Why Davis Polk
As a Davis Polk summer associate, you will work with extraordinary lawyers on teams that are delivering outstanding results to our clients. Four of our lawyers discuss what you can expect.
A tradition of excellence. A future with Davis Polk.
Our summer program is a gateway to world-class mentorship and unmatched training. It is designed to challenge you, inspire you and launch your legal career.
A program planned and led by our lawyers
In a unique approach, each year Davis Polk selects two or three outstanding associates to step away from their practices to serve as full-time Summer Program Coordinators. They distribute work assignments based on your interests, and they provide a direct connection to the firm’s culture and values. The Summer Coordinators meet with each summer associate throughout the program to discuss your personal and professional goals and ensure you have a fulfilling and substantive experience.
A partner mentor and an associate liaison
Each summer associate is matched with both a partner and an associate who serve as resources and provide guidance throughout the summer. You will typically work with your partner mentor on one of your first assignments. They will provide informal guidance, as well as formal feedback at midsummer and exit reviews. Associate liaisons are typically first- or second-year associates. Partner mentors and associate liaisons join the summer associates at multiple social and networking events
An introduction to the full scope of our work
Our summer associates work on real assignments and are fully integrated into our existing teams and cases. They do the same work as our first- and second-year associates. Through our Summer Coordinators, we offer an open and flexible assignment system which means you can dig deep into an area of particular interest if you want, or you can work on assignments from multiple practice areas throughout the duration of the summer program to get exposure to everything Davis Polk has to offer.
Extensive, hands-on training
We offer over 25 practice overview and professional development sessions to introduce the summer class to the firm’s practice areas and the work available to them. In addition, our popular multiday Corporate Immersion program gives you the opportunity to participate in a simulation of negotiations for a hypothetical corporate transaction. Partners, counsel and associates play key roles, such as clients and opposing counsel, as summer associates work through issues that cut across multiple practice areas.
We are recognized as exceptional
Our practices and lawyers are widely commended as among the best in the field.
Band 1 practice rankings by Chambers USA, across a wide variety of corporate and litigation work
Firm of the Year
Law360, 2023 and 2025
Firm of the Year: New York
IFLR Americas Awards, 2025
Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year
Law360, 2024 and 2025
Restructuring Team of the Year
IFLR Americas Awards, 2024 and 2025
Fintech Practice Group of the Year
Law360, 2022-2024
Litigation Department of the Year – Finalist
New York Law Journal, 2023
We are passionate about pro bono
Davis Polk enthusiastically welcomes summer associates as participants in our pro bono projects.
Part of our DNA
Participating in meaningful pro bono service is an essential part of being a Davis Polk lawyer – and also of the summer associate experience.
A wide range of opportunities
Summer associates work on amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, trials, and transactions and advice for nonprofits and small businesses. Opportunities span existing matters and new matters we accept specifically for the summer program.
Pro bono externships
In the New York summer program, we offer select summer associates two-week externships at several local public interest organizations. Decisions are made in the spring.
Three dynamic locations
You will gain deep exposure to Davis Polk’s work, people and culture at whichever location you select. Learn more about our three U.S. offices.
New York
- Our New York office is the firm’s largest, with a comprehensive range of corporate and litigation practice areas. Most of our summer associates are based in New York.
- You will work in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, next to Grand Central Terminal. Our headquarters offers easy access to local and long-distance transportation, theater, shopping and entertainment.
- Take advantage of our full-service cafeteria and on-site Health & Wellness Center.
Northern California
- Our Northern California office serves clients nationwide and globally, with a special focus on the West Coast and the unique needs of technology and life sciences companies. Our practice areas include capital markets, M&A, private equity, and commercial and IP litigation.
- The downtown Redwood City office is a three-minute walk from Caltrain’s Sequoia Station and walking distance to a variety of dining and shopping destinations. It offers an outdoor terrace, parking garage and EV charging stations.
We also have a large workspace in the center of the San Francisco Financial District.
Washington DC
- Key practice areas in Washington DC include white collar defense and investigations, civil litigation, antitrust and competition, financial institutions (focusing on trading and markets and bank regulatory advice), investment management and national security.
- Our office is located in Dupont Circle, a historic neighborhood in Northwest DC. It is near multiple Metro stops, art galleries, museums, unique shops and diverse dining options.
- We provide catered lunch service and have a rooftop terrace, parking garage and free gym on site.
FAQs
Are interviews conducted virtually or in person?
At present, all interviews are virtual. When offers are extended, there will be multiple opportunities to visit the firm and meet lawyers through tours, events and return visits.
What is the salary for a summer associate?
Summer associates in New York, Northern California and Washington DC are paid an annualized salary of $225,000, prorated for the number of weeks worked.
What is the policy on splitting the summer?
New York summer associates interested in splitting their summer are required to start at Davis Polk on one of our official start dates and work at the firm for eight consecutive weeks. They may then split their summer with another law firm outside of New York City or work at a government, nonprofit or financial institution. Equivalent policies apply to our Northern California and Washington DC summer programs.
Can I do a rotation at one of Davis Polk’s overseas offices or work in another U.S. office?
Select summer associates may have an opportunity to request to work in one of our non-U.S. offices for a four-week rotation or split their time between our U.S. offices. Decisions are made in the spring and are based on the needs of these offices, a summer associate’s long-term interest in working in the selected office as a full-time associate, and necessary or helpful language skills. Summer associates who are selected for an overseas rotation or U.S. office split are required to work at the firm for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer. Many other summer associates work or travel domestically.
What types of social events are offered as part of the summer program?
We offer a diverse range of social events – from baseball games and cooking classes to ping pong tournaments and a theater night. These experiences are designed to introduce you to New York, Northern California or Washington DC and to help you build meaningful connections with your Davis Polk colleagues. We bring all the U.S. summer associates together for a welcome dinner in New York, which has been held in recent years at the landmark Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center.