Chicago - 2L Summer Associate for 2026 (#989)

Are you a second-year law student eager to explore the dynamic world of law and its many practice areas? Dorsey & Whitney LLP invites you to apply for our 2026 Summer Associate Program in our brand-new Chicago office. We offer a dynamic, immersive experience that's designed to help you thrive and supplement your legal education.

At Dorsey, our summer associates are at the heart of everything we do. Our program is thoughtfully structured to provide you with real work and robust training. You'll be paired with writing coaches, work coordinators, and mentors who are invested in your development, ensuring you receive personalized guidance every step of the way.

What You'll Experience:

• Tackle challenging client matters and gain hands-on experience working closely with accomplished attorneys.
• Sharpen your legal writing and advocacy skills.
• Make a difference by representing pro bono clients.
• Attend client meetings, depositions, closings, and court appearances for real-world exposure.
• Benefit from formal feedback and dedicated mentoring.
• Participate in seminars and training events through Dorsey U, our in-house professional development program.
• Build lasting relationships with fellow summer associates and Dorsey attorneys through networking and social events.

We are looking for students with strong academic achievements and a passion for excellence. All students attending an ABA-accredited law school are eligible to apply, subject to the class year requirement.

How to Apply: Submit your application online at https://www.dorsey.com/careers/law-students. Dorsey is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for disability, religion, pregnancy, or lactation. For assistance, contact recruiting@dorsey.com

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. We will contact you directly if we are interested in scheduling an interview.

Required Materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample from law school
• Unofficial undergraduate transcript
• Unofficial law school transcript. (If grades are unavailable at the time of application, please email them to recruiting@dorsey.com as soon as possible. Applications will not be fully reviewed until law school grades are received.)

Compensation: $4,330 per week (Illinois). This is a temporary position and is not benefits eligible.

Why Dorsey? Our friendly, collaborative culture is one of our greatest strengths. Dorsey is proud to be recognized for our welcoming workplace:

• Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
• Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
• 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
• Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
• Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Dorsey is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for disability, religion, pregnancy, or lactation. For assistance, contact recruiting@dorsey.com

Dorsey participates in E-Verify.