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Each year, we interview accomplished students at top law schools for our summer associate program, seeking candidates we believe will be successful associates and ultimately develop into future partners of the firm. In addition to academic success, Sidley values drive, integrity, confidence, leadership, and maturity as well as strong interpersonal skills.

Sidley uses the Suited Assessment as part of our candidate evaluation and recruitment process to expand our consideration of candidates beyond traditional hiring metrics. Information on what is measured by the assessment, Suited’s data retention policies, and how to request a reasonable accommodation may be found here. Completing the assessment is a required part of our recruiting process and the assessment can be completed here. For more information regarding Sidley’s use of Suited, please contact us at sidleylegalrecruiting@sidley.com. To see the results of our AEDT bias audit required under New York City Local Law 144, please click here.

2Ls

Sidley’s 2026 2L Summer Associate job application portal will open on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Sidley is offering two online application review timeframes for candidates to consider: a “See Sidley Sooner” Early Application Period and a General Application Period. Applying directly through Sidley’s job portal is the most effective way to apply for a summer associate position with Sidley. Please note that this year the majority of Sidley’s offices will not participate in On-Campus Interviews (OCI). For more information, please view our timeline below.

SIDLEY’S 2L SUMMER ASSOCIATE 2026 APPLICATION TIMELINE

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION WHEN OUR 2L APPLICATION OPENS

1Ls

Individual Sidley offices hire first-year law students for summer associate positions. The firm generally considers applications from November to February. At this time, the 1L application process is closed. Please check back next fall for information regarding the application process for 1L positions in our 2026 Summer Associate Program.

Built to Succeed® Scholarship

Sidley will award a limited number of the Built to Succeed® Scholarships in the amount of $50,000 (less any applicable withholdings and taxes) to selected 2026 Sidley 2L summer associates. Scholarship recipients will receive $25,000 upon joining Sidley as a summer associate and the remaining $25,000 will be paid after joining the firm as a full-time associate.

For more information, visit the Built to Succeed® Scholarship page.

How to Apply

To apply for the Built to Succeed® Scholarship, applicants must submit their resume, current law school transcript, a completed application form, and a personal statement.

Please contact Tabitha Hill with any questions regarding the scholarship, tabitha.hill@sidley.com.

Application Timeline

The Built to Succeed® Scholarship application is now closed. Please check back in the spring for information regarding next year’s application process.

Please note that the scholarship application is not an application for employment. You must apply separately for a summer associate position.

Recruiting Contacts

If you have questions about the summer associate program or recruiting process, please reach out to the contact in your office of interest.

Boston: Lauryn Bronstein, lbronstein@sidley.com
Chicago: Olivia Schmit, CHLegalRecruiting@sidley.com
Dallas: Kate Robinson, kate.robinson@sidley.com
Houston: Ellie Tamplain, ellie.tamplain@sidley.com
Century City/Los Angeles: Susan McGrady, smcgrady@sidley.com
Miami: Taylor Baker, taylor.baker@sidley.com
New York: Katrina Heinig, kheinig@sidley.com
Palo Alto: Lauren Johnston, lauren.johnston@sidley.com
San Francisco: Lauren Johnston, lauren.johnston@sidley.com
Washington, D.C.: Sarah Bergen, sbergen@sidley.com

EEO Statement

Sidley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship status, national origin, veteran status and any other factor protected by applicable law.

How long is the summer program?

The summer program typically runs for 10 weeks.

Does Sidley allow students to split their summer?

We encourage our summer associates to spend all 10 weeks with us, although alternate arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What kind of training does the firm provide to summer associates?

We offer formal training sessions to further develop your skills in areas including legal research and writing, taking depositions, negotiation, closings and drafting contracts. Summer associates are also encouraged to attend in-house CLE seminars and workshops as well as local bar association and other educational programs.

Is there a mentoring program for summer associates?

The firm will assign you partner and associate mentors and advisors, who will support and guide you throughout the summer.

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

Summer Associates may have the opportunity to assist Sidley lawyers with ongoing pro bono projects. Sidley has established six firm-wide pro bono initiatives: the Capital Litigation Project, the Political Asylum and Immigrants’ Rights Project, the Veterans Advocacy Project, the Emerging Enterprises Program, Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties, and Pro Bono Project for the Arts.

What kind of social activities are planned for summer associates?

We schedule a variety of social events throughout the summer to help you get better acquainted with the lawyers in your office and experience all that your city has to offer. These can include lunches and dinners, sporting events, plays, concerts, museum exhibitions, cooking classes, volunteer opportunities, and other recreational and cultural activities.