2L Summer Associates

Program Outline

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is recruiting highly qualified law students for our 2027 summer associate program. The objective of our summer program is to immerse summer associates in our culture and work environment in order to provide an experience that closely mirrors that of a newly hired associate.

We seek to expose our summer associates to all facets of our legal practice including high-stakes negotiations, deals, client meetings, courtroom proceedings, depositions and drafting sessions. At the core of the program is the opportunity for our summer associates to get to know us; a small close-knit group of lawyers who work as a team on demanding, high-profile matters that command the attention of the legal and business worlds.

Participants in our summer program will rotate through several practice areas, allowing them to explore those that interest them the most. We seek individuals who have strong academic records, meaningful work experience and are also highly motivated and eager to contribute to our continued record of success.

Application Process

We invite you to apply to the Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz summer associate program. This is a unique opportunity to join an exceptional team of lawyers and professionals who form the foundation of the Firm’s ongoing success and groundbreaking achievements in the law.

If we are participating in a Career Services-organized recruiting program at your law school, please apply to the Firm through that program.

Students from other law schools, should submit the following materials and can click here to apply:

• Resume; and
• Law school transcript (when available, an unofficial copy is acceptable).

Application Review

While our direct application portal will open December 1, final review and consideration of applications may not be provided until completed first semester transcripts have been submitted. Applications will close on February 6.

1L Summer Associates

Program Outline

This annual program offers a small number of students an opportunity to work at the Firm during their 1L summer. The program is open to students who possess a proven track record of academic success and leadership ability, excellent writing skills, and an interest in our practice. In addition, students should demonstrate that they have overcome adversity or hardship or otherwise have unique experiences that will contribute to their success at the Firm.

Students in the 1L program are part of our regular summer associate program for all purposes, including work assignments and social events. The Firm does not make offers to 1L summer associates at the end of the summer. On an individual basis, we invite 1L summer associates to do a three-week touchback with us after their second year in law school. They are then considered for offers to join the Firm as associates following graduation or clerkships.

Application Process

Students who are interested in applying for our 2026 1L summer program should click here and complete the 2027 2L application. Within the application, they should indicate interest in the 1L position.

Students interested in applying for this program should submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (when available, an unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Undergraduate Transcript.

Application Review

While our direct application portal will open December 1, final review and consideration of applications may not be provided until completed first semester transcripts have been submitted. Applications will close on February 6.