Bracewell’s summer associate program is designed to give law students a true sense of what it’s like to practice at the firm: real work, real responsibility, and real connections. From the start, you’re integrated into active matters and treated like a contributing member of the team. Whether you’re drafting sections of briefs or agreements, researching issues, or attending client meetings, you can expect hands-on assignments that support your professional development.
What You’ll Experience as a Summer Associate
The program structure varies slightly by office, but the goal is the same: to let you explore different types of work and get a feel for where your interests might take you.
In Houston, students rotate through several practice areas for a broad experience.
In Dallas and Washington, DC, summer associates work with multiple groups throughout their time with the firm, gaining exposure to a mix of litigation, regulatory, and transactional practices.
Professional Development & Training
Professional development is integral to the associate experience. Training sessions—covering topics like legal writing, communication, and practical practice skills—help you build confidence in areas that matter during your early career. You also receive ongoing feedback, both informally on assignments and through midpoint and final evaluations.
Mentorship & Relationship Building
Mentorship is a defining part of the summer program. Summer associates are paired with lawyers who serve as guides, connectors, and advocates.
The cornerstone event of the summer program is the annual summer retreat, where summer associates from all offices take part in a two-day offsite program with firm leaders and lawyers from across the firm.
Students also attend hearings, depositions, negotiations, and firm events. Social events, office lunches, and informal gatherings help you build meaningful relationships and experience firm’s collegial culture firsthand.
By the end of the summer, students leave with a clear understanding of Bracewell’s work, culture, and people, as well as a strong sense of what it would be like to be part of the Bracewell team.