2026 2L Summer Associate - Corporate Experienced Hire Fellowship

Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Mar 07, 2025
Choate's corporate group continues to grow rapidly in our industry-leading transactional practices. Our 2L program seeks to hire into our transactional team talented 2L law students with significant prior experience relevant to these practices. This unique program offers fellows the opportunity to build on their pre-law school experience by working exclusively with our corporate group as a member of our 2026 Summer Associate class. During our summer program, fellows will receive opportunities to work on real client teams, receive important and relevant training and coaching critical for long term success, and participate in exciting and fun social events to get to know our firm and our people. Fellows Will Receive The standard weekly compensation for a summer associate (consistent with a first-year associate salary). An additional award of $25,000 distributed at various milestones. Mentors who are committed to the fellow's development and lasting throughout the fellow's career. Summer staffing throughout our corporate department so you can determine which areas of transactional law are of greatest interest to you and begin to build skills important for long-term success. Selection Criteria/Eligibility This is a highly selective, merit-based fellowship awarded on a limited and competitive basis to applicants who are committed to practicing transactional law. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Enrolled as a first-year law student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school (with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2027). An exemplary record of academics in law school and college, leadership experience and other personal and professional achievements. A minimum of two years' work experience prior to law school that is useful and relevant background for our transactional practices. A sincere interest and intention to practice at Choate after graduation. At Choate, we're devoted to providing the highest quality advice and service to our clients, and we recruit with this standard in mind. In addition to intelligence, interpersonal skills and drive, we look for the following traits in our candidates: Strong critical and analytical thinking. A commitment to excellent client service. Proven oral and written communication skills. A dedication to camaraderie and teamwork. A desire to become a great lawyer and build a career in BigLaw. Schedule The Firm is currently operating in a hybrid model, with the requirement that everyone should be in the office at least three days per week. This schedule is subject to change dependent on Firm, department and client needs, and will be routinely evaluated. Application Process We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis from March 3, 2025 through March 31, 2025 at 5PM ET. For consideration, please provide the following information: Current Resume - This should include your 1L summer job if applicable; Cover Letter - This should indicate what drives you to want to work in BigLaw in Boston; Personal Statement - One-page, single-spaced statement describing why your prior professional work experience will make you successful as a transactional lawyer at Choate; Transcript from first semester of law school; and Transcript from undergraduate/graduate institutions. Please note: Only one application may be submitted. Applicants who are not awarded a fellowship, may still be considered for our 2026 summer program. If selected for this Fellowship, recipients may not accept another 2L award from another law firm. Work Authorization Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future). About the Firm Choate, one of the nation's premier law firms, is different from most BigLaw firms in ways we believe materially benefit our clients and our talent. All of our lawyers are under one roof in Boston, focused in areas where we practice at the top of the market, nationally and internationally, and represent clients in their largest and most significant matters.