Law Students
Our commitment to exceptional service starts with our people. Our dedication to excellence through our people is central to everything we do.
We will open our direct application process on May 1st for the 2026 Summer Program (2L summer applications). If our firm is of strong interest and you receive an early offer for your 2L summer, we welcome you to contact the applicable Perkins Coie recruiter- click on the Recruiting Contacts tab below.
To see more information about our firm and our summer program, review the sections below, including our RISE to big law video series.
Apply Here 🡢
Working with innovators, both locally and around the world, means we need to attract, hire, develop, and retain the best professionals industry has to offer.
Talent, training, and teamwork are essential to our success, and we are always busy developing and fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, respect, creativity, and growth.
Most of our junior associates join us via our summer associate program. We typically recruit second-year law students, though we occasionally hire pre-clerkship third-years for our U.S. offices.
Associates beginning their careers at Perkins Coie participate in an extensive orientation and training. Our associates receive significant responsibility early in their law firm careers. New associates are assigned to mentors who will help them learn the ropes—and the people. Additionally, mentors help their mentees understand and live our values. Perkins Coie associates are in direct contact with clients and partners and often assume leadership roles within the firm.
Top Ranked Law Firm in Vault
Perkins Coie has been listed in the Vault Top 100 for 15 consecutive years, moving up again this year.
What Our Summer Associates Say
BEST EXPERIENCE
"I had previously worked at another law firm and in a public interest position. My summer at Perkins Coie blew both of those experiences away"
- Former 2L Summer Associate
HELP SET LEGAL PRECEDENT
"I had the opportunity to provide analysis for one of the world's biggest tech companies. The law was 10 steps behind the technology so I had to find new sources to supplement my traditional legal research."
- Former 2L Summer Associate
CHALLENGING ADVENTURE
“My summer at Perkins Coie was nothing short of an adventure. The level of access I had to associates, partners, and a challenging, yet exciting variety of assignments blew my mind. Everyone was incredibly kind, friendly, and approachable.”
- Former 1L Summer Associate
APPROACHABLE AND COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE
"Perkins Coie created a warm atmosphere for summer associates learning the ways of the law. I learned a great deal during my summer, and, most importantly, I never experienced any negative judgment for asking questions."
- Former 1L Summer Associate
RISE To Big Law
As a rising second-year law student, you may find the interviewing season to be overwhelming. We are here to provide support, and encourage you to maximize the resources available through your law school's career development office. We also seek to offer additional assistance to enhance your understanding of the hiring process and facilitate your success as a summer associate.
Series Introduction
RISE To Big Law Video Series
Recruit
Interview
Summer
Experience
Diversity is a long-standing core value and one of the firm’s strategic goals.
Embracing diversity allows us to draw from varied perspectives and communities, enabling us to attract the very best talent to our ranks, and in turn provide excellent service to our clients.
Our commitment to community spans more than a century.
We have a long history of giving back and helping those in need, building a more inclusive society, and providing equal access to justice. Our pro bono efforts drive tangible outcomes that make a real difference.