Summer Associate Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Summer associate programs, particularly at law firms and investment banks, frequently accommodate international students who need visa sponsorship. These programs are designed as pipelines to full-time offers, at which point employers typically sponsor H-1B visas. Major law firms and investment banks like Cravath, Sullivan & Cromwell, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley have well-established processes for sponsoring summer associates who convert to full-time. If you're in law school or business school, apply through your school's on-campus recruiting program. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Summer Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 259+ Summer Associate jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 259+ Summer Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Summer Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.
The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Traditional Labor Summer Associate
For over 60 years, Jackson Lewis P.C. has been dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law and is one of the fastest growing workplace law firms in the U.S., with over 950 attorneys practicing in major cities nationwide.
We are recruiting traditional labor summer associates for our White Plains, Cleveland, Orange County, San Francisco, and Sacramento offices, who have a demonstrated interest in labor law, excellent academic credentials, and strong extracurricular activities.
We strive to provide our Traditional Labor Summer Associate with a realistic understanding of what it is like to practice labor law at Jackson Lewis. The Traditional Labor Summer Associate will be encouraged to assume significant responsibility and will be exposed to a broad range of traditional labor relations work on behalf of employers, including:
- Research and writing
- Responding to unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB
- Supporting collective bargaining negotiations
- Providing legal advice to employers regarding union organizing, collective bargaining agreements, and other labor relations matters
In addition to legal research and writing assignments, the Traditional Labor Summer Associate will have the opportunity to attend significant events related to the cases to which he/she is assigned, such as collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, and client meetings. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring the Traditional Labor Summer Associate receives feedback on his/her work product and they will take time to help the Traditional Labor Summer Associate better understand what it takes to be a successful attorney at our firm. In addition, we sponsor social events during the summer that will allow the Traditional Labor Summer Associate to interact with our attorneys.
HIRING CRITERIA INCLUDE:
- Must be in their 2nd year of law school
- Outstanding academic credentials; top third of class
- Demonstrated interest in labor law through coursework or past work experience
- Solid legal research, writing and decision-making skills
- Ability to think critically and problem-solve
- Ability to read and understand complex legal documents
- Strong persuasion skills
For Orange County, California, the expected compensation for this position is $92/hour. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.
The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Traditional Labor Summer Associate
For over 60 years, Jackson Lewis P.C. has been dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law and is one of the fastest growing workplace law firms in the U.S., with over 950 attorneys practicing in major cities nationwide.
We are recruiting traditional labor summer associates for our White Plains, Cleveland, Orange County, San Francisco, and Sacramento offices, who have a demonstrated interest in labor law, excellent academic credentials, and strong extracurricular activities.
We strive to provide our Traditional Labor Summer Associate with a realistic understanding of what it is like to practice labor law at Jackson Lewis. The Traditional Labor Summer Associate will be encouraged to assume significant responsibility and will be exposed to a broad range of traditional labor relations work on behalf of employers, including:
- Research and writing
- Responding to unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB
- Supporting collective bargaining negotiations
- Providing legal advice to employers regarding union organizing, collective bargaining agreements, and other labor relations matters
In addition to legal research and writing assignments, the Traditional Labor Summer Associate will have the opportunity to attend significant events related to the cases to which he/she is assigned, such as collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, and client meetings. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring the Traditional Labor Summer Associate receives feedback on his/her work product and they will take time to help the Traditional Labor Summer Associate better understand what it takes to be a successful attorney at our firm. In addition, we sponsor social events during the summer that will allow the Traditional Labor Summer Associate to interact with our attorneys.
HIRING CRITERIA INCLUDE:
- Must be in their 2nd year of law school
- Outstanding academic credentials; top third of class
- Demonstrated interest in labor law through coursework or past work experience
- Solid legal research, writing and decision-making skills
- Ability to think critically and problem-solve
- Ability to read and understand complex legal documents
- Strong persuasion skills
For Orange County, California, the expected compensation for this position is $92/hour. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.
See all 259+ Summer Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Summer Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Summer Associate
Participate in on-campus interviewing at your target program
On-campus interviewing (OCI) is the primary channel through which law firms and investment banks recruit summer associates. Attend all recruiting events, bid strategically on employers known to sponsor international candidates, and prepare thoroughly for behavioral and technical interviews. Your law school or MBA program's career services office can advise on which firms have a track record of sponsoring international students.
Target AmLaw 100 firms and bulge-bracket banks for sponsorship reliability
The largest law firms and investment banks have established immigration programs with dedicated immigration counsel. AmLaw 100 firms, Magic Circle firms with U.S. offices, and bulge-bracket banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley) routinely sponsor and can absorb the costs without hesitation. Smaller firms and boutique banks may sponsor but are less predictable.
Secure CPT authorization well before your start date
Work with your university's international student office to apply for Curricular Practical Training at least 2-3 months before the summer program begins. CPT authorization is employer-specific and date-specific, so you need your offer letter with exact dates. Using more than 12 months of full-time CPT before graduation makes you ineligible for OPT, so plan your CPT usage carefully across summers.
Excel during the summer to secure a return offer with sponsorship
Summer associate programs are extended interviews - the return offer (with H-1B sponsorship for international candidates) depends entirely on your performance during the 8-10 week program. Take on substantive work, seek feedback proactively, and build relationships across practice groups or deal teams. Return offer rates at top firms typically exceed 85-90%.
Plan your bar admission strategy alongside your visa timeline
For law firm summer associates, passing a state bar exam is essential for the full-time associate role. International LL.M. graduates can sit for the bar in New York, California, and several other states, but requirements vary. Research bar eligibility early - some states require specific coursework or degree evaluations - and ensure your H-1B start date, bar exam date, and results timeline all align.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do law firms sponsor summer associates for work visas?
Major law firms (AmLaw 100/200) regularly sponsor summer associates for H-1B visas upon graduation and completion of bar admission. Summer associate programs at top firms are the primary recruiting pipeline for associate positions, and firms with international clients actively seek candidates with global perspectives. However, the offer is typically contingent on passing a U.S. bar exam.
What visa do international students use for summer associate positions?
International students at U.S. law schools typically use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for summer associate positions, as the work must relate to their degree program. MBA students and other graduate students use CPT as well. CPT requires authorization from the university's international student office and must be approved before the start date. F-1 students must have completed one academic year before being eligible for CPT.
Do investment banks sponsor summer associates from non-U.S. backgrounds?
Yes, major investment banks like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America regularly sponsor summer associates for H-1B visas when they convert to full-time analyst or associate positions. These firms have sophisticated immigration programs and budget for sponsorship as a standard hiring cost. The key factor is performance during the summer program - conversion decisions are merit-based.
When should I disclose my visa status during summer associate recruiting?
In most law firm and investment bank recruiting processes, visa status is addressed during the offer stage, not during initial interviews. Focus on demonstrating your qualifications and fit during on-campus interviews and callbacks. Most large firms and banks expect some candidates will need sponsorship and have processes in place. Mention your authorization to work during the summer (CPT) if asked about immediate work eligibility.
How to find Summer Associate jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Summer Associate positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search specifically for law firms and consulting companies offering H-1B or J-1 visa support. Major law firms and consulting firms frequently sponsor international students for summer programs. Filter your search by company size and location, as larger firms in major cities typically have established visa sponsorship programs for their summer associate positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Summer Associate jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a summer associate in South Carolina will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.