GDHM 1L SUMMER ASSOCIATE PROGRAM

“I loved my summer at GDHM. The attorneys and staff welcomed me and made me feel like a valuable part of the team. I had the opportunity to work on substantive projects, go to court, attend site visits, and learn from great attorneys. Spending my 1L summer at GDHM was a blessing and a great way to start my legal career. I could not recommend the firm more strongly to any 1L interested in learning what it means to be an attorney.”
-Will Horne, 2026 Summer Associate

As a summer associate, you will work on substantive matters for real clients and collaborate closely with attorneys across a range of practice areas. You will research legal issues and contribute work used in active matters.  Depending on matters underway during your summer, you may also have opportunities to attend client meetings, mediations, depositions, hearings, and other court proceedings.

“My time at GDHM went by quickly! I had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting matters and received great feedback on my work. I learned a great deal, and the community at GDHM is truly something special.”
-Teresa O. King, 2026 Summer Associate

Our attorneys mentorship and guidance as you develop your legal skills and learn about the day-to-day practice of law. You will work in a collaborative, collegial environment, with opportunities to get to know attorneys and staff throughout the firm. Summer social events offer additional time to connect with your colleagues and fellow summer associates and begin building your network in the Austin legal community.

“Thanks to GDHM for a memorable 1L summer. The attorneys here invest real time in mentoring, and their commitment to their clients set the bar for the kind of lawyer I want to become.”
– Ben Brandt, 2026 Summer Associate

• Students invited to participate will spend a minimum of 8 weeks and maximum of 10 weeks (their choice) during June, July, and August each summer.
• All participants are asked to start on the same first date so the group can be on the same footing and establish community together.
• Student participants will be exposed to a variety of practice areas. If you have specific practice interests we will ensure you get work in that area as well as others; if you don’t yet know what area of practice you favor, you will have exposure to a breadth of practice not all internships offer. Practice areas include Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Construction, Environmental (including Water and Oil & Gas), Estate and Probate, Real Estate, and more.

How to Apply:

• Applications for Summer 2027 will be open from December 15, 2026, through April 30, 2027, or until all positions are filled, whichever is first.
• Applications will be accepted only during designated periods and must be submitted via our online link.
• Applications consist of resume, cover letter, writing sample, and first semester grades.
• While you may submit applications to us before your grades are issued, they will only be reviewed upon submission of official transcripts.
  • Applications will be reviewed and offers issued on a rolling basis, so positions may be filled before the application deadline. If that should occur, we will close applications early.

• Founded in 1946, Graves Dougherty was established on the principles of hiring great people, practicing first class law and focusing on accomplishing clients’ goals. It’s our tradition of serving our clients with excellence and enthusiasm that sets us apart.
• GDHM is a mid-sized, locally owned Austin law firm. We believe our size is an advantage: big enough to have breadth and depth of knowledge in diverse practice areas, yet small enough to still have a personal touch and a community feel. Everyone knows everyone else and you will be greeted by name in our hallways.
• Our commitment to the community extends beyond our client work. Our attorneys and staff serve charitable and legal organizations throughout Austin and Texas.
• GDHM is committed to maintaining a workforce that reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of our community. We believe diversity fosters a positive and creative environment that attracts talented individuals, encourages lawyers and staff to maximize their potential and enhances the firm’s ability to respond quickly with innovative solutions to the rapidly changing needs of our clients. We are proud to have assembled a team of lawyers and staff with diverse and accomplished backgrounds.
• Graves Dougherty is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting and promoting the most qualified candidates and employees without regard to age, race, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.