Summer Associate Program

Each year, we offer a limited number of students (usually in their last or penultimate year of law school depending on their country of education) the opportunity to spend a month in our office during the summer period.

The Summer Associate Program aims to provide students with a practical insight into life as a Cleary Gottlieb lawyer. Our objective throughout is to involve participants directly in client work. In addition to providing hands-on experience, the scheme incorporates a series of training sessions designed to ensure exposure to the full range of work that we undertake in Brussels. We also organize a number of social events to help our students get to know our partners, associates, and stagiaires outside the office.

The Brussels Summer Associate Program welcomes students from Belgian universities as well as international students. In addition, some students are seconded to us by our Frankfurt, London, New York, and Washington, D.C. offices. The program typically runs over the summer months, but can accommodate interested students at other times as well.

• Qualification Requirements. We receive a very high number of applications for summer associate positions each year. Candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability and fluency in spoken and written English. In addition, we value extracurricular achievement, an international mindset, problem-solving attitude, and creative thinking. To join our Corporate practice, a Belgian law degree is also required. 
• When to Apply. Belgian law students are recruited for the Summer Associate Program in late October/early November of the preceding year in which the program will be held. International students should send us their applications by February 15 of the same year in which the program will be held. 
• How to Apply. Please refer to the Opportunities and Application Information section. All candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and copies of transcripts for each university year.