Summer Associate FAQs
Recruiting:
- When do summer associate applications open?
- We anticipate applications will open on November 1.
- Does Cleary have a minimum GPA or other requirements?
- Hiring decisions are based on many factors, including, but not limited to, prior work experience, outstanding judgment, interpersonal skills, and demonstrated high academic performance in legal and undergraduate studies. We do not rely primarily on a minimum GPA requirement.
- Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis?
- Yes.
- How do I update my application materials?
- Use the link in your confirmation email to update your materials at any time.
- Are interviews conducted virtually or in person?
- Screener interviews are virtual. If you receive a callback, you can choose to interview virtually or in person.
- What is the format of a callback interview?
- You’ll meet with four attorneys, each for 30-minutes, with a possible 15-minute break after the first two. Virtual callbacks can be scheduled across multiple days, if needed.
- What expenses does the firm reimburse for in-person callbacks?
- We reimburse all reasonable travel, meal, and hotel expenses. Our in-house travel department can help you with arrangements.
- How does expense reimbursement work if I’m visiting multiple firms?
- Book your travel and hotel through your designated “host” firm, which will coordinate billing with the other firms you visit. Keep receipts for any additional costs (e.g., taxis, meals, parking) and submit them with the NALP Travel Expense Reimbursement Form to your host firm.
- When can I expect to hear back after my interview?
- We aim to provide decisions as quickly as possible. Because we are a consensus-based firm, we solicit and value feedback from all attorneys who meet with you before making an offer decision. This process may take up to two weeks.
- If you applied for a 1L + 2L position and do not receive a dual offer, you will automatically be considered for a 2L offer.
- What if I still have questions after I receive an offer?
- You are welcome to schedule an in-person or virtual second visit to meet additional attorneys and follow up on any outstanding questions. We are also happy to provide contact information for partners and associates, and you can always contact the Legal Recruiting team with questions.
Summer Program:
- How long is the Summer Program?
- 10 weeks.
- Which offices have formal Summer Programs?
- New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Each office hires summer associates directly.
- What is the salary for a summer associate?
- U.S. summer associates are compensated on a prorated first-year associate salary, currently $225,000.
- What kind of work will I do during my summer?
- You’ll work across all of Cleary’s practice areas. There are no formal rotations, and you’re not locked into one group. You choose the areas you want to explore and request assignments based on your interests. Expect to contribute to high-profile deals, depositions, international transactions, pro bono matters, and more.
- How are summer associates staffed?
- Cleary uses a centralized staffing system. Our Attorney Development Managers assign work to summer associates based on practice area preferences and current client needs.
- Can summer associates work on pro bono assignments in addition to billable work?
- Absolutely. You are strongly encouraged to take on pro-bono matters. In addition to the valuable hands-on experience, your pro-bono hours count toward bar admission requirements.
- Can I do a rotation at one of Cleary’s international offices?
- Yes. You may spend up to four weeks working in one of our international offices. Broaden your perspective, build cross-border experience, and explore a new city. Express your interest in the spring before the program begins. Placements are based on the needs of each office, language ability, and practice-area interests, among other factors.
- Can I split my summer between Cleary’s U.S. offices?
- Yes, provided that you interviewed with and received an offer from both offices during the recruiting process.
- What is the policy on splitting the summer with another organization?
- You may split your summer with another firm or organization. You must start on Cleary’s start date and spend at least seven consecutive weeks at the firm.
- What training opportunities are available to summer associates?
- The Cleary Gottlieb Summer Academy (CGSA) is a two-week intensive onboarding program designed to help you hit the ground running. The curriculum blends skills-based training with firm education, covering corporate and litigation, core skills, practice group presentations, technology, and professional development.
- What mentorship is available during the Summer Program?
- You’ll have multiple levels of mentorship during the summer, including junior associate “siblings,” mid-level associate members of the Summer Program Committee, and senior lawyer mentors. You’ll also be paired with a Summer Program Co-Chair, who monitors your experience and progress over the course of the summer.
- What social events does Cleary offer over the summer?
- From day trips and outdoor excursions to sporting events, live entertainment, cultural outings, and partner-hosted lunches and dinners, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with your colleagues, peers, and firm lawyers outside the office.