There are a number of things you may be thinking about as you explore summer opportunities, from the overall program experiences to the type of work you’ll do and training opportunities you’ll receive. We have put together answers to the questions we hear most often below.


  ⇒ How do I apply for Bodman’s Summer Associate Program?
We have completed hiring for our 2026 and 2027 Summer Associate Program and are no longer accepting applications. We will begin accepting applications for our 2028 Summer Associate Program in early 2027.


  ⇒ Do you accept applications from 1Ls?

Yes. We typically hire one or two first-year law students as Summer Associates each year. This is accomplished via considering 1L candidates who apply to us directly and our participation in the Wolverine Bar Association’s Summer Clerkship Program. 

⇒ Are Summer Associates assigned to a specific office?

Our Summer Associates spend the majority of their time in our Detroit office, while also spending one to two weeks in our Troy and Ann Arbor offices. In addition, the Summer Associate class makes at least one visit to our Grand Rapids office. We also typically hire one Summer Associate who is based in Grand Rapids for the summer.


  ⇒ What is the duration of Bodman’s Summer Associate Program?

Our program is ten weeks, typically beginning in mid-May and ending in late July.

  ⇒ Does Bodman allow split summers?

Yes, but we ask that Summer Associates spend at least 8 weeks participating in our Summer Associate Program.

  ⇒ What does Bodman expect from summer associates?

We look for individuals who share our core values. Our summer associates are smart and hard-working, possess strong writing skills and good judgment, and take ownership over all aspects of their work. 

  ⇒ How are Summer Associates compensated?
Summer Associates are paid at a prorated rate based on our first-year associate salary. At the current rate, this equates to $6,875 bimonthly.

  ⇒ What does Bodman expect from Summer Associates?
We look for individuals who share our core values. Our Summer Associates are smart and hard-working, intellectually curious, possess strong writing skills and good judgment, and take ownership over all aspects of their work. 

  ⇒ How does Bodman train its Summer Associates?

We work hard to train new lawyers, and that training starts during the summer. Summer Associates receive a specialized firm orientation and are invited to attend all regular practice group training sessions. They also participate in weekly touchpoint meetings and trainings with the Summer Associate Program coordinators and their fellow summers. 

Beyond these formal training opportunities, Bodman Summer Associates begin to learn to practice law. We give Summer Associates real client work and bill the clients for their time. As a Summer Associate, you will work on projects that would otherwise be handled by associates, and may attend client meetings, depositions, and court hearings. 

We know that Summer Associates want practical experience — not to write articles for members or answer esoteric questions unrelated to the practice of law. You will work directly with a member on each case and will not have work filtered to you through a more senior associate. We believe this hands-on approach, augmented by formal training, is the best way to learn to be a lawyer.

  ⇒ Is there a mentor program for Summer Associates?
Yes, each Summer Associate is assigned two mentors—a member and associate.  These mentors, many of whom are former Summer Associates themselves, are valuable resources for Summer Associates. They help Summer Associates integrate into the firm, provide feedback on Summer Associates’ work product, help ensure the Summer Associates receive feedback from other attorneys they work with, and are available to answer questions and give advice throughout the summer. 

  ⇒ How are Summer Associates evaluated?
Summer Associates are evaluated holistically based on their performance throughout the program. This includes the quality of their work, professionalism, responsiveness to feedback, communication skills, initiative, and engagement with colleagues and firm activities. Feedback is provided by attorneys and administrative professionals who work and interact with Summer Associates, with evaluations focusing on both legal skills and overall fit with the firm’s culture and expectations.


  ⇒ What percentage of Summer Associates generally get return offers?
We hire each Summer Associate with the hope and intention that they will join the firm as an associate following graduation from law school. Decisions regarding associate offers are based on a holistic review of each Summer Associate’s experience, including the quality of their work product, attorney feedback, and demonstrated professionalism and work ethic.


  ⇒ What types of social events are Summer Associates invited to?

Bodman hosts a variety of events during the summer. The highlight of the summer is the Bodman Folly. Each year our Summer Associates, associates, and younger members, along with their significant others, spend a carefree weekend at Barothy Lodge near Ludington, Michigan enjoying Michigan’s natural beauty, playing volleyball, kickball, swimming, hiking and enjoying each other’s company. The attire is casual and no business meetings are held at the Folly. 

Summer Associates participate in many additional formal and informal events over the course of the summer. These events historically have included a Detroit Tigers game, private guided tour of the Detroit Institute of Arts and Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, and several lunches and receptions.

We also encourage our attorneys to invite Summer Associates to join them at external social and networking events hosted by bar associations and other professional organizations throughout the summer.

  ⇒ What are Bodman’s inclusion initiatives?

Bodman is committed to fostering an inclusive firm environment for all. The firm maintains an active Opportunity, Inclusion, and Belonging (OIB) Committee that is comprised of members, associates, and administrative professionals. Bodman also has a full-time Manager of Inclusion and Talent who coordinates our OIB initiatives. The firm was also awarded Mansfield Rule Certification Plus for three consecutive certification period (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25). See our Inclusion page for more information on Bodman’s OIB activities and involvement.

  ⇒ Do Summer Associates participate in pro bono?

Yes. Bodman has a long-standing commitment to serving the community via pro bono legal services. We have an active Pro Bono Committee that oversees pro bono work and a full-time Pro Bono Counsel dedicated to administering Bodman’s pro bono program. 

Bodman attorneys provide pro bono legal representation to both low-income individuals and organizations that serve low-income individuals, in addition to participating in numerous legal clinics and performing work on behalf of organizations seeking to enforce civil liberties.

The firm’s strong commitment to pro bono extends to our Summer Associates. We strongly encourage each Summer Associate to take on pro bono assignments.  See our Giving Back page for more information on Bodman’s pro bono commitment.

  ⇒ I’m a 3L. Do I have a chance of securing an entry-level associate position with Bodman?

Yes. The number of entry-level associate positions varies year to year, but we always welcome and accept applications from 3Ls who did not participate in our Summer Associate Program. 

  ⇒ Do most Bodman attorneys start as Summer Associates?

Many current Bodman attorneys – from junior associates to experienced members – started with the firm as Summer Associates. This is a reflection of how strongly we value the Summer Associate Program. In recent years, the firm’s growth has exceeded that which could be satisfied solely through the Summer Associate Program, and we have also added a number of superior lateral associates and members to the firm.

  ⇒ Does Bodman hire undergraduate students?
At this time, Bodman does not offer employment or internship opportunities for undergraduate students. We welcome students interested in a future legal career with Bodman to stay connected and revisit our Summer Associates careers page to learn more about opportunities for law students and apply to our Summer Associate Program once eligible.

  ⇒ Where can I learn more information about Bodman?
You can visit Bodman’s National Association for Law Placement (NALP) listing for more information on the firm and our Summer Associate Program.