Law Students and Patent Engineers

We aim to introduce our summer associates to life as a Foley associate. Throughout the summer, you'll receive real-world, practical experience; both informal feedback and formal reviews; networking opportunities with our attorneys and clients; and comprehensive mentoring and training.

Our summer program typically runs for 10 weeks, from May through July. During that time, we encourage you to explore a variety of practice areas and to get involved in pro bono projects. You’ll be doing real work, on real matters, for real clients. 

Your summer will also include a multiday summer associate retreat in Chicago, IL. This event brings together all of our summer associates from across the firm and provides an opportunity to learn more about Foley, meet with firm leadership, connect with peers, and enjoy some of the sights in the Windy City.

2023 Summer Program By the Numbers

As a summer associate, you’ll receive:

• Salary commensurate with our starting associate salary.
• A dedicated mentor who will provide you with guidance and support, and who is available to answer your questions and serve as a general sounding board.
• Dedicated summer program coordinators — attorneys who are charged with running the summer program and ensuring your successful integration into the firm.
• Firmwide, dedicated training programs and activities that introduce you to our culture, practice areas, and strategic goals to develop and strengthen your professional skills.
• Detailed and specific feedback on each of your projects, as well as formal reviews at the midpoint and end of the summer.
• Social events to help you meet a broader network of attorneys and business professionals and get to know the city in which you will launch your legal career. 
• Travel expenses from/to law school.

Commitment to Diversity

For law students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the broader community, we are pleased to offer these programs:

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) 1L Scholars

Foley is proud to be an LCLD Member organization. First-year law students selected for this program receive valuable professional experience and unique opportunities for career development and relationship building. 

Diversity Fellowship

Second-year law students selected for this program receive a total of $50,000, which is paid in two installments: $20,000 following successful completion of our Summer Associate Program as a 2L and $30,000 paid within 30 days of joining the firm as an associate. For more information about our Diversity Fellowship Program, click here.

Hear From Our People

Our popular podcast, The Path & The Practice, highlights the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives our attorneys bring to the practice of law. Each episode shares touching personal and professional stories in the guest’s own words. Take time to listen to a few, and enjoy learning things about our attorneys that you won’t find on their professional bios!

Nick Benson  Associate Milwaukee Episode 23	Steve Cade  Partner Chicago Episode 24	Katie Harrington Senior Counsel Houston Episode 9	Robert Scher Partner New York Episode 56

Spencer Montei Senior Counsel Chicago Episode 53	Kelsey O'Gorman Associate Milwaukee Episode 29	Jen Cafferty Patton Chief Legal Talent Officer Houston Episode 40	Chris Rasmussen Partner Chicago Episode 80

Ready to learn more about joining Foley? Here are answers to some of the questions we hear the most. If you don’t find the information you need, please reach out to the recruitment contact listed for the office you’re applying to.

Q. How do I submit an application?

A. For information on career opportunities and the direct submission process, please visit our Career Center.

Q. What materials should I include with my application?

A. You should submit the online application form and upload a resume and law school transcript. If you’re applying for a position in our IP Department, please also upload a transcript from your undergraduate, and if applicable, graduate studies.

Q. May I apply to more than one Foley office?

A. Yes – you may apply to any Foley office(s) in which you have an interest.

Q. What can I expect after I submit an application?

A. You’ll receive an email from us confirming receipt of your application. You’ll also receive an email inviting you to provide self-identification information. Foley & Lardner LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with all applicable federal laws and their implementing regulations that require the collection and recording of certain data and information. The information we receive will not be used to make any decision regarding employment and will be kept separate from your application. Similarly, self-identification information is kept confidential and used only in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Q. What should I expect the day of my interview?

A. You should expect to speak with a mix of partners and associates from practice areas that interest you. Your meeting, whether in-person or virtual, will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about Foley and for us to get to know you. You’ll receive your schedule and any other relevant details in advance of your interview date. If you’re traveling for an in-office interview, the firm has a dedicated travel agent that is available to assist you with your reservations.

Q. Does Foley reimburse travel expenses for in-office interviews?

A. We reimburse travel expenses incurred by law students traveling to our offices for in-person callback interviews. You’ll be provided with a reimbursement request form and the contact information for the firm’s travel agent. We offer direct billing to the firm through the travel agency whenever possible. If you’re visiting more than one law firm for interviews during your trip, any of the firms you’re visiting can coordinate the sharing of expenses.

Q. What is the process following my interview?

A. A member of our Recruiting Team will be in touch as soon as we have come to a decision regarding your candidacy. Our goal is to move the process along quickly. If you have questions about the status of your candidacy, or if you’re facing an offer deadline from another employer and have yet to hear back from us, please contact the Recruiting Team member listed for the office where you interviewed.

Q. How long will my offer remain open?

A. For the upcoming recruiting season, offers to 2L law students will remain open pursuant to the timing guidelines for recruiting as set by the student’s law school.

For information about our privacy practices, click here.