Summer Associates

Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, a Michigan law firm with nearly 100 attorneys and five offices, is accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Associate Program. 

Foster Swift has a 12-week on-site program for rising 3L law students. The firm has three summer associate positions we will be filling for Summer 2026:

• Trusts & Estates – Lansing
• Generalist – Southfield
• Business & Tax – Grand Rapids

The overall goal of the Foster Swift summer program is to provide summer associates with a nurturing atmosphere that expands their knowledge of the law. Summer associates are assigned to one of the firm's primary practice groups. Additionally, each summer associate is assigned a mentor for guidance with assignments and workloads as well as a buddy to assist with learning about firm culture. Throughout the program, Summer Associates are given a variety of assignments to enable them to identify subject areas in which they may ultimately wish to practice.

Summer associates are not required to bill a minimum number of hours. However, they will experience private practice as if they were first-year associates. This, we believe, best allows the firm to evaluate prospective lawyers and allows the summer associates to evaluate Foster Swift and the culture of our firm.

Applicants should include a cover letter identifying why he or she decided to: 1) attend law school and 2) to pursue a career in private practice in Michigan as well as their resume, writing sample and transcripts to khafley@fosterswift.com by July 2, 2025.

First Round Interviews

First-round interviews will be conducted on campus or via Zoom.   

CALL-BACK INTERVIEWS

Over a decade ago, we resolved to improve the quality and efficiency of our recruiting process. All call-back invitations are now extended for one day in mid-to-late August. This schedule allows the firm's interviewing lawyers to dedicate uninterrupted time and attention to this very important aspect of the firm's future. In addition, this process has dramatically reduced the time historically required to inform candidates about hiring decisions.

All expenses are paid for candidates accepting the firm's call-back invitations. For a more in-depth look into what to expect from our summer associate program, listen to testimonies from Foster Swift attorneys who went through the experience themselves recently:

Foster Swift Summer Associate Experience

Inside the Summer Associate Program: Mackenzie Almassian	Inside the Summer Associate Program: Charles Sarchet