Application Process

Graphic with link to application
Downey Brand welcomes applications from law students interested in joining our dynamic team. Our summer associate program is designed for students in their 2L (full-time programs) or 3L (part-time programs and combined degrees) summer and is a primary pipeline for our hiring of first-year attorneys.

The program offers a comprehensive blend of hands-on experience, mentorship, training, and real-world exposure to our firm’s diverse practice areas. Strong candidates pair a record of academic excellence with demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and a capacity for resourcefulness.  Involvement in Law Review, moot court, or similar activities, along with prior work experience, will be considered favorably.

Join Our 2026 Summer Associate Team

Practical Experience. Meaningful Work. Real-World Impact.
Our Summer Associate Program offers first-year law students an outstanding opportunity to develop their legal skills while working on challenging, active cases alongside experienced attorneys who are passionate about their craft. As a summer associate at Downey Brand, you will gain invaluable experience working on the same types of substantive assignments that our associates tackle daily.

What You’ll Do

  • Engage in Real Legal Work: Work directly with attorneys across a variety of practice areas and experience firsthand what it’s like to be a Downey Brand attorney. Your assignments will cover business, litigation, and natural resources law—providing a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s diverse practices.
  • Client Interaction: You’ll have the opportunity to participate in trials, hearings, arbitrations, depositions, closings, negotiations, site visits, and client meetings.
  • Pro Bono Work: Many of our summer associates take on pro bono assignments, further enhancing their practical legal skills and contributing to the community.

What You’ll Gain

  • Mentorship: Throughout the summer, you will receive guidance and feedback from experienced attorneys dedicated to helping you grow and succeed in your legal career.
  • Teamwork & Collegiality: Beyond your legal work, our social events and team-building activities are designed to foster the strong sense of community that defines Downey Brand’s culture. You’ll enjoy networking with attorneys and staff through firm events, local bar activities, and social outings.

Qualifications

  • Completion of your second year of law school (or third year, if evening student) by the start of the summer program.
  • Strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in the practice areas of business, litigation, and natural resources.
  • Key skills considered include abilities in legal research and writing; analytical and critical thinking; communication and interpersonal skills; time management and organization; teamwork and collaboration; adaptability and learning agility; and professionalism and work ethic.
  • For candidates applying to the San Francisco office: A demonstrated interest in Natural Resources, which could be evidenced by an undergraduate degree, coursework, extracurricular activities, or prior work experience in the field.

Why Choose Downey Brand’s Summer Program?
Our Summer Associate Program is not just about gaining legal experience; it’s about becoming part of a firm where talent and initiative are valued, and where many of our summer associates transition into full-time roles as practice-ready first-year associates. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding summer experience that will set you up for a successful legal career, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply
Downey Brand participates in several Preview programs, On-Campus Interview (OCI) programs and career fairs. The most up-to-date list of those opportunities is below. If our firm is participating in your law school’s programs, please submit your application through your Career Services Office (CSO).

Students attending schools not listed below can apply directly via our Summer Associate Web Application. All applications must include a cover letter, transcript, resume, and writing sample showcasing your analytical and writing skills.

Direct-apply candidates are asked to submit their materials by May 15, 2025. Applications will be considered, and offers made, on a rolling basis.

2025 OCI and Career Fair Schedule

University of California, Berkeley – Preview Program

University of California, Los Angeles – Summer Preview Program

University of California, San Francisco – Summer Preview Program

U.C. College of the Law, San Francisco – Pre-Summer OCI Program (June 9-13)

Midwest-California-Georgia Consortium – Resume Collection Program

Bay Area Diversity Career Fair – Virtual (July 11)
Interviewers: TBD

University of California, Davis – Pre-OCI Resume Collect

Pacific McGeorge School of Law – Virtual Interview Program (July)