2L Summer Associate

Firm Overview

At Miller Johnson, we combine an entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to practical results. We think like business owners—proactive, resourceful, and driven to create tailored solutions that make a difference. Our clients trust us to cut through complexity, deliver clear advice, and stay focused on outcomes. Rooted in the communities we serve, we build lasting relationships based on trust, loyalty, and shared success.

With more than 170 attorneys across offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, Miller Johnson offers the depth and reach to serve clients regionally and nationally.

Position Overview

Miller Johnson’s Grand Rapids office is seeking second-year law students for our 2027 Summer Associate Program. Summer Associates work closely with attorneys on meaningful legal assignments, gain exposure to sophisticated client matters, and build relationships across the firm through mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Office & Practice Group Opportunities

Grand Rapids, MI

Summer Associates in Grand Rapids will primarily receive assignments in:

• Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Labor & Employment
• Litigation
• Real Estate

Detroit, MI

Summer Associates In Detroit Will Primarily Receive Assignments In

• Intellectual Property (Patent Prosecution)
• Litigation

Chicago, IL

Summer Associates In Chicago Will Primarily Receive Assignments In

• Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Intellectual Property Litigation
• Litigation

Our Summer Associates may also have opportunities for broader exposure to additional practice areas depending on business needs and workflow throughout the summer.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft motions, legal memoranda, contracts, and other legal documents under attorney supervision
• Conduct legal research to support client matters and ongoing litigation or transactional work
• Participate in client meetings, strategy discussions, and internal team meetings
• Collaborate with attorneys and fellow Summer Associates on substantive legal projects
• Observe court proceedings, depositions, negotiations, or client meetings when available
• Participate in mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities throughout the summer

Qualifications

• Current second-year law student (2L) expected to graduate in 2028
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and collaborative mindset
• Interest in transactional and/or litigation-focused legal practice

Additional Qualifications For Intellectual Property Candidates

Candidates interested in Intellectual Property opportunities should possess:

• A background in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• Patent bar eligibility preferred for certain IP opportunities

Culture & Benefits

At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together.

Who We Are

• Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
• Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
• Grit – We push through and get it done
• Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
• Committed to Impact – We lift others up

How We Work

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
• Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
• Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

Summer Associate Feedback

Here is some of the feedback we received from prior Summer Associates:

Firm Culture

“Miller Johnson is full of attorneys who genuinely love what they do and who enjoy the people they do it with. The culture strikes a rare balance: the individuals here are incredibly smart and accomplished, yet down-to-earth and approachable.”

“I saw firm culture as hard-working and high-achieving, along with genuine care about employees’ lives outside of work and having a presence in the community.”

Mentorship

“My mentor was a significant part of my development this summer… this support was a consistent presence throughout every experience.”

“The firm’s culture of intentional mentorship and investment in junior talent had the greatest impact on my experience.”

Work Assignments

“The assignments were substantively engaging and posed intellectual challenges.”

“It truly felt like the work of an associate and gave me a chance to learn through doing and receive feedback that I can take into my career.”

Application Instructions

To apply for the 2027 2L Summer Associate Program, please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Law School Transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted)
• Writing Sample

In Your Cover Letter, Please Indicate

Which office location(s) you are most interested in:

• Grand Rapids, MI
• Detroit, MI
• Chicago, IL

Which practice group(s) most interest you:

• Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Labor & Employment
• Litigation
• Real Estate
• Intellectual Property