With the recruitment season for the next batch of summer associates already on the horizon, Vault has released its much-anticipated rankings for the best summer associate programs in Biglaw for 2025. This year’s list, based on feedback from junior associates who evaluated their summer experiences, encompasses three key categories: Attorney Interactions, Career Development, and Social Experiences.
O’Melveny & Myers once again leads the pack, showcasing a consistently strong performance across all categories. Other notable firms include Bracewell, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Linklaters, and Proskauer Rose, many of whom also feature prominently in Vault’s rankings for firms with the best quality of life. It’s evident that the firms excelling in quality-of-life metrics are also those where summer associates thrive.
Among the top firms in specific categories, Wiley Rein, O’Melveny & Myers, and Benesch are recognized for their exemplary attorney interactions. For career development, O’Melveny & Myers, Linklaters, and Morgan Lewis & Bockius stand out. Social experiences, a critical aspect of summer programs, are led by Bracewell, Jackson Walker, and Morgan Lewis & Bockius.
For those tracking metrics and firm performance closely, the significant mobility within the top 10 showcases shifting priorities and evolving strategies to engage young legal talent effectively. Interested parties can delve deeper into the metrics and rankings in Vault’s full report.