Summer Program FAQ

We’re looking for exceptional, business-minded 2L students who are curious and interested in engaging with our practice areas. Successful applicants demonstrate a record of academic excellence, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to make an impact – all while embodying The Goodwin Way.

We encourage Summer Associates to boldly pursue their interests by “raising their hands” for what excites them.

Summer Associates work closely with our seasoned lawyers on high-impact work on matters at the forefront. While exploring diverse practice areas within Business Law and Litigation, they will gain hands-on experience across our core industries, including healthcare, investment funds, life sciences, private equity, real estate, and technology.

Summer Associates are encouraged to engage in meaningful pro bono work, including clinics that offer hands-on experience from the start. These projects are a unique chance to explore legal areas outside typical assignments, allowing associates to balance impactful service with client-focused experience.

See what pro bono looks like at Goodwin.

Mentorship is at the heart of the Summer experience. Each Summer Associate is paired with a dedicated team of lawyers at varying levels of seniority who share personal guidance, feedback, and support throughout. We foster a culture of connection, offering countless opportunities to build relationships and learn from lawyers across practices in an open, approachable environment.

Summer Associates receive real-time feedback on their work, so they can learn, grow, and refine their skills along the way. In addition to ongoing, informal feedback, we provide a structured check-in process with the Legal Recruiting team and a formal evaluation with a partner to ensure continued development and support.

Our program is designed to be a meaningful and productive experience. An essential part, this includes networking and social events designed to help Associates build relationships, strengthen connections, and experience our collaborative and inclusive culture.

No, we do not allow Summer Associates to split their time between Goodwin offices or with other firms.

Summer Associates make $4,326.92 per week for 10 weeks ($225,000 annualized).

Apply here.

Requirements include a resume, undergraduate transcript, law school transcript, and cover letter.

Additionally, Goodwin has partnered with Suited to enhance our understanding of applicants and broaden access to our Summer Associate program. We encourage students to complete the Suited assessment (or connect your existing results) to help us ensure a fair and seamless recruiting process.

Applications are now open.

Current 1L law students (JD 2028) are eligible to apply for our 2L Summer program (summer 2027) and 1L program (summer 2026).

Yes. Upon applying for a 2L summer associate position, 1L law students (JD 2028) may opt into consideration for summer 2026.

Yes, candidates will apply for either Business Law or Litigation and can expect business law or litigation-focused work within our core industries. At the end of the summer, return offers as first-year associates will be given within their respective departments. Offers are based on firm needs and subject to change.

Interviews consist of a screening interview and callback interview. Screening interviews are conducted virtually and select candidates will be invited for in-person callback interviews at one of our offices.

Applications are reviewed by our Legal Recruiting team, who will get back to you on a rolling basis, no later than two weeks after your submission.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis once submitted. Offers for our Summer program and 1L Fellowship will be extended after first semester grades are received.

If you are extended an offer, you will have 14 days to respond to a 2L offer and 7 days for a 1L offer.

We encourage candidates to reach out to the office they are interested in:

Boston
boston.recruitment@goodwinlaw.com

California
ca.recruitment@goodwinlaw.com

New York
newyorklegalrecruitment@goodwinlaw.com

Philadelphia
philadelphialegalrecruitment@goodwinlaw.com

Washington, DC
dc.recruitment@goodwinlaw.com