Applications for 2026 1L and 2027 2L opportunities are open as of November 1, 2025. Click here to apply.

Akin is defined by the caliber of our work, exceptional client service and a culture that is rooted in collaboration and caring. We are looking for summer associates who will further the firm’s five core values: future focused, dedicated to excellence, collaborative, diversity-minded, and service-oriented.

Our summer associates work on real matters for real clients. With training, mentorship, teamwork and networking activities, you will receive a realistic and meaningful picture of firm life. You will gain in-depth exposure to the firm’s practice and hands-on experience with clients and work that interests you. We also offer special opportunities to shadow depositions, hearings, witness interviews and client meetings. Summer associates also participate in pro bono projects through organizations with which Akin has a pro bono partnership. These projects are geared to our summer associates’ interests and maximize front-line responsibility while ensuring appropriate supervision from experienced attorneys.

Selection Criteria

Akin seeks motivated candidates with outstanding academic performance who demonstrate the firm’s core skills from the Akin Client Excellence (ACE) Framework, including Delivering Excellence, Prioritizing Relationships, and Taking Ownership. Learn more about our skills framework for associates.

Candidates are also evaluated on their practice group interest and desire to practice at a global law firm.

Application Requirements

Our application process is open to applicants who are enrolled and in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of 2028 at the time of application.

Candidates may apply to, and be considered by, only one Akin office.

Applications must include:

• Resume
• Transcript (uncertified is acceptable)
• Personal statement (for select 1L opportunities).

The firm recognizes that first semester grades at some law schools are not released until February; accordingly, we will accept applications with the transcript to be sent once it is released. We will review all applications to this position in accordance with the recruitment policies of the candidate’s law school.

Suited

Akin uses the Suited Assessment as part of our recruitment process in the United States. The Suited Assessment may be considered an automated employment decision tool (AEDT) under New York City Local Law 144. Suited provides Akin with a Candidate Profile that includes Behavioral and Cognitive Skills Assessments. For more information about the data Suited collects, the logic it uses to develop its assessments, and steps it takes to ensure legal compliance, see Suited’s Resource Guide for Law Students. Akin uses Suited’s Candidate Profile in combination with other data evaluated during the recruiting process. It is not a single determinative factor, and no hiring decision is made based solely on the Suited Candidate Profile. Akin encourages candidates to complete the Suited Assessment, but if you would like to request an alternative selection procedure, please email Attorney Recruiting at anettles@akingump.com. If you need help with an accommodation, please email Suited at support@wellsuited.com. To see the results of Suited’s Bias Audit required under New York City Local Law 144, click here.

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