1L Summer Associate Scholarship Program, 2026 Summer Program

Job Description Summary:

We are seeking qualified law students who expect to complete the equivalent of two semesters of law school prior to the start of the 2026 Summer Program. Our goal during the Summer Associate Program is to provide a realistic, professional, and meaningful experience. Our team will provide you with a practical and exciting view of the legal industry. You’ll experience challenging days filled with client work, mentorship, and relationship-building opportunities. Your summer will also be punctuated with training programs, professional development exercises, and events and activities. Summer Associates also observe and, when possible, assist in trials, hearings, depositions, and negotiations, and participate in client meetings and closings.

Job Description:

In addition to our regular Summer Associate salary, there also will be an opportunity to receive up to $50,000 (gross) in scholarship funds. Scholars will commit to, and complete, both their 1L (2026) and 2L (2027) summers at Fenwick (minimum of eight weeks each summer). Scholars are also eligible to receive an offer after graduation from law school, contingent upon satisfactory law school grades, work evaluations and performance feedback.

Our 1L Scholarship is open to 1L law students who:

1. Have demonstrated a commitment to a more inclusive legal industry;

2. Are enrolled full-time in an American Bar Association-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028 at the time of application;

3. Can participate in, commit to, and complete both the 2026 and 2027 Summer Programs at Fenwick.

Please submit a cover letter, current resume, undergraduate transcript and law school transcript. Applicants must also submit a personal statement of no more than 300 words that articulates the ways in which your background, life experiences, values, character, and worldview influence your decision to apply for this position at Fenwick. Applicants are also encouraged to provide illustrations of their commitment to a more inclusive legal industry and provide information around their specific interest in a summer associate position with Fenwick.

Cover letters should state office and practice group interest. Fenwick has four practice groups: Corporate, Litigation, Tax, and IP. Applicants will be evaluated holistically on the merits of their application materials and interviews. Applications may be submitted without a current law school transcript but will not be considered complete until that transcript is received. Transcripts may be sent to [email protected] when available. 

Although we will accept applications starting November 1, interviews are not expected to begin immediately, so please do not infer anything about the status of your application if you do not hear from us within a certain time period. Fenwick strongly encourages all students who apply for our 1L Scholarship to also apply for our 2L positions in our 2027 Summer Program. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please reach out to [email protected].

Benefits and Compensation Details:

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing.

The anticipated annual compensation for this position, which will be paid on a pro-rated basis, is: 

$225,000