Destination Bracewell

What makes Bracewell an ideal place to launch your legal career?

Bracewell is highly regarded for its innovative work on market-leading transactions, financings, regulatory and litigation matters across large industry sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, and technology. Our firm stands out for the expertise we bring to the table, as well as for our exceptional work environment.

The firm’s open and collaborative culture ensures that associates have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in significant matters that are redefining these industries. We value diverse perspectives and encourage associates to share their unique perspectives as soon as they join the firm. This culture of collaboration is deeply embedded in our firm’s DNA, creating an environment where every voice is heard, and every opinion valued. Our associates are encouraged to take on leadership roles and are supported through mentorship programs and continuous professional development opportunities that empower them to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging legal landscape.

We offer a highly competitive summer associate program in Houston, Dallas, and Washington, DC that gives aspiring lawyers the opportunity to learn the practice of law through hands-on work on actual legal matters. Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive experience. By working directly with partners, summer associates gain real-world insight into the various facets of legal practice and the professional life of being a lawyer.

Joining Bracewell as a summer associate means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and client service.

Summer associates in our Houston office have the opportunity to rotate through three practices, working side by side with associates and partners on substantive legal work. Our Dallas and DC offices have smaller programs, which gives summer associates an opportunity to work in all practices.

This rotational system ensures that you gain a broad understanding of multiple practice areas, aiding in your professional growth and helping you identify your career trajectory within the firm. As a summer associate, you have the opportunity to attend hearings, depositions, trials, negotiations, client meetings and client events over the course of your nine to 10 weeks with the firm. These immersive experiences are designed to provide insights into the legal process and the intricate workings of client representation. We believe formal and informal feedback is a critical component of the program and understand how valuable a two-way conversation is for development. The firm has an open-door policy, and partners and associates are available and eager to share their experiences and expertise as you learn how to practice law.

Summer associates also have the opportunity to sharpen their presentation and legal writing skills by helping research and draft agreements, briefs, articles, blogs, podcasts and video content. These activities are crucial in developing a well-rounded skill set that is indispensable for a successful legal career. Participating in these varied tasks not only enhances your technical abilities but also strengthens your collaborative and leadership skills.

At the end of the program, summer associates leave with a clearer picture of the work that we do, the clients that we serve, the lawyers with whom they will work and, most importantly, an understanding of how to chart their path for professional growth and development. Our ultimate goal is to equip you with a robust foundation from which you can build a fulfilling and impactful legal career.

Bracewell offers summer associates a competitive and market matching weekly salary of $4,326.92. This reflects our commitment to attracting top talent and ensuring that our associates are well-compensated for their contributions. Moreover, we provide ample networking opportunities, social events and firm activities that enable you to forge lasting relationships with your peers and mentors.

Event Highlights

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: DC Boating Cruise

DC Boating Cruise

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: DC Farewell Reception

DC Farewell Reception

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Houston Pinstripes

Houston Pinstripes

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Houston Farewell Dinner

Houston Farewell Dinner

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Dallas Glass Blowing

Dallas Glass Blowing

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Summer Associate Retreat

Summer Associate Retreat

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Summer Associate Retreat

Summer Associate Retreat

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Summer Associate Retreat

Summer Associate Retreat

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Houston Welcome Reception

Houston Welcome Reception

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Houston Welcome Reception

Houston Welcome Reception

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Houston Welcome Reception

Houston Welcome Reception

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Hibachi Night

Hibachi Night

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Hibachi Night

Hibachi Night

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Hamilton at Winspear Opera House

Hamilton at Winspear Opera House

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: DC Mini Golf

DC Mini Golf

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Dallas Welcome Happy Hour

Dallas Welcome Happy Hour

Bracewell Summer Associate Program Event Highlight: Crawfish Boil

Crawfish Boil