Survey results from Law360 Pulse have revealed that Kirkland & Ellis is the top choice for law students looking for summer associate positions. The survey, which received 587 responses from students at 149 different schools, also ranked Latham & Watkins, Jones Day, Sidley Austin, and Holland & Knight among the preferred law firms.
Interestingly, Kirkland & Ellis has maintained its position as the number one choice for the third consecutive year, followed closely by Latham & Watkins. Students, on average, applied to 14 different firms, with geography, practice areas, and reputation being the top criteria for their choices.
When it comes to the importance of remote work, the survey found that opinions were divided, with only 24% of respondents considering it very important or important. In terms of concerns about summer associate positions, the fear of not being hired at the end of the internship ranked highest among students, followed by concerns about handling the workload.
The survey also shed light on the pay scale for summer associates, revealing that while the average pay was around $28,000, the median salary was approximately $32,000. It was noted that pay varied greatly, with 35% of respondents earning between $40,000 and $50,000, while 36% earned less than $20,000.
These survey results provide valuable insights into the preferences and concerns of law students seeking summer associate positions. It is clear that factors such as firm reputation, practice areas, and geographic location play a significant role in their decision-making process. Additionally, the varying pay scales highlight the importance of students carefully evaluating their options before committing to a summer position.