Top Law Schools

How much money can you expect from summer internships? Can it cover cost of living for 2L and 3L? How much does payment depend on strength of school? Thanks!

Most T14 schools offer guaranteed summer funding for public interest work during your 1L summer, which is generally $4,000-$6,000, depending on the school. Some schools offer similar funding in your 2L summer. Some schools don't offer it at all.

Summer associate positions in biglaw pay somewhere in the realm of $30-$40k before taxes, depending on how many weeks the position lasts. These are the only positions you could get that would cover living expenses for the next year in addition to covering the summer.

Payment definitely depends on the strength of the school. 1L SAs are fairly difficult to get and many people (even at T14s, I'm pretty sure) don't get them. 2L SAs are less difficult/more standard but you still maximize your chances by going to schools with excellent biglaw placement, and not everyone at all schools will get them.

(Also SAs aren't internships, they're just jobs.)