Porter Wright is dedicated to fostering new, talented legal professionals. First or second year law students looking for an opportunity to work with lawyers in a variety of practice areas will participate in depositions, client meetings, trials and closings. Encouraged to be thinkers, doers, learners, and leaders; they will experience the practice of law, pro bono matters, and a long tradition of service to the profession and the community.
Current Openings
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP is currently seeking exceptional rising 2L candidates to join the firm’s 2027 Summer Associate Program.
Summer associates work on substantive assignments across a variety of practice areas and are integrated into active client matters. Throughout the program, participants receive dedicated support from both partner and associate mentors, along with individualized guidance to strengthen analytical and persuasive writing skills. The program also includes a range of social and networking events, creating opportunities to build relationships with colleagues and fellow summer associates in a more informal setting.
We seek candidates with strong academic credentials and diverse experiences. Ideal applicants demonstrate professionalism, intellectual curiosity, initiative and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Participation in law school activities (such as law review or moot court), leadership experience, community involvement and prior work experience are valued and considered.
Please submit the following materials:
- Resume
- A law school transcript
- A brief cover letter noting ties to your preferred office location
- Writing sample
Interested candidates can apply online.
Inside the Porter Wright summer associate experience
Hear directly from our partners and associates about the experiences, opportunities and mentorship that define the Porter Wright Summer Associate Program.
| What opportunities do you give summer associates as a partner at the firm? | |
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As a partner in the Litigation Department, I like to give summer associates the opportunity to conduct research on issues relevant to current cases being handled by the firm, to draft motions and briefs, to attend depositions and oral arguments, and to sit in on client meetings, among other projects designed to give summer associates a feel for what it is like to be a litigator at the firm." – Jason Gerken |
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I like to give summer associates not only substantive projects similar to what a first-year associate would receive, but I also like to give them exposure to our practice so they can experience what it would be like to practice in the Labor Department. In the past, when there have been opportunities to do so, I have had summer associates attend depositions, witness preparation meetings at client locations and arbitrations. I think these experiences, combined with research and writing projects, give summer associates a well-rounded experience and key look into the day-to-day life of an attorney at Porter Wright." – Jourdan Day |
| Highlight something you enjoyed during your summer program at Porter Wright. | |
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One of the many great aspects of my summers with the firm was that they allowed me to start building connections with the attorneys I now work with every day. As a summer at Porter Wright, you work directly with our attorneys across all departments, which provides a great opportunity to get to know your future colleagues and demonstrate your interests and abilities. Having this built in network of attorneys who already knew me was immensely helpful in transitioning into the role of a full-time associate, and I even had projects waiting for me when I arrived." – Kyle Gilliam-Hopkins |
| What does mentorship look like for you as a mentor to the summer associates? | |
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To me, mentorship means being a safe and authentic space for someone as they navigate becoming the version of themselves they aspire to be. Mentorship means honesty, loyalty, compassion, understanding and confidentiality. As a mentor I hope to provide a different perspective, information and strategies as the summer associates begin to develop their practice of law." – Adanna Smith |
Brandi Hann
