2026 1L Summer Associate: Houston

Description

Baker McKenzie is a full-service firm that has been truly global since the beginning more than 75 years ago. Our reach spans more than 70 global offices and our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers and tax professionals, works alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive.

Our business model relies on collaboration across multiple geographies to solve complex legal problems and work together in cross-practice, multijurisdictional teams. At Baker McKenzie, everyone has a vital role to play, and everyone's voice is important. We pride ourselves on nurturing a High-Performance Culture and our commitment is to our people.

We also have a long-term commitment to advancing inclusion, diversity and equity in the legal industry. As the first global law firm, our origins are rooted in the respect for and appreciation of different cultures and the contribution of the entire team.

Our Summer Associate Program:

Baker McKenzie's Summer Associate Program is designed to introduce students to the practice of law and allows you to explore why our Firm may be the right place to begin your career. Our North American offices are organized into five robust practice groups, and our Summer Associates are given the opportunity to work on a wide range of practice assignments aligned to their interests and the Firm needs. Because we strive to offer realistic professional experience, we place great importance on providing our Summer Associates with substantive work of the same caliber as performed by the Firm's lawyers. Additionally, every year, our Summer Associates collaborate across offices on a signature pro bono project that provides impactful legal services for vulnerable populations.

The importance we place on our Summer Associate development cannot be overstated. The Firm is deeply committed to cultivating our lawyers through our highly respected Development Framework, comprehensive regional trainings and valuable mentorship programs. Our networking activities and programming provide Summer Associates with the structure to establish working relationships (and hopefully, friendships) with members of your Summer Associate class, as well as our Partners and Associates. Summer Associates have the opportunity to travel to a designated US office to participate in a North America Summer Associate Meeting designed to offer skills-based training, practice-based training and in-person networking. There are also opportunities to be considered for our Client Scholars Program in which our Summer Associates are seconded to work in-house with one of the Firm's clients during the summer.

What we look for:

• We want individuals who can combine an impressive academic track record with excellent technical skills.
• Personal qualities matter — we look for engaged global citizens, critical thinkers and problem solvers. These qualities mean candidates can make connections across traditional practice, sector and market lines, and can process information, finding connections in complex situations to offer real insight and foresight to clients.
• We look for candidates who share our commitment to championing a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce.

Application information:

To be considered for our 2026 Summer Associate Program, please submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and unofficial undergraduate transcripts with your application. Please indicate if you have a preference between Houston or Dallas offices in your cover letter. The Firm will invite selected 1L candidates to interview on a rolling-basis beginning in November 2025.

About us

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Additional Information

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify [email protected] .

Pay Transparency

• The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $4326.92/weekly if located in Houston, Texas.