FAQs

How do I apply for a summer associate position?

Please submit your application for our summer program through our online application. First year applications require a resume, cover letter and undergraduate transcript; we ask that you please supplement your application with your first semester grades upon receipt. Second year applications require a resume, cover letter and first semester transcript; we ask that you please supplement your application with your first semester grades upon receipt. Applications sent via direct email will not be considered.

We conduct on-campus interviews and participate in job fairs at a number of law schools. Second year students may also submit an application through their law school’s on-campus interview program.

What can I expect during the callback interviews?

Callback students are contacted soon after the initial interview. Each student who receives a callback interview should expect to participate in 30-minute interviews with 4-6 lawyers. Many of our offices host dedicated Callback Days, when students spend approximately three hours in our offices. The recruiting representative will ask if you are interested in particular practice areas. We will make every effort to schedule interviewers from that practice. If you have questions that might be best addressed by particular lawyers, such as parents, women lawyers, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, or newly hired lawyers, please let us know.

What travel expenses does the firm reimburse? 

Norton Rose Fulbright will reimburse candidates for reasonable travel expenses incurred in association with callback interviews. Likewise, the firm will participate in shared expenses with other participating law firms in the area. Norton Rose Fulbright has an in-house travel department to assist you with these arrangements. You may download a copy of the NALP Travel Reimbursement Form or request a copy from your recruiter. If you have questions, please contact the Legal Recruiting representative who coordinated your interview.

How soon will I be notified of an offer decision? 

The Hiring Committee and Hiring Partner make every effort to respond to each candidate as quickly as possible. Per firm policy, first year offers will be given out after receiving first semester grades.

I received an offer and I still have questions.

We encourage you to direct your questions to the Legal Recruiting representative who coordinated your interviews or the Hiring Partner. We can arrange a second visit, coordinate a follow-up lunch or dinner and/or arrange for you to speak with additional lawyers via telephone or email. 

How long is your summer program? 

Our summer program is ten weeks. The 2025 program dates are May 19 to July 25, 2025. All summer associates must spend a minimum of eight weeks with the firm.

Can I split my summer?

Summer associates are not permitted to split their summer.

Returning 2L summer associates are required to spend a minimum of eight consecutive weeks within the set Summer Program dates, beginning at the start of the program.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recruiting efforts

We are committed to strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion by recruiting, retaining, and advancing lawyers and staff, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age. Norton Rose Fulbright offers diversity fellowships to outstanding first- and second-year law students as part of our ongoing commitment to recruiting and developing a diverse and talented team. Award recipients receive a $50,000 scholarship for tuition and related expenses. Fellowship recipients will also receive a paid summer associate position. All students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity are encouraged to apply. 

Our commitment is consistent with our recognition that it is the outstanding people within our business who are the source of our strength. Our colleagues—lawyers and staff—are our greatest assets. We have long embraced the principles of equal employment opportunity. We further recognize that promoting diversity is an integral component of our continuing quest for excellence as individual lawyers and as a legal practice.

Throughout the summer program, Summer Associates will hear from members of our affinity networks and councils through training and presentations. They will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual coffee chats with members of affinity networks and councils that align with their interests.

What types of work assignments are given to summer associates? 

We believe that the summer is a great learning experience and we strive to provide assignments that mirror the work a junior associate would perform. To ensure you get the most from those assignments, our lawyers provide both formal and informal feedback on a frequent basis throughout the summer. Your summer experience will provide you with a realistic preview of what it is like to practice at Norton Rose Fulbright. We offer sophisticated work for real clients, world class learning and development opportunities, and our lawyers are committed to teaching and mentoring 

Is there a mentoring program for summer associates and associates? 

Each summer associate will receive two mentors, typically a partner and a non-partner, who will serve as an advisor during and after the summer program. Diversity fellowship recipients will also receive a diversity fellow mentor.

Associates will receive a Year 1 Buddy upon commencement at the firm. After 6 months at the firm, they will be assigned a senior mentor.

Will I have the opportunity to do pro bono work during the summer? 

As part of our deep commitment to our community, our summer associates will have the ability to learn about our extensive pro bono work and participate in projects.

What are some of the social activities provided for summer associates? 

We believe social activities afford our summer associates a great opportunity to build connections with colleagues and peers. Aside from lunches and dinners with a variety of partners and non-partner lawyers, our summer associates will attend sporting, cultural and teambuilding events. 

What kinds of training and development opportunities will I experience this summer? 

Along with the on-the-job training as a result of you working alongside experienced lawyers, we offer our summer associates the ability to attend activities such as client meetings, hearings, depositions and negotiations. Our summer associates also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of legal and business skills workshops and presentations. 

What will I get paid as a summer associate?

Your salary will be provided on a semi-monthly basis (less applicable taxes), calculated using the annualized salary for a first-year associate in your specific market.

What are the billable hours expectations for associates? How do I make partner?

Associates that achieve 1,900 client hours will be eligible for a productivity bonus. Up to 50 hours of Firm Investment Time (“FIT”) counts toward productivity bonus thresholds.

Partners are full equity partners with voting rights. Associates are generally considered for partnership after eight years.

I am interested in pursuing a judicial clerkship at some point in my career. Does the practice support clerkships?

Serving as a judicial clerk offers an invaluable experience that we encourage associates to pursue. Many of our current lawyers have clerked for federal or state judges, including justices of the US Supreme Court.

Where can I find out more about associate life at NRF?

You can find out more information about our firm through one of our firm pages with Vault, Chambers, or Flo Recruit Forward. We also suggest viewing our NALP forms on the NALP Directory of Legal Employers website.