Overview
Experience the day-to-day life of an associate. Explore your interests and options. Build the foundation for your career.
A summer associate program is more than ten weeks—it’s where your legal career begins. At Thompson Hine, we’ve built a program that stands apart.
Thompson Hine’s Summer Associate Program delivers hands-on training, individualized mentorship, meaningful client work, and a vibrant community—all intentionally designed so you can explore different practice areas and discover where you thrive.
From day one, you'll work alongside attorneys who are deeply invested in your growth. You’ll contribute meaningfully to client matters, collaborate with lawyers across the firm, and gain firsthand experience with the work our attorneys do every day—backed by the guidance and support to make the most of every opportunity.
Our goal is clear: find outstanding future colleagues and give every summer associate an experience that is challenging, rewarding, and genuinely reflective of a path at Thompson Hine.
Our 10-week Summer Associate Program is designed for first- and second-year law students. Currently, we host summer associate programs in our Ohio, Los Angeles and New York offices. Thompson Hine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or other identity.
Our Summer Program is an investment in the future of the firm—and in every associate who joins us.
We begin with a three-day orientation in our Cleveland office, where you’ll meet fellow summer associates from across the firm while participating in interactive training designed to prepare you for the weeks ahead.
Throughout the summer, you’ll take part in workshops and coffee chats led by Thompson Hine attorneys and outside professionals. Mid-summer, all Summer Associates come together again for an immersive Corporate negotiation or Litigation skills program—featuring hands-on exercises and practical simulations that sharpen the skills, judgment, and confidence that set Thompson Hine associates apart.
“Come work for Thompson Hine, and dive right in and get involved! Don’t hold back because of a fear of making mistakes – working on lots of things and making some mistakes, and practicing how to deal with those, is part of the training and learning process.”
- G. Todd Robie, Associate – Construction
At Thompson Hine, the people are as exceptional as the work.
Call it our Midwest roots—Thompson Hine is known for a friendly and collegial culture where lawyers work together across practices, offices, and experience levels. Here, the best solutions come from collaboration, not competition.
As a summer associate, you’ll quickly become part of that community. Whether you’re asking a partner for guidance or brainstorming with associates, you’ll experience a culture in which questions are encouraged and colleagues are genuinely invested in one another’s success.
Outside the office, that same spirit continues through social events, coffee chats, community service, and firmwide gatherings—giving you a chance to connect with the people behind the titles and experience the work-life balance and wellness that define Thompson Hine.
Past events have included baseball games, concerts, golf outings, bowling, trivia nights, boat cruises, volunteer opportunities, and many meals shared together. These experiences aren’t simply social events—they’re opportunities to build authentic relationships and experience the Thompson Hine difference.
