Northern California Summer Program

Summer Program in Northern California

Our Summer Program is a fantastic way to find out what a career in law looks like.

You’ll get involved with actual client matters, providing you with an invaluable real-world experience of legal work. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe or participate in closings, document drafting, client conferences and negotiation sessions. Working alongside our talented teams allows summer associates to experience our ‘one-firm’ global culture, explore different practice areas, and work with a variety of lawyers.

In the Summer Program, you’ll work on the topics that interest you. Rather than assigning you to work with a specific lawyer, we’ll assign you work based on your preferences and you’ll also be encouraged to seek work informally by meeting with partners and associates from practice areas that you want to learn more about. Exploring different practice areas is a valuable exercise and help you establish where your interests lie.

We do everything we can to make our Summer Program as useful as possible. To accomplish this, we provide you with personalized performance feedback, connect you to a network of advisors from every practice area, and give you access to formal training programs.

To help you navigate the ins and outs of Mayer Brown, each summer associate is paired with two advisors: one partner and one associate. Advisors provide one-on-one guidance and will help you navigate the ins and outs of law firm life. They will also ensure that you get the chance to work with a variety of lawyers and make sure your time here represents a realistic perspective of the work performed by new associates.

Our Summer Program is only the first step. Impress us with your performance and you could be invited back to participate in our First-Year Associate Program.

Your Development

The Summer Program is a chance to gain valuable exposure and build your network at the same time. Each practice area gives presentations about its work, and our lawyers host practice area breakfasts, luncheons, seminars and social events, so you’ll have a chance to discuss deals and transactions with the people who are directly responsible for them. Lawyers also invite summer associates to regular group meetings, training sessions and client calls.

We understand how important feedback is to you as an aspiring lawyer. Beyond the formal feedback sessions scheduled during the program, you are encouraged to request informal feedback from the lawyers you work with. 

We make sure our summer associates have access to all the support they need. All the lawyers on the Recruiting Committee maintain an ‘open door’ policy for any summer associate. They are always happy to offer advice to help you make the most of your time with us. Additionally, each summer associate will receive a partner and an associate mentor. 

Perks

We have an on-site cafeteria that offers healthy snacks and refreshment throughout the day. We also have a free fitness center in our building.

Apply

How to Apply

To apply, please submit an application online and select “Northern California” under the “Office” drop down. Please do not duplicate the application process by sending your materials via email. If your application is successful, we will contact you by telephone or email to offer you an interview.

CPRA Applicant Privacy Notice

Application Deadlines

We have now completed 2L hiring for our 2024 Summer Program and are no longer accepting applications. Please check back for additional opportunities.

Contact Information

Whitney Forbes, Attorney Development & Recruitment Manager

Telephone: +1 650 331 2058

Email: wforbes@mayerbrown.com

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employee with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the applicable process and/or job interview, contact your recruiter by email at wforbes@mayerbrown.com or by phone at +1 650 331 2058

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

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