Summer Associate - Sacramento, CA

Location: Sacramento, CA Department: Summer Associate Program

Cordell & Cordell has the benefits you'd expect from a large national firm. We offer competitive compensation, exceptional health care benefits, and prioritize work-life balance to ensure the well-being and productivity of our employees. Our focus on family law allows us to make a meaningful impact by helping families navigate challenging and pivotal times in their lives.

Summer Associate – Explore a Future in Family Law with Cordell & Cordell

Job Type: Paid Internship

Experience Level: 0+ Years

Cordell & Cordell is seeking highly motivated second-year law students with a genuine interest in a career in family law to join our Summer Associate Program in one of our offices across the United States. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in family law while working alongside seasoned attorneys and firm leaders. Our program is designed to mirror the experience of a first-year associate, providing meaningful legal work, direct mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Upon completion of the Summer Associate Program, many of our associates are offered part-time law clerk positions during their third year, and full-time positions upon graduation.  Our goal is to provide a pathway to a career in family law.  (Note that long-term locations may not align to the office for the summer internship.)

About us

Cordell & Cordell is the largest domestic litigation firm in the United States focused on Family Law. With decades of experience, we have built a reputation for providing strategic, client-focused representation. Our attorneys are backed by a strong administrative and marketing support system, cutting-edge technologies powered by our partnership with Lexicon, and a commitment to professional development through Cordell College and other professional learning and development programs.

What You’ll Do

Draft and analyze legal documents in active family law matters.

Conduct legal research and assist in the preparation of trial materials.

Attend court proceedings with experienced attorneys.

Participate in client meetings and gain insight into case strategy.

Work closely with a Litigation Partner to develop a foundational understanding of family law practice.

Engage in firm-sponsored networking and social events.

Other tasks as needed that help us effectively run our business.

What We Are Looking For

Current 2L student (2028 graduate) in good standing at an accredited law school.

Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in family law.

Law School GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Ability to relocate or reside in the office location assigned for the duration of the program.

Flexibility in destinations upon graduation from law school.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Locations for 2027

Arizona - Phoenix (Peoria)

California - Sacramento

Colorado - Denver

Florida - Orlando, Tampa

Georgia - Atlanta

Michigan - Ann Arbor

Minnesota - Minneapolis (Edina)

Missouri - St. Louis

New York - Albany

North Carolina - Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington

Ohio - Cincinnati, Columbus

Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

Texas - San Antonio, Houston

Utah - Midvale

Virginia - Falls Church, Richmond, Virginia Beach

All applications must have an attached cover letter, resume, and most current law school transcript to be considered for our summer associate program.

This role is not eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases and bonuses.

This role is not eligible for our full time benefits package.

Hourly Pay Rate

$35—$35 USD

Cordell & Cordell provides exceptional benefits and a great working environment including:

We also offer our full-time employees the following benefits:

Medical Plans: including HDHP, PPO, HSA and FSA

Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability Insurance

401(k) Savings with Employer Matching

Paid time off

Participate in our Wellness Program and potentially earn Employer Paid health premiums!

For more information: https://cordellcordell.com/about/careers/benefits/