How do I apply for a summer associate position if you don’t interview at my law school?
You may submit an application for our summer associate program online. Click here to apply now.
How many summer associates were in the firm’s 2024 program?
Boston - 5
Charleston - 1
Charlotte - 3
Chicago - 6
Houston – 1
Kansas City - 1
Los Angeles - 1
Miami - 1
Nashville- 4
New York - 2
Newark - 2
Orange County - 1
Pittsburgh - 5
Raleigh - 2
Research Triangle Park - 1
Seattle - 5
Washington, D.C. - 4
What’s the typical agenda for an office interview?
The interview format differs among offices. Generally, you’ll spend the morning or afternoon at the firm, meeting with four to six lawyers with a myriad of experiences and practices, as well as local recruiting staff. Be sure to identify practice areas of interest before your interview to ensure you meet with lawyers in those practices.
Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses associated with my office interview?
Yes. We reimburse all reasonable travel expenses approved by the Regional Recruiting Manager. Be sure to keep your receipts and submit a NALP Travel Reimbursement Form (provided by our Regional Recruiting Manager).
When does the summer associate program start, and how long does it run?
Our summer associate program varies by office but it typically runs eight to ten weeks, beginning in May or June. Ask your Regional Recruiting Manager for this year’s program dates.
Does the firm allow split summers between K&L Gates offices or other firms?
We typically prefer summer associates to spend their full summer in one office so their experience is fulsome and uninterrupted, but we consider requests to split within K&L Gates offices on a case-by-case basis.
As a summer associate, will I be assigned mentors?
Yes. Your mentors will assist you with all aspects of our summer associate program, helping with work assignments and professional development and serving as a resource during your time at the firm.
As a summer associate, what type of training can I expect to receive?
The firm’s Professional Development Department develops a new summer associate curriculum each year, designed to enhance your knowledge and technical skills and your transition to practicing lawyer.
As a summer associate, what type of work can I expect?
You’ll work on client matters and pro bono cases similar to what you would work on as a first or second-year associate. We also provide shadowing opportunities which may include depositions, arbitrations, client meetings, board meetings, and judicial proceedings.
As a summer associate, what type of feedback can I expect to receive?
You’ll receive informal feedback from your mentor and other lawyers over the course of the summer. You’ll gain insight through written evaluations as well as a mid-summer review and end of summer review.
Does the firm have a billable hours expectation for summer associates?
No. However, you will be working on real client work and are expected to learn how to balance deadlines and expectations. Summer associates typically bill between 25-35 hours per week.
Will I have the opportunity to work on pro bono matters?
Yes. K&L Gates has a strong commitment to pro bono work, and you’ll be encouraged to participate in these assignments during the summer.
As a summer associate, will I be provided with insurance benefits?
The firm does not provide insurance or other benefits to summer associates or their dependents.
How many summer associates receive permanent offers from K&L Gates?
Our goal is to make offers to all of our summer associates. We assess the potential of each summer associate and extend offers to those who demonstrate the potential to succeed as a K&L Gates lawyer.
What types of social activities could I expect to participate in as a summer associate?
The firm arranges a variety of social activities throughout the summer program to provide summer associates and lawyers the opportunity to get to know one another. Dinners, sporting events and local happenings are just some of the ways summer associates get to know the lawyers.
Do you hire 1Ls for your summer program?
We hire 1Ls for a select number of our offices. Please check our careers page in early November for more information about how to apply. For the 2025 Summer Program we will begin to review 1L applications on a rolling basis after 15 December 2024, and the application period will close on 31 January 2025.
Do I have to choose a particular practice area at the beginning of the summer?
We encourage our summer associates to explore opportunities in a variety of practice areas throughout the summer.
How can I expect to receive work as a summer associate?
Our work assignment process varies by office and practice group. Some practice groups take a free-market approach, and some have assignment coordinators. Partners and more experienced associates assign work within each practice group.
