Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the summer program?  

The summer program runs for 10 weeks in all of our offices.  

What is the salary for summer associates?  

We offer summer associates a market-driven, competitive salary. Compensation is based on a prorated salary of a first-year associate. 

Does the firm offer a mentoring program for summer associates?  

Each summer associate is assigned associate and partner mentors from the start of the program. Summer associates are encouraged to turn to their mentors for guidance and with any questions they may have throughout the summer.

Will I be assigned to a specific practice area?  

In Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington, DC, summer associates are not assigned to a specific practice area. Summer associates have the opportunity to shape their summer experience. Some of our summer associates may focus on one practice area, while others opt to diversify their summer experience by working across multiple practice areas. In Los Angeles, summer associates are hired to work closely with a specific practice group, however, summer associates are able to enter the summer program and work on a broad spectrum of assignments in various areas. 

Which offices host a summer associate program?  

Our Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC offices host summer programs. Click here to view current opportunities available to law students.

Do you hire 1L law students for your summer program?  

We hire 1L law students through our 1L Diversity Scholars program in our Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC offices. Click here to submit an application for our 1L Scholars program. In Charlotte, we hire 1L law students through the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship (CLDC) program. To learn more about the program, click here.

Will I have the opportunity to work on pro bono matters as a summer associate?  

Yes! Pro bono is engrained in our culture. Summer associates have numerous opportunities to work on pro bono matters, and pro bono/community-oriented activities are built into our summer program. To learn more about Katten's pro bono program, click here.

For additional information specific to your office of interest, please contact the local recruiting team.