Skip to Main Content

Summer Program Stats

No. of Summer Associates (2023): 222 total (198 2Ls; 241Ls)

No. of 2L Offers (2023): 159 out of 159

Summer Associate Salary:

$4,134/week

Summer Program Length:

10 weeks

Summer Program Contact

Ann Bjornstad
Director of Legal Recruiting
(212) 455-7633
legalrecruiting@stblaw.com

Our Survey Says

  • “STB provides us with great training over the summer. Not only do we do mock depositions and events like that, but we get to learn from the lawyers and debrief with them after different assignments.”
  • “They assigned us work, but we could also reach out if we wanted to work with a particular partner or on a particular matter. Training was good, but the best training was from associates, who were all ready and willing to take the time to explain things to me.”
  • “I summered during my firm's busiest year on record, but I still received substantive work. I reviewed contract drafts, drafted issues lists, and did both regulatory and acquisition diligence. Associates walked me through each assignment and were very welcoming of my questions.”
  • “I participated in STB's summer program during COVID, which resulted in an extremely modified summer program that is not representative of a typical summer experience at STB. It was condensed and fully virtual. Due to the pandemic, STB determined not to assign billable matters to the summer associates.”
  • “Although most every social event was conducted virtually, Simpson made an effort to include a diverse array of programming and team building activities. We met with firm attorneys on a regular basis, who in turn invited us to further social events to meet more attorneys.”
  • “Met many of the legends of our chosen practice areas at happy hours and other social functions throughout the summer. All are generally very approachable and genuinely kind/supportive.”
  • “Summer events were awesome. Tons of options, very well organized, and lots of fun. Diverse offerings, and there was a class-wide event at least once a week, in addition to all of the practice-group specific events.”
  • “The summer group was fun, and we went out together apart from firm events. The atmosphere in the office is extremely nice; all associates and partners made everyone feel welcome and that they were glad they were there.”
  • “Practicing at the firm has been an even better experience than being a summer associate. My summer associate experience was fine and felt consistent with the experience of friends at other firms, but my experience full time is good and seems better in comparison to first years at other firms.”
  • “My experience has really been what I expected from being a summer associate. I feel well prepared by the program. Everyone has truly been so nice in the teams I work on, the other first-year associates, and other mentoring interactions, and I think the firm did a great job of preparing us for work through training.”
  • “Much greater interaction with other associates/partners as an associate and now that more attorneys are coming into the office. The nature of the work is significantly more interesting and challenging as a second year compared to a summer associate/first year. I was very pleased that I was able to choose the work I wanted to do.”
  • “I felt like attorneys were very honest about what to expect, and if anything, I think my work-life balance has been better than I anticipated so far.”
  • “I loved all the interactive classes. My favorites were the one where we learned how to cook and the one where we potted bonsai trees.”
  • “Wine tasting/chocolate pairing class; end of summer reception.”
  • “Shakespeare in the Park and rented out a full Shake Shack.”

The Firm Says

Being part of the summer associate program at Simpson Thacher presents an unparalleled professional and social experience. Our summer associates become part of the firm upon arrival and are active team members on our most challenging and complex matters. Summer associates experience firsthand how Simpson attorneys work collaboratively alongside our clients to achieve their goals. The summer is filled with professional development opportunities, including mentoring programs and a comprehensive training program. We are committed to integrating our summer class in every way possible and supporting our summer associates as they begin to immerse themselves in the culture of Simpson. There are too many social events to list, but there is undoubtedly something for everyone—from the Shakespeare lover to the ultimate foodie. Summer associates depart for their third year of law school having sampled various practice areas and knowing what being a Simpson lawyer really means.