Law Students

Bright Minds,
Bright Futures

Looking for meaningful work with sophisticated clients in a collaborative environment? Find it at Vinson & Elkins.

2027 1L & 2028 2L Summer Associate Applications will open on November 1.

Find Your Career

At Vinson & Elkins, we provide world-class counsel to industry-leading companies, and we’re looking for talented, driven people who want to join our team. Lawyers at our firm deliver excellent work and service, advise on complex matters, succeed through teamwork, and care deeply for our clients, colleagues, and communities.

What will you find at Vinson & Elkins?

A dynamic, collaborative environment — where diverse backgrounds strengthen efforts toward common goals
Continual learning and development, with hands-on, highly substantive experience early in your career
Invaluable experience working with leading lawyers on high-profile matters
Opportunities to give back through pro bono work, as well as other civic and community initiatives

We hire first- and second-year law students for our Summer Associate Program. Take a look inside our Summer Program Brochure.

Student Resources

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Summer Associate Program

Spend Your Summer at a World-Class Firm

As a Vinson & Elkins Summer Associate, you’ll have opportunities to do meaningful work with a variety of practices, in a friendly environment where lawyers and business professionals help you learn and succeed.

Summer experiences include participating in strategy discussions for cases and deals, joining meetings with clients and opposing counsel, taking on research projects, handling pro bono matters, drafting documents, and attending depositions. Our Summer Associate Program also offers social, cultural, and wellness activities, so you can get to know your colleagues in a relaxed setting.

This is a prime opportunity to explore career options with a firm that invests in the growth, wellbeing, and success of our aspiring lawyers. We hire first- and second-year law students, offering a competitive salary of $4,327 per week.

Connect with a Vinson & Elkins Summer Associate

Download Our Summer Program Brochure

Video Office Tours

10 Tips for Success

Download: Application Tips

Download: Clerkship Tips

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Do Your Homework Upfront: Know why you are interested in a particular firm.
- Research firms and understand the kind of work a firm does and what it offers that interests you. (Vault and Chambers are credible resources.)
- Think about how you can add value.
- Know a firm’s office locations. If you prefer a particular location, know why.
Utilize Your Career Services Office: CSO staff have abundant experience and resources and want to help you succeed.
- Consider taking a self-assessment. Many CSOs offer free assessments to students to help identify strengths and potential career paths.
- Ask a member of Career Services to review your resume and provide suggestions.
Cover Letters are Important.
- Dates you will be in town/available to interview.
- Your city of preference. Be specific, and include your interest in the area.
- Any preferences for particular practice areas, if known.
- Why you are interested in this firm.
Resumes Should be Clean, Concise, and Interesting… And No More Than a Single Page.
- Sweat the small stuff, paying attention to every detail.
- If something is on your resume, it is fair game to be asked about (e.g., language skills, thesis, relevant experience, personal interests, etc.).
Provide Transcript as Soon as it’s Available. Include your GPA on Your Resume, if Known.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Error Free is Key.
- Be careful that all fields and names are correct.
- Review your cover letter and resume multiple times; and have someone else proof for you.
- Simple and consistent formatting also is important.
Timing is Key! Submit Your Application as Early as Possible.
Follow Application Directions on the Firm’s Website. If Instructions are to Submit Online, Don’t Email Materials.
- Only provide a writing sample or personal statement if asked; same rule for references and recommendation letters.
- Also, be timely and responsive with follow-up requests from firms.
Be Socially Aware. Know What is Available Online About You.
- Consider making your personal social media accounts only viewable to friends.
- Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional.
- Use an email address that is professional and identifies you by name. (Avoid overly casual addresses such as [email protected].)
Prepare for Your Interview and be Sure to Follow Up After!
- Dress professionally for the interview. If in doubt, wear something else.
- Know about the firm and be able to concisely express why you are interested. When possible, know something about your interviewers.
- Have a good response to why you decided to attend law school.
- Be confident, but careful not to come across as flippant or arrogant. Be genuine – be yourself!
- Avoid ghosting. Be responsive to emails and calls from firms, even if you are declining. Reach out if you have questions!

