
- Proven oral and written communication skills
- A dedication to camaraderie and teamwork
- A desire to become a great lawyer
Recruiting
We are no longer accepting applications for our 2024 summer associate program. Please check back for updates this Spring for 2L Summer 2025 positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your callback interview format?
At present time, all interviews are conducted in-person or via web-based video platforms.
When will I find out if I received an offer?
Generally an offer will be extended within one to two weeks of callback interviews.
What is the salary for a summer associate?
Summer associate salaries are based on a $215,000 annual first-year associate salary.
How large are Choate's summer and first-year associate classes?
Our summer classes typically range in size from 20-25 law students. Since summer associates typically receive and accept an offer for full-time employment, our starting first year classes are a similar size.
How does the review/evaluation process work?
Summer associates receive informal mid-summer and final check-in from the PD/Legal Recruiting Team and/or Hiring Partners. Additionally, they receive feedback routinely throughout the summer from the attorneys with whom they work.
When are permanent offers extended?
Offers are usually extended towards the conclusion of the summer program.
Will a clerkship affect my status with the Firm?
Not at all. We give permanent offers to summer associates who accept one-year clerkships following graduation. We also pay a clerkship bonus and generally grant one year of class progression credit for Federal clerkships and clerkships with a State Supreme Court.
Does Choate hire first-year law students?
We hire first-year students through our 1L Diversity and Experienced Hire Fellowships.
To whom should I address my cover letter and/or personal statement?
You can address it to Ashley Itson, Manager of Law School Recruiting
What if my question isn't answered here?
If you have a question that isn't answered on our website, or if you'd like to learn more about careers at Choate, you can contact Ashley Itson, Manager of Law School Recruiting at legalrecruiting@choate.com