We're Hanson Bridgett LLP. And we face challenges head on. Whether we’re tackling a client’s case, closing a complex deal, or setting a new standard for law firm culture, we’re consistently working toward better solutions. As an AmLaw 200 California-born firm with more than 200 attorneys across the state, it’s simply in our DNA.
We’re not only the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp—we wrote the legal framework. We encourage our people to grow and make an impact in meaningful ways, and we’re committed to developing our distinct culture, delivering excellent service, and leading by example.
Our deep capabilities means offering a tailored experience for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve. And while we’re based in California, we’ve forged alliances with firms in national and international legal networks to provide our legal skills across the US and worldwide.
We’re setting new expectations. Because what’s expected is worth challenging.
We actively recruit talented and driven law students who share our firm's commitment to diversity, charitable giving, pro bono legal work, and hands-on client service. Our main recruiting source for entry-level attorneys is our summer associate program.
We conduct 2L interviews during the fall recruiting season to fill between 4 to 5 summer associate positions. In addition to San Francisco, we may host summer associates in Los Angeles. We also hire a 1L LCLD Scholar each spring and our scholar participates in our summer program alongside our 2Ls. We purposefully keep our summer program small to maintain a cooperative and supportive environment consistent with our firm’s culture. A relatively small summer program also enables our summer associates to work in many of the major practice areas of our firm and to get to know the people who make up Hanson Bridgett. Summer associates returning as first-year associates generally have the option to work out of any of our offices as associates.
While every summer associate experience is different, we strive to give summer associates a realistic experience of what it is like to practice law at Hanson Bridgett. Summer associates are assigned work that, if they were not with us, would be assigned to Hanson Bridgett associates. The assignments are real, meaningful, and important. Summer associates also have opportunities to observe or participate in client meetings, court appearances, and other hands-on experiences. Summer associates, like our associates, juggle multiple assignments and responsibilities. We know that the practice of law is demanding, but we strive for a healthy balance between work and personal time. We want our summer associates to experience the joys and pressures of working at Hanson Bridgett so that they can assess whether their professional and personal goals and objectives can be satisfied at our firm. Of course, we anticipate and hope that our summer associates will laugh and have fun with us throughout their summer and beyond.
Summer Program Applications
1L LCLD Scholar Position – Accepting Applications December 1, 2022 through January 20, 2023
Diversity is a core value of our firm and has been since our founding in 1958. Hanson Bridgett is recognized in the business community and in law schools for its leadership in increasing diversity in the legal profession and its innovation and commitment to ensuring opportunities for underrepresented minorities. Our partnership with Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) supports this commitment.
Each year, Hanson Bridgett hires one 1L LCLD Scholar for our Summer Program. Like our 2L Summer Associates, our 1L LCLD Scholar will work closely with attorneys on real and meaningful assignments and will have the opportunity to observe or participate in client meetings, court appearances, and other opportunities, as well as participate in various firm programs and social events. Additionally, the 1L LCLD Scholar will participate in training, networking, and mentoring opportunities, and will attend the LCLD 1L Scholars Summit.
The salary for our Summer Associates is approximately $3,269.23 per week, paid semi-monthly.
We seek interested 1L law student candidates who possess the following:
- Commitment to diversity and inclusiveness
- Strong academic credentials
- Excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills
- Leadership experience is a plus
Applications must include:
- Cover letter describing interest in the position
- Resume
- Legal research memo
- Copy of official undergraduate school transcript
- Copy of unofficial law school transcript (due once grades become available)