The summer of 2023 was filled with memorable experiences for many summer associates, as major law firms re-established their summer programs post-pandemic. Despite the legal thrills and extravagant social events that summer associates experienced, there was a more sobering side to the industry that they also encountered. This included job insecurity due to widespread layoffs in Biglaw and the anxieties related to returning to office environments.
With these challenges facing them, summer associates’ preferences in law firms have taken a turn. Concerns about job security have now taken center stage, surpassing the hitherto sought-after work-life balance or strength of preferred practice areas. Moreover, in response to firms gradually reinstating full office attendance, 80% of summer associates advocated for hybrid work environments, as reported by American Lawyer.
The American Lawyer’s ranking methodology considered factors such as partner access and mentorship, interactions with other associates, the interesting nature of legal work, firms’ alignment with their own stated goals and self-image, and summers’ concern for their mental health and well-being as attorneys.
Based on these criteria, here are the top 10 firms appreciated by the summer associates of 2023:
- Paul Hastings
- Clifford Chance
- Duane Morris
- Arnold & Porter
- Cahill Gordon
- Blank Rome
- Proskauer Rose
- Morgan Lewis
- Sheppard Mullin
- Kilpatrick Townsend
Congratulations to these firms that have earned the respect and appreciation of the future generation of legal professionals. For a full list and more detailed analysis, refer to the 2023 Summer Associates Satisfaction Ranking.