Build Meaningful Relationships
- Make an effort to get to know attorneys and business professionals in your office and across practice groups.
- Be engaging and take a genuine interest in all conversations.
- Think of your interactions across the firm as a way to demonstrate your people skills.
Learn About the Firm
- This summer is as much about you getting to know the firm as it is about the firm getting to know you.
- Throughout your summer clerkship, learn about the firm’s culture, values, priorities, and our people.
- Make sure the firm is a place you see yourself working for years to come.
Accept a Variety of Assignments
- A diverse workload is a great way to learn about your strengths and areas of opportunity.
- View a variety of assignments as a chance to learn about what you like and don’t like.
Ask Questions & Take Notes
- No one expects you to have all the answers, so be sure to ask questions.
- Taking good notes will keep you organized and avoid having to ask the same questions multiple times.
- Be sure to write down important project information, including names of other attorneys on case/project, deliverables, expected number of hours, and deadlines.
Practice Good Time Management
- Be on time, if not early.
- Budget your time wisely and communicate with the assigning attorney(s), especially if you are unable to meet a deadline.
Take Work Assignments Seriously
- Summer Associate assignments are real work and an important part of your evaluation.
- Proofread your work. There is no such thing as a “draft” when it comes to reviewing for errors, accuracy, and thoroughness.
- Work comes before social events. If you have to miss an event to complete an assignment, that is okay, just be sure to communicate to the organizer.
Be Open to Feedback
- Constructive feedback is a great tool for growth and development. Receive it as a gift!
- You will receive feedback on assignments, but if you don’t, feel free to ask for it.
- Be open to feedback from your colleagues and use it as an opportunity to learn and develop your skills.
Understand What Is Expected of You
- The firm will evaluate your work product, professionalism, attitude, communication skills, teamwork, and social skills.
- Have open conversations with your mentor(s) regarding how performance will be measured.
Dress Professionally
- Follow the stated firm dress code for the office and for social engagements.
- If you have questions about attire, ask the Recruitment professionals in your office.
Stay Connected
- Stay in touch with people you meet during the summer after the summer program ends, including your fellow Summer Associates.
- Your fellow Summer Associates will be your future colleagues and life-long friends.
- Follow V&E’s social channels, sign up to receive firm communications, and visit the V&E website.

By the Numbers

700+ Lawyers Across the World

242 Chambers Individual Lawyer Rankings in 2025

500+ Charitable and Arts Organizations Supported

20K Pro Bono Hours on Average Per Year

Watch Video

First Day Feels

180 Vinson & Elkins summer associates enjoy an exciting start to a rewarding career.

Lasting Connections

Rising 3L Akhil George shares his summer experience working in Vinson & Elkins’ Houston and Austin offices.

Culture in the Capital

Rising 3L Anna Brule reflects on life and work as a summer associate in Vinson & Elkins’ DC office.

From Campus to Clients

Partner Quentin Smith and Senior Director of Attorney Recruitment Gretchen Rollins break down the complex Big Law recruiting process, sharing thoughtful advice on how students can navigate it.

Positioned to Succeed

Born with a degenerative eye condition, rising 3L Syed Rizvi — now a full-time associate — explains how the culture at Vinson & Elkins positions him to succeed.

Primary Contacts

Austin | Entry-Level Recruitment – AUS
Dallas | Entry-Level Recruitment – DAL
Denver | Entry-Level Recruitment – DEN
Houston | Entry-Level Recruitment – HOU
New York | Entry-Level Recruitment – NY
Richmond | Entry-Level Recruitment – RVA
San Francisco | Entry-Level Recruitment – SF
Washington | Entry-Level Recruitment – WAS

Find Alumni

Our lawyers are active at top law schools throughout the year, interviewing at on-campus programs and job fairs, engaging with affinity groups, hosting events, and mentoring students.

Discover Our Latest

Insights

Insights

Events

Peter Bergan to Moderate Panel at TMT Finance USA 2026

Partner Peter Bergan will moderate a panel at TMT Finance USA 2026 on October 6 titled “How is Datacenter Powered …

October 6, 2026

October 6, 2026 • 1-minute read

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CLE Events

Texas Reincorporation 101: Recent Developments and Key Considerations for Boards

Join Vinson & Elkins and FTI Consulting for a webinar on the growing trend of companies reincorporating to Texas.

October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026 • 1-minute read

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CLE Events

Financing and Bankability of Data Center Projects

This program will examine the key legal and commercial considerations for financing data center projects, with a focus on what makes these projects bankable for lenders and investors.

September 29, 2026

September 29, 2026 • 1-minute read

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