We seek to employ students with outstanding academic credentials and an interest in our particular practice area mix. Consideration is given to grade point average, participation in law school activities, undergraduate record, recommendations of faculty, recommendations of other employers, previous work experience, and other similar factors. Our Summer Program offers law students an exceptional opportunity to gain practical legal experience. You'll work directly with lawyers on client-facing assignments that are designed to challenge you and provide a firsthand look at the work you would do as a lawyer at Irell. You'll also connect with Irell lawyers at all levels, developing meaningful, and often lasting, connections. We are looking for a group of candidates who demonstrate superior academic abilities, intellectual curiosity, and the potential to become outstanding lawyers. We encourage students who may have had other jobs and careers in addition to their law school education to apply, as well as law students with or without technical degrees. When you arrive, you'll be assigned an associate mentor. You will receive assignments typical for first-year associates from the Summer Committee. You may also be invited to attend team meetings, client meetings, court appearances, depositions, and trials. And you can participate in pro bono work and community service projects, including adoption proceedings for children and adoptive families in need of advocates. We host a series of informational programs, and summer associates are also invited to the regular continuing legal education (CLE) programs, outside speaker events, and training sessions. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to participate with lawyers and staff in our annual mock trial—a wrongful death trial prosecuting Wyatt Earp, presided over by a judge. Building connections is a key objective of our Summer Program. All summer associates attend a weekend retreat and a firmwide party at a hotel. We encourage our lawyers to socialize with summer associates through informal dinners, lunches and other activities. In the past, lawyers and summer associates have organized rock climbing excursions, surfing classes, cooking classes and rounds of golf, among other outings. Irell & Manella will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2026. Please provide your cover letter, resume, and transcript once available. We encourage you to follow your school's guidelines throughout the application process. Irell provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants. The firm does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected classification.