Job Title: 2026 2L Summer Associate
Job Responsibilities:
The 2026 2L Summer Associate role at the law firm involves participating in a comprehensive Summer Associate Program designed to provide hands-on legal experience and exposure to various practice areas within the firm. Responsibilities include:
- Engaging in real work assignments across different practice disciplines on behalf of the firm's clients.
- Participating in the Summer Associate Program which typically runs for six weeks from mid-May through the end of June.
- Rotating between the firm's five office locations to gain exposure to different communities, practice areas, and attorneys.
- Attending court appearances, trials, depositions, mediations, client interviews, deal closings, and other legal events with attorneys.
- Receiving frequent evaluations and feedback on work products to aid in developmental progress.
- Engaging in social activities and Hands-On Practical Experience (HOPE) opportunities to build familiarity with the firm's attorneys and the geographic advantages of each office location.
- Working closely with a Summer Associate Mentor, an attorney within the firm, who provides guidance on firm-related, community, and quality of life issues, as well as informs associates of social, cultural, and community activities.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the 2026 2L Summer Associate position are expected to be well-rounded law students who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, academic achievement, and intellectual capability. The firm values:
- Academic performance, though it is noted as only one of several important factors.
- Participation in extracurricular activities such as Moot Court and Law Review.
- Leadership roles in student group activities and volunteerism in the community.
- Diverse life and work experiences that contribute to a well-rounded character.
- The ability to articulate a well-defined interest in the firm and familiarity with its practice areas and locations.
- Key performance factors such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset.
- Proficiency in the professional use of technology and social media to promote oneself and the firm.
Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the 2026 2L Summer Associate position.
Application Process:
Interested candidates can apply through their law school's on-campus interview (OCI) program or directly if their school is not participating. Required application materials include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and law school transcript. Cover letters must specify geographical preferences (Raleigh, Asheville, Wilmington, New Bern, or Greenville), practice area interests, and any connection to North Carolina. Applications can be submitted by adding the position to the "apply list" and completing the application as instructed by the law firm's application portal. For questions, candidates may contact Melissa Forshey Schwind, Director of Attorney Talent.
The law firm conducts on-campus interviews at several North Carolina schools, including Campbell University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, and Wake Forest University. Students from other law schools are encouraged to apply directly.
The callback interview process, held in Raleigh, includes interviews and social activities with attorneys from all five offices, providing candidates with a realistic view of life at the law firm.
