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Each year, we interview accomplished students at top law schools for our summer associate program, seeking candidates we believe will be successful associates and ultimately develop into future partners of the firm. In addition to academic success, Sidley values drive, integrity, confidence, leadership, and maturity as well as strong interpersonal skills.
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Sidley’s summer associate application process is open as of Saturday, November 1, 2025. Our offices will consider candidates for the 2027 2L Summer Associate Program and a limited number of 2026 1L summer associate positions. For more details on our process, please view our application overview below:
SIDLEY'S RECRUITING APPLICATION OVERVIEW
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Sidley uses the Suited Assessment as part of our candidate evaluation and recruitment process to expand our consideration of candidates beyond traditional hiring metrics. Information on what is measured by the assessment, Suited’s data retention policies, and how to request a reasonable accommodation may be found here. Completing the assessment is a required part of our recruiting process and the assessment can be completed here. For more information regarding Sidley’s use of Suited, please contact us at sidleylegalrecruiting@sidley.com. To see the results of our AEDT bias audit required under New York City Local Law 144, please click here.
Summer Associate Hiring By Office
Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco
2027 2L and limited 2026 1L Summer Associate Hiring
Applicants can apply for only the 2027 2L program, or can indicate their interest in also being considered for a limited number of 2026 1L summer associate opportunities via a drop-down on the application. Those who receive and accept a combined offer for both the 2027 2L and 2026 1L Summer Programs will receive a $15,000 signing bonus.
Dallas, Houston
2027 2L and 2026 1L Summer Associate Hiring
All applicants will be considered for both the 2027 2L and 2026 1L Summer Programs. All offerees will receive a combined offer for both the 2027 2L and 2026 1L Summer Programs. Those who accept both offers will receive a $15,000 signing bonus.
Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C.
2027 2L Summer Associate Hiring Only
Built to Succeed℠ Scholarship
Sidley will award a limited number of the Built to Succeed℠ Scholarships in the amount of $50,000 (less any applicable withholdings and taxes) to selected 2027 Sidley 2L summer associates. Scholarship recipients will receive $25,000 upon joining Sidley as a 2L summer associate and the remaining $25,000 will be paid after joining the firm as a full-time associate.For more information, visit the Built to Succeed℠ Scholarship page.
How to Apply
To apply for the Built to Succeed℠ Scholarship, applicants must submit an application and a personal statement. Applications can be submitted at this link. We encourage you to submit your materials to each office where you wish to be considered.
If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please reach out to scholarship@sidley.com.
Application Timeline
Given the highly selective nature of the Scholarship, and the limited number of scholarships available, students are encouraged to submit applications prior to their call-back interview. The application will close at the same time as the 2027 Summer Associate application. Applications are considered and decisions are reached on a rolling basis.
Recruiting Contacts
If you have questions about the summer associate program or recruiting process, please reach out to the contact in your office of interest.
Boston: Lauryn Bronstein, lbronstein@sidley.com
Chicago: Olivia Schmit, CHLegalRecruiting@sidley.com
Dallas: Kate Robinson, kate.robinson@sidley.com
Houston: Ellie Tamplain, ellie.tamplain@sidley.com
Greater Los Angeles: Susan McGrady, smcgrady@sidley.com
Miami: Taylor Baker, taylor.baker@sidley.com
New York: Katrina Heinig, kheinig@sidley.com
Palo Alto: Lauren Johnston, lauren.johnston@sidley.com
San Diego: Susan McGrady, smcgrady@sidley.com
San Francisco: Lauren Johnston, lauren.johnston@sidley.com
Washington, D.C.: Sarah Bergen, sbergen@sidley.com
EEO Statement
Sidley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship status, national origin, veteran status and any other factor protected by applicable law.
FAQs
How long is the summer program?
The summer program typically runs for 10 weeks.
What kind of training does the firm provide to summer associates?
We offer formal training sessions to further develop your skills in areas including legal research and writing, taking depositions, negotiation, closings and drafting contracts. Summer associates are also encouraged to attend in-house CLE seminars and workshops as well as local bar association and other educational programs.
Is there a mentoring program for summer associates?
The firm will assign you partner and associate mentors and advisors, who will support and guide you throughout the summer.
Will I have the opportunity to work on pro bono projects as a summer associate?
Summer Associates may have the opportunity to assist Sidley lawyers with ongoing pro bono projects. Sidley has established six firm-wide pro bono initiatives: the Capital Litigation Project, the Political Asylum and Immigrants’ Rights Project, the Veterans Advocacy Project, the Emerging Enterprises Program, Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties, and Pro Bono Project for the Arts.
What kind of social activities are planned for summer associates?
We schedule a variety of social events throughout the summer to help you get better acquainted with the lawyers in your office and experience all that your city has to offer. These can include lunches and dinners, sporting events, plays, concerts, museum exhibitions, cooking classes, volunteer opportunities, and other recreational and cultural activities.