Summer Associate Program FAQ’s
Below are answers to many of the questions we hear most often about our Summer Associate Program and entry-level positions — it’s a great first stop before you reach out or apply:
Q. When and how should I apply for a summer associate position?
A. The firm participates in several recruiting programs, including meet-the-employer events, preview programs, and on-campus interviews (OCIs) at select law schools and job fairs each year. Students at these participating schools or fairs should apply through those channels. Students from other schools are encouraged to apply directly through the firm’s online application. We anticipate beginning to accept applications for our 2028 Summer Program in December 2026/January 2027.
Q. How long is Downey Brand’s summer associate program?
A. The program runs for 10 weeks, typically from late May through late July.
Q. How many summer associates does the firm hire each year?
A. The number of summer associates hired varies based on the firm’s hiring needs and typically varies from 4-8 summer associates.
Q. What is the salary for summer associates?
A. Summer associates are paid $3,100 per week in Sacramento and Stockton, and $3,715 per week in San Francisco.
Q. What is the dress code for summer associates?
A. The firm follows a “casual yet professional” dress code. Employees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the day’s activities (e.g., formal attire may be suitable if attending a court appearance or client meeting).
Q. Are summer associates assigned to specific practice groups?
A. Summer associates will work across a variety of practice areas. They are also encouraged to seek out work in practice areas that interest them. Summer associates hired in San Francisco will have a demonstrated interest in Natural Resources based on related coursework, extracurricular activities, and prior work or internships.
Q. What kind of work do summer associates do?
A. Summer associates are involved in meaningful, billable work similar to what first-year associates do. They may draft research memos, contracts, pleadings, and correspondence, as well as participate in court hearings, depositions, mediations, site inspections, and client meetings.
Q. How is feedback provided to summer associates?
A. Attorneys provide written evaluations for all substantive summer associate work products and are encouraged to discuss their feedback directly with the summer associate. The written evaluations are shared with the summer associates. Additionally, the Hiring Partner holds meetings with the summer associates and their mentors twice over the summer to review their performance.
Q. Is there mentoring for summer associates?
A. Yes, each summer associate is assigned two attorney mentors: one partner or counsel, and one associate. These mentors provide guidance on work assignments, introduce the summer associate to firm culture, answer questions, and offer support throughout the summer.
Q. Does Downey Brand allow summer associates to split the summer between firms?
A. We do not offer split summers. We believe the full 10-week experience is crucial for both the firm and students to assess their potential for success as an entry-level associate.
Q. Can students in evening law programs apply for Downey Brand’s summer associate program?
A. Yes, evening students who have completed their third year of law school are eligible for participation in the summer associate program.
Q. Are 1L or 3L students eligible for Downey Brand’s summer associate program?
A. The firm participates in the Sacramento County Bar Diversity Fellowship Program in partnership with U.C. Davis and Pacific McGeorge law schools, offering a position for a 1L student through this program each year. The student assigned to our firm each year is chosen at random by the Fellowship Committee from the students offered a fellowship. Outside of this, 1L and 3L students are not eligible for our summer associate program. However, 1L and 3L students can explore other employers who hire first-year students through the NALP directory.
Q. Does Downey Brand allow fall associates (previous summer associates with permanent offers) to defer their start dates for clerkships?
A. Yes, we are supportive of post-graduate clerkships and consider deferral requests on a case-by-case basis. The firm also offers clerkship bonuses and appropriate progression credit upon returning to the firm.
Q. Are unpaid internships or job-shadowing opportunities available at Downey Brand?
A. We don’t offer unpaid internships or job-shadowing opportunities. Students not eligible to participate in our summer program may find opportunities to work in the firm in an appropriate available professional staff position and should apply for those roles, if posted, directly via our careers page. Unpaid internships and job-shadowing opportunities may be available through Bar Associations, Law School Career Services Offices, the California State Bar, state agencies, and volunteer organizations such as Legal Services of Northern California.
Q. Does Downey Brand accept 3L students for first-year/fall associate positions?
A. Yes, while most first-year associates are hired through the summer associate program, 3L students interested in a first-year associate position can apply directly through the Lateral Attorneys section of our careers page. Presently our hiring for 2026 and 2027 Fall Associate positions is complete.
Q. Are there opportunities at Downey Brand for undergraduates or others interested in a legal career to gain experience outside of the summer program?
A. Yes! While you’re not yet in law school, you can gain valuable experience through our firm’s professional staff roles. Keep an eye on our job postings for upcoming opportunities and apply directly online for any position for which you are qualified. Paid and unpaid opportunities may also be available through Bar Associations, Law School Career Services Offices, the California State Bar, state agencies, and volunteer organizations such as Legal Services of Northern California.