Jackson Kelly's Summer Associate Program is designed to help you learn about life in the Firm and to help us assess your abilities and fit within Jackson Kelly. Summer Associates work on a broad range of legal projects and are exposed to all practice areas within Jackson Kelly. Summer Associate projects typically involve conducting legal research and drafting memoranda and court documents. Summer Associates also routinely accompany our attorneys to depositions, client meetings, and court appearances.
In addition to gaining legal experience during the summer program, Summer Associates have a number of opportunities to meet the people that make Jackson Kelly one of “America’s Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree”*. Events throughout the summer, such as a Firm picnic, dinner parties, and other after-hour activities, provide the Summer Associates with the chance to meet the Firm’s lawyers in a more casual atmosphere. Also, other planned activities, like white water rafting, golfing and boating, introduce the Summer Associates to the quality of life in the areas surrounding Jackson Kelly's 10 offices. By the end of the summer, the Summer Associates have had the opportunity to develop a strong affinity for the Firm, its people, and the local community.
Both first-year and second-year law students may apply for Summer Associate positions. Jackson Kelly conducts interviews at several law schools in the fall and spring. Check the hiring information for specific schools and dates. Please contact us about the Summer Associate Program if you do not attend one of those schools.
FAQs about the Summer Associate Program
How many Summer Associates does the Firm expect to hire?
The number of Summer Associates Jackson Kelly hires each summer varies between approximately 10 to 12 Summer Associates being selected Firmwide. The Firm recruits and places summer associates in its Akron, Charleston, Denver, Evansville, Lexington, Morgantown and Pittsburgh offices, but all Summer Associates have the opportunity to work with Jackson Kelly lawyers from across the Firm regardless of office placement.
How many offers are extended to the Summer Associates at the end of the summer?
Jackson Kelly's goal is to extend offers to all of its Summer Associates who demonstrate quality legal and communication skills and produce outstanding work product. This practice allows the Firm's Summer Associates to work in a collegial, noncompetitive environment during the summer.
Are split summers permitted?
Generally, Jackson Kelly prefers that Summer Associates work a full ten weeks between late May and late July. Summer Associates may start earlier and work later upon their request. The Firm occasionally permits split summers but requires that the Summer Associate work at least five weeks and spend the first half of the summer with Jackson Kelly.
What is the salary for Summer Associates?
Jackson Kelly offers a very competitive weekly salary and provides free parking for Summer Associates.