Summer associate programs are a critical gateway for law students aiming to secure their place in prestigious Biglaw firms. Even as current participants eye potential job offers, the spotlight turns to Vault's latest rankings, which determine which firms offer the best summer experiences. Released amid the anticipation of early recruitment interviews, these rankings provide invaluable insights for the next wave of law talent.

Following closely after their 2026 lists of the most prestigious law firms and those best for quality of life, Vault has now ranked the top summer associate programs across Biglaw. The evaluation criteria included attorney interactions, substantive assignments, training and mentoring, preparation for associate life, quality of events, and overall satisfaction with social opportunities.

This year's top rankings saw some notable shifts, keeping the legal community abuzz. O’Melveny & Myers, Bracewell, and Morgan Lewis & Bockius maintained their top three positions. However, there were significant climbs with Clifford Chance jumping to fourth from sixth and Benesch making an impressive leap to fifth from tenth last year. Notably, Pillsbury soared to seventh from twenty-third, while Mayer Brown catapulted to tenth from thirty-ninth.

It's no surprise that firms like O’Melveny and Bracewell, which ranked highly for quality of life, also excelled in summer program satisfaction. This correlation highlights the importance of a nurturing environment that extends from summer experiences to full-time careers.

Vault also provided specialized rankings in three distinct areas: Attorney Interactions, Career Development, and Social Experiences. O’Melveny & Myers topped the list for Attorney Interactions and Career Development, while Bracewell led in Social Experiences, illustrating that these firms not only offer excellent work opportunities but also prioritize enriching interpersonal engagements and career growth for their summer associates.

As the recruitment season approaches, these rankings offer a roadmap for law students seeking firms that value and invest in the development of their interns. The comprehensive list of the top 50 Biglaw firms for summer associates is available on Vault's website, guiding future legal professionals in their crucial decision-making process.

Congratulations to all the ranked firms, with a special nod to O’Melveny & Myers for dominating this year’s Vault rankings. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, these firms are setting the benchmark for excellence in nurturing the next generation of legal experts.