Law Students

For more than a century, Stoel Rives has thrived on a foundation of excellence, stewardship, and community commitment. We believe in the power of teamwork and mutual support, especially in today’s dynamic world.

Recognizing Diverse Potential

We understand that academic excellence is one facet of a promising legal career. At Stoel Rives, we also value diverse backgrounds and life experiences, strong determination and work ethic, and the ability to collaboratively partner with others. Our commitment extends to fostering an inclusive environment, promoting active firm citizenship, and encouraging meaningful civic engagement. We value work experience, community involvement, and participation in law review and other student organizations. We seek a mix of committed professionals who contribute to an inclusive and high-performing culture.

The Future You

We seek law students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the potential to be trusted advisors and colleagues and committed team members. Our goal is to support growth and development and help new lawyers excel and advance their practices.

Summer Program

Meaningful Connection

Our summer program is designed to connect you with the Stoel Rives culture and expose you to the practice of law. Geared towards fostering both personal growth and professional insight, this program provides a firsthand glimpse into the life of Stoel Rives lawyers.

Mentorship and Integration

• Personalized Guidance: Each summer associate is paired with an experienced attorney to provide detailed feedback and guidance on navigating legal practice.
• Building Connections: Participate in various social and networking events to form lasting professional relationships. Engage in firmwide training to familiarize yourself with our broader team and operations.

Training and Real-World Experience

• Hands-On Legal Work: Draft key legal documents, conduct research, and tackle other real-world legal tasks.
• Client Interaction: Seize opportunities for firsthand client exposure in various legal settings.
• Skill Development: Participate in training programs to enhance your legal skills and foster professional growth.

For Second-Year Law Students

We actively recruit second-year students from ABA-accredited law schools through various channels, including On-Campus Interviews, Interview Programs, Job Fairs, and our online application process.

For First-Year Law Students

Opportunities to join our Summer Associate Program

• Stoel Rives 1L Diversity Fellowship: Offers diverse 1L students a paid summer position and an academic scholarship, available in our Portland and Seattle offices.
• Multnomah Bar Association Fellows Program: Aimed at diversifying the Oregon Bar, this program provides a paid internship, scholarships, networking opportunities, and judicial mentorship.
• Gregoire Fellows Program: In collaboration with the University of Washington and Seattle University, we offer a 1L summer position split with a local corporate legal department, including a summer stipend. 
• Sacramento County Bar Association Diversity Summer Fellowship Program: A paid summer opportunity for a diverse 1L student to spend an entire summer at Stoel Rives.
• Twin Cities Diversity in Practice Clerkship: A partnership with TCDIP to provide a paid summer placement for a diverse 1L student at Stoel Rives and with a corporate client.

Summer Associate Testimonials 

Stoel really treats their summer associates like associates with very little direct oversight, but lots of people available if I needed anything. The people I worked with were amazing, which made the summer great, and I enjoyed getting to attend things outside the office, e.g., hearings and depositions.

It’s a great place—interesting and challenging legal work, smart and nice people, and a great working and living environment.

Fun, energetic place. Very talented attorneys; challenging environment. Great mentoring opportunities.

Stoel Rives easily exceeded my expectations of the summer. The work was varied and challenging, the attorneys were kind and down-to-earth, and the social events were terrific.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Stoel Rives is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal nondiscrimination laws. Click here to read our Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity policy.