Summer Associate Program
About the Summer Associate Program
The Summer Associate Program at Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, Cohen & Peterfriend offers a unique opportunity for law students in their second year of law school to gain firsthand experience in high-stakes litigation. Our program is designed to provide Summer Associates with meaningful, real-world legal work. Participants will support various practice groups, engage in hands-on training, and attend key legal proceedings such as hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials. This immersive experience aims to build a strong foundation of practical skills and knowledge essential for a successful legal career.
Personalized Experience
Our Summer Associate Program is small by design – this ensures each participant benefits from a more personalized and impactful learning experience. By maintaining a limited number of Summer Associates, we are able to provide dedicated 1:1 mentorship, tailored feedback, and deeper involvement in cases. This approach helps our Summer Associates develop their skills more effectively and engage more meaningfully with our attorneys.
Mentoring & Training
We pride ourselves on our mentoring and training programs. Our Professional Development Team guides Summer Associates as they transition from the law school environment into the firm. As a highlight of the Summer Associate Program, we hold an end-of-summer virtual mock trial. This event provides an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge developed throughout the summer in a realistic courtroom setting allowing Summer Associates to showcase their abilities, receive constructive feedback from experienced attorneys, and fine tune oral advocacy skills.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, Cohen & Peterfriend, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee, composed of attorneys, paralegals, staff, senior managing partners, and members of our management team, works collaboratively to develop and implement D&I policies, strategies, and programs. We have numerous Diversity & Inclusion programs and initiatives designed to welcome and support diverse Summer Associates. To learn more about our commitment to diversity and the resources available, please visit our Diversity Page.
Our Collaborative Culture
Immerse yourself in our diverse and collaborative culture and experience the practice of law at Luks & Santaniello. We are dedicated to changing the way law firms litigate, and we welcome you to apply to join our team as a Summer Associate.
Highlight of Summer Associate Experience
“My time at Luks, Santaniello, Pertillo, Cohen & Peterfriend has been absolutely remarkable. When I started, I knew nothing of insurance defense litigation but through my mentors and training I became very competent. I can't say enough good things about this firm!”
“The summer program at Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, Cohen, & Peterfriend is the perfect opportunity to learn from great attorneys in practice. It provides law clerks with the opportunity to observe and practice different skills and tasks. I was able to sit in on depositions, hearings, and mediations throughout the summer and got valuable feedback on my research and writing through drafting motions and reports. I could not be more grateful for this learning experience!”
"This summer internship has been a great opportunity to get involved in a variety of areas within the insurance defense field. Everyone involved was friendly, outgoing, and happy to mentor me in their various practice areas. This firm was not only a great environment, but allowed for many beneficial experiences that will shape my future career in law."
Frequently Asked Questions
- What qualifications do I need to apply for the Summer Associate Program?
Prospective Summer Associates should be current law students in their second year of school with strong academic records, on-campus involvement, excellent research and writing skills, and a demonstrated interest in litigation and insurance defense.
- How do I apply for the Summer Associate Program?
Please email your resume, cover letter, unofficial law school transcript, and a writing sample to our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please specify in your cover letter the office(s) you are interested in. Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.
- What is the duration of the Summer Associate Program?
The program typically runs for 10-12 weeks during the summer months. Specific dates may vary each year.
- Will I have the opportunity to work in different practice areas?
Yes, our program is designed to provide exposure to various practice groups within the firm. Summer Associates have the opportunity to work on different types of cases and projects.
- Is the Summer Associate Program paid?
Yes, our Summer Associates receive competitive compensation for their work during the program.
- What kind of training and mentorship can I expect?
Summer Associates participate in formal mentoring and training programs, attend professional development events, and receive regular feedback regarding work assignments. Our Professional Development Team will supports Summer Associates throughout the program.
- Will I be able to attend court proceedings?
Yes, as part of our hands-on training, Summer Associates attend court hearings, depositions, and other legal proceedings.
- Are there opportunities for social events and networking?
Absolutely! We organize various social events and networking opportunities to help connect with our attorneys and fellow Summer Associates.
- What is the possibility of receiving a full-time offer after the program?
While we cannot guarantee full-time offers, Summer Associates do receive offers to join the firm as full-time associates after graduation based on their performance and the firm’s needs.
- How can I learn more about the firm before applying?
You can learn more about our firm by visiting our website, and following us on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages.