Summer Associate Program
PDFEach year, Plunkett Cooney provides law school students with a summer associate experience that allows participants to sample various areas of practice, work alongside our attorneys and assist with legal assignments in a collaborative, fast-paced and progressively challenging environment.
Below is an overview of Plunkett Cooney’s Summer Associate Program, including a list of the many social events program participants enjoy. We have also included several of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we’ve received over the years.
Thank you for considering our firm. We look forward to the possibility of working with you in the future!
Program Overview
Plunkett Cooney provides law school students with the opportunity to participate in a realistic and immersive experience depicts the private practice of law through our Summer Associate Program.
The 12-week program is divided into two, six-week assignments with students having the opportunity to work in different practice areas. Students are also encouraged to accept work from other practice groups outside of their assigned areas to gain even more practical experience.
Our mentoring attorneys provide work assignments and feedback during each segment, as well a work evaluation. Participants also receive opportunities to attend client meetings, depositions and even court appearances to gain real world experience.
At Plunkett Cooney, we strive to maintain positive working relationships in a professional yet casual setting. We are a dynamic law firm with solid values and open doors.
Practical Experience
Summer Associates have the opportunity to shadow our talented litigators to client meetings, depositions and court appearances to gain the real-world experience of being a lawyer in private practice.
Our attorneys provide different assignments to program participants to challenge and prepare them to return as associate attorneys at Plunkett Cooney. Assignments include drafting and responding to motions, participating in pre-trials and mediations, assisting with depositions, conducting client and witness interviews, as well as attending trials.
Our Summer Associates also attend firm functions, exclusive attorney events and community engagement opportunities alongside fellow associates and partners. Plunkett Cooney’s Summer Associate program also stresses the importance of hands on learning with legal industry technology, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence tools.
We want our Summer Associates to get the “day-in-the-life” experience as an associate attorney, here at Plunkett Cooney.
Mentorship
Our Summer Associates are assigned to a mentor and peer mentor from within their assigned practice groups. These mentors help guide students, answer questions and serve as their advocates throughout the program.
Training
At Plunkett Cooney, we pride ourselves on the use of advanced IT hardware and software. These IT tools are provided to students at the beginning of the program during our two-day orientation. Students are also invited to participate in any number of ongoing internal associate training programs such as our Plunkett Cooney Continued Legal Education (PCCLE) seminars.
Social Events
There is rarely a boring or isolated week during the summer at Plunkett Cooney. We host several events for our Summer Associates throughout the program period that include:
• Sporting events
• Summer Associate Trivia Bingo Night
• Diversity, equity and inclusion events
• Firm "iFit" health and wellness events
• Regional office visits
• Golf and pickleball outings
• Community service
• Firm-sponsored happy hours
We stay in touch with our Summer Associates to include them in firm events throughout the school year. For example, they are invited to attend firm’s annual holiday parties, our employee +1event, attorney meetings, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply?
Our Summer Associate Program is for rising 2L law school students. Our 2027 class is now closed for applications. The next application period will open in spring of 2028.
How do I apply?
Please follow this link to our application page and upload your resume, writing sample and unofficial law school transcript to be considered!
How many Summer Associates do you typically hire?
We typically hire two to three 2L Summer Associates.
When does the Summer Program Start and End?
Our Summer Program is a 12-week program that starts in mid-May and concludes in mid-August.
Where is the Summer Program held?
We host our Summer Program in our Bloomfield Hills, MI office, but students have an opportunity to visit some of our regional offices during the summer.
