2027 2L Summer Associate

About the role

Barnes & Thornburg invites second year law students to apply for our 2027 Summer Associate Program, offering a structured immersion into the firm's practice areas and client service obligations. The role positions you as a contributing member of a legal team, responsible for executing substantive legal tasks under the supervision of experienced attorneys. You will engage directly with complex legal materials, applying academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and transactional demands. This opportunity requires a proactive approach to managing assignments, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism. You will be expected to demonstrate strong analytical abilities while navigating diverse legal documents and correspondence. The position emphasizes collaboration, requiring close coordination with partners, associates, and support staff to achieve shared objectives. Success in this role hinges on your capacity to learn quickly, adapt to varying priorities, and contribute meaningfully to the firm's high-caliber work. It is an intensive experience designed to test your skills, clarify your career interests, and prepare you for long-term success in the legal profession.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct legal research and analysis to support the development of strategies, arguments, and advice for client matters across various practice areas.

Draft and revise complex legal documents, including but not limited to contracts, pleadings, motions, and memoranda, ensuring precision, clarity, and compliance with jurisdiction-specific rules.

Assist in the preparation of trial and deposition binders, organizing exhibits and critical documents to facilitate efficient case management and review.

Perform due diligence investigations for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, identifying risks and verifying information for informed decision-making.

Coordinate and manage calendar entries, court filing deadlines, and client communications to ensure timely compliance with procedural requirements and strategic milestones.

Collaborate with senior attorneys and partners to respond to client inquiries, providing preliminary analysis and factual summaries that inform high-level decision-making.

Review and edit discovery requests and responses, including interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions, to ensure completeness and adherence to evidentiary standards.

Summarize testimony and evidentiary materials from depositions, hearings, and trials, creating concise and accurate records for use in litigation and transactional work.

Prepare correspondence and communications with courts, clients, and opposing counsel, maintaining a professional tone and strict adherence to confidentiality protocols.

Assist in the development of litigation support materials, including trial notebooks and presentation exhibits, to enhance the firm's effectiveness in advising and representing clients.

Participate in client meetings and internal strategy sessions, taking detailed notes and action items to support the advancement of legal objectives.

Utilize document management systems and legal research platforms to retrieve, organize, and maintain files in a secure and efficient manner.

Support the implementation of compliance and regulatory initiatives, helping to identify and mitigate potential issues before they escalate.

Engage in continuous learning opportunities, including feedback sessions, mock exercises, and skills training, to refine practical abilities and professional judgment.

Requirements

Eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or at any time during the employment relationship, and authorized to work in the location where the position is based.

Currently enrolled in a J.D. program and completing at least one full year of law school by the summer start date, with graduation scheduled for the academic year following the summer.

Must be in good academic standing and eligible to receive academic credit for the summer coursework load.

Able to commit to the full duration of the Summer Associate Program, including any required training, orientation, and end-of-year commitments.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Strong written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to quickly learn firm-specific software and platforms.

Willingness to travel domestically for professional duties as needed, including attendance at client meetings, court hearings, and firm events.

Practical notes

This is a full-time summer position based in Boston.

Domestic travel may be required for professional duties.

You must be authorized to work in the United States and in the Boston location without requiring sponsorship at any time during your employment.

The Summer Associate Program has defined start and end dates; you must be available for the entire engagement.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted directly to schedule an interview.

Applications require a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and law school transcript.