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 Now through 5:00PM PT January 26, 2024
San Francisco or Los Angeles
Since its inception, Hanson Bridgett LLP has proudly supported the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), an organization of more than 350 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners dedicated to advancing diversity in the legal profession.
The LCLD 1L Scholars Program is designed to strengthen the legal pipeline by expanding the number of opportunities for 1L law students from diverse backgrounds, including those that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession. It provides 1L students with valuable professional experiences while introducing them to the value of relationships and building networks with LCLD Members.
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, observe or participate in client meetings, court appearances and other opportunities, as well as participate in various 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 2024 Summer Associates is approximately $3,269.23 per week, paid semi-monthly. This is the same salary our First-Year Associates earn, prorated for the length of the Summer Program. If there is any change in our First-Year Associate salaries, the Summer Associate salaries will change consistently.
We are seeking 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
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)
Hanson Bridgett LLP seeks to ensure a positive and diverse work culture where each person may work and develop professionally to the best of their ability free of unlawful discrimination or prejudice. To this end, the firm is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits unlawful discrimination or prejudice of any kind based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran’s status, mental or physical disability, or pregnancy.
We are accepting applications through January 26, 2024, 5:00 PM PT.
Please check with your law school career services team to determine when you may start applying for 1L Summer Associate positions to ensure compliance.
Questions? Please contact Paz Moya, Attorney Recruiting Manager.
Summer Program Applications
2L Summer Associate – Accepting Applications through July 21, 2023
We know this is a competitive field. That’s why we seek to create a variety of opportunities for students like you through our summer associate program. We actively recruit talented and passionate law school students who share the same commitment to diversity, charitable giving, pro bono, and hands-on client service as we do. We purposefully keep our summer program small to foster a supportive environment consistent with who we are and our core values. You’ll work in many of our major practice areas and really get to know our people.
We conduct 2L interviews during the fall recruiting season to fill between 4 to 5 summer associate positions. Along with our 2L Summer Associates, we welcome a 1L LCLD Scholar into our Summer Program to truly immerse themselves in our everyday activities and business. We hope to provide an authentic experience and mentorship that you can take with you for your entire career.
Hanson Bridgett recruits candidates who have a record of strong academic performance, excellent writing and analytical skills, participate in extra-curricular activities, show demonstrated leadership, who are determined and dedicated and who have a sense of humor. We actively seek applicants with diverse backgrounds, which includes individuals who identify with a racial, ethnic, or gender group which has been historically underrepresented in the legal profession, members of the LGBTQ community, those with a disability, or individuals with a track record of leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our summer program is typically 10 weeks in length and summer associates are based in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The salary for our Summer Associates is approximately $3,269.23 per week, paid semi-monthly. That is the same salary that our First-Year Associates earn, prorated for the length of the Summer Program.
Before submitting your application, please consult your school’s recruitment policies regarding the timing of applications for summer employment to ensure compliance. Our application deadline is July 21, 2023.
Application Materials
Please submit your:
• Cover letter stating your interest in the position
• Resume
• Law school transcript
• Research-based writing sample
Hanson Bridgett on Campus
Hanson Bridgett participates in the following career fairs and on-campus interviews. If you are a student at a law school listed below, please apply through your law school’s OCI bidding process.
• Bay Area Diversity Career Fair
• Berkeley Law
• GGU School of Law
• Howard University School of Law
• Lavender Law Career Fair
• Loyola Law School
• Santa Clara University School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• UC Davis School of Law
• UC Hastings College of the Law
• UCLA School of Law
• University of San Francisco School of Law
• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
• USC Gould School of Law
• USLAW Diversity Job Fair
Applications are closed
