An Akerman summer associate joins one of the largest AmLaw 200 firms for a ten to twelve week engagement, working on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters alongside experienced partners. This structured program is designed to give rising law students a realistic view of full service practice while contributing to real client deliverables.
Participants rotate through multiple practice groups, build relationships across offices, and gain experience with drafting, discovery, due diligence, and client communication in a fast paced environment.
| Summer Associate | Office Location | Practice Focus | Key Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Associate | Washington DC | Corporate & Regulatory | Client transactions, policy advisory, cross practice collaboration |
| Summer Associate | New York | Litigation & Investigations | Trial preparation, document review, motion drafting, court filings |
| Summer Associate | Chicago | Finance & Real Estate | Loan documentation, closing coordination, title and zoning matters |
| Summer Associate | San Francisco | Technology & IP | SaaS agreements, patent prosecution support, portfolio analytics |
| Summer Associate | Houston | Energy & Projects | Contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, risk assessment |
Life As An Akerman Summer Associate
Daily responsibilities for an Akerman summer associate include legal research, drafting memoranda, preparing contract templates, and attending client meetings. Associates are assigned a supervising partner and receive structured feedback throughout the summer to ensure steady professional development.
Team environments vary by practice, but the firm emphasizes mentorship, clear communication, and practical skill building, making the experience valuable whether you aim for a large firm career or a public interest path.
Corporate Transactions Practice
In the Corporate Transactions practice, an Akerman summer associate supports due diligence, term sheet drafting, and closing preparation across industries such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Work involves reviewing historical contracts, identifying title issues, and coordinating with tax and benefits colleagues.
Summer associates often prepare comparative analyses of acquisition structures, draft standard clauses, and participate in negotiations, gaining exposure to board level considerations and compliance requirements.
Litigation And Investigations Work
The Litigation and Investigations group offers an Akerman summer associate the chance to work on disputes ranging from commercial litigation to internal investigations. Tasks include drafting complaints and answers, preparing discovery requests, and summarizing depositions and expert reports.
Associates learn to manage case strategy, use legal technology for document review, and communicate with clients about risk assessment and settlement options, building skills that translate across sectors.
Technology, Intellectual Property, And Data Privacy
In Technology, Intellectual Property, and Data Privacy, an Akerman summer associate engages with open source licensing, software agreements, and compliance programs such as GDPR and CCPA. You may review software as a service contracts, draft privacy notices, and assist with incident response planning.
This practice is ideal for associates interested in tech policy, cybersecurity, and innovation, offering hands on exposure to fast moving regulatory landscapes and client business models.
Maximizing Your Akerman Summer Experience
- Set clear learning goals for each rotation and track the skills you develop.
- Seek feedback regularly from your supervising partner and assigned mentors.
- Build relationships across teams and offices by participating in cross practice projects.
- Develop proficiency in legal technology, drafting, and research tools used by the firm.
- Engage with client matters proactively, asking questions and offering thoughtful options.
FAQ
Reader questions
What does a typical week look like for an Akerman summer associate?
A typical week includes time blocks for legal research, drafting memoranda and contracts, attending client and team meetings, participating in practice group learning sessions, and completing assigned readings or training modules.
How are summer associates evaluated and mentored at Akerman?
Associates receive regular feedback from supervising partners and associates, with formal evaluations at mid summer and at program completion, while mentors help set goals, refine skills, and navigate career decisions.
What practice areas are available for summer associates at Akerman?
Summer associates can explore Corporate Transactions, Litigation and Investigations, Finance and Real Estate, Technology Intellectual Property and Data Privacy, and Energy Projects, depending on office capacity and associate interests.
How does an Akerman summer associate role compare to other large firm programs?
Compared to other large firm programs, Akerman offers broad exposure to multiple practice areas, structured feedback, and meaningful responsibilities on real client matters, with hours and culture varying by office and team.