Our summer associate program is aimed at building upon our diverse-workforce goals through selecting applicants who are well-rounded individuals with exceptional judgment, perception, communication, and personal-relationship skills.
KMK's summer associate program is designed to provide an experience similar to that of our first-year associates. We give our summer associates real projects and meaningful experiences. Doing so not only provides summer associates with valuable training, but also provides opportunities for them to demonstrate their skills to the firm.
We also try to have fun. KMK's summer associate program includes frequent opportunities to interact with KMK attorneys and staff in social settings, including lunches and dinners, Cincinnati Reds games, the firm's annual picnic, and charitable events. Each year the program also includes touring a client's office/facility.
Two KMK partners coordinate the summer associate program, and each summer associate is provided an attorney mentor. Summer associates receive both formal and informal feedback on each assignment, and the firm conducts both mid-summer and end-of-program evaluations.
Each year KMK strives to hire the same number of summer associates that it anticipates hiring as full-time attorneys the following year. Thus, summer associates do not have to compete against one another for offers. This practice is consistent with and enhances the firm’s collegial environment.
Check your law school for information about KMK and our OCI dates. Click here to view more about KMK Law in the NALP Directory.
"KMK provided me with substantive work similar to that of a first-year associate, offering a great learning opportunity and insight into the role. We participated in engaging events, including judicial proceedings and client facility tours. Weekly learning sessions introduced us to KMK's practice areas and facilitated connections with attorneys across various groups, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-acquainted with my future colleagues." -- Lauren Greene Thomas, KMK Summer Associate 2022
"My summer at KMK was a blend of meaningful experiences and engaging social events. The most impactful aspect for me was learning from the partners and associates who assigned and guided my summer projects. Every attorney was willing to sit down and explain how my project contributed to larger transactions. Having an open environment to discuss my growth as an attorney was invaluable." -- M. Hunter Hardy, KMK Summer Associate 2022
More KMK Law Summer Associate Testimonials
"The Summer Associate Program at KMK has been one of the most valuable law school and professional experiences I’ve had to date. Despite the impact of Covid-19, KMK made a concerted effort to get us in the firm for a true Associate experience. From day one, I was able to take on a number of meaningful, real-life projects across a variety of practice areas. The attorneys I worked with, both partners and associates, welcomed my questions and provided detailed feedback and advice. Throughout the entire summer, I felt that KMK was genuinely interested and invested in my success and future career as an attorney. I am truly grateful for my time at KMK." -- Madeline O'Toole Darling, KMK Summer Associate 2020
"My experience this summer at KMK as a Summer Associate has been the most impactful experience thus far. Everyone I met was generous with their time and more than willing to go the extra step to help me learn and grow as a professional and future attorney. I was given real projects and provided substantive feedback. Every day I was challenged intellectually and given the opportunity to develop my skills. Attorneys were approachable, and I felt the firm genuinely cared about my development. I could not have been happier with my experience work for KMK this summer." -- Carlos Schemmel, KMK Summer Associate 2020
"Even though my summer associate experience during COVID-19 was different than I originally expected, I truly enjoyed every moment that I spent working at KMK. The attorneys that I met and worked with welcomed me graciously into the firm. Each of them offered thoughtful advice, provided me with challenging and impactful work, and helped me immensely. From the engaging assignments to the familial atmosphere, I greatly appreciated the time that I spent in the summer program at KMK. It is the best job that I have ever had." -- Brendan Sullivan, KMK Summer Associate 2020
"My summer experience at KMK was impactful. It was the most meaningful professional experience I had in law school and helped me grow immensely as a future attorney. The projects I was assigned were both practical and challenging, and the attorneys I worked with welcomed me immediately into the firm. Throughout the summer, I felt like I could always approach partners and associates with questions about my work or career path. I am extremely grateful for my experience at KMK.” -- Taylor Beckham, KMK Summer Associate 2019
"The Summer Associate Program at KMK was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my professional career. I was able to take on a variety of projects across several practice areas that were challenging, thought-provoking, and closely mirrored what I would be doing as a young associate. The attorneys I worked with—whether partners or associates—welcomed my questions and provided detailed feedback and advice. The program also included many trainings, networking opportunities, and social events that made the experience even more meaningful. From day one, I felt that KMK was invested in my success and growth. I am grateful for my time at KMK and the relationships that I built." -- Emma Compton, KMK Summer Associate 2019
"My experience as a summer associate at KMK was transformative. Throughout the 10-week program, I worked on numerous projects across multiple practice areas. I worked on challenging, real-life matters and received meaningful feedback from some of the best attorneys in the region. Everyone at the firm – from the first-year associates to the senior partners – went out of their way to answer my questions and share sincere advice. From day one, it was apparent that the firm was genuinely invested in my success. I could not have asked for a better overall experience.” -- Christian Gateskill, KMK Summer Associate 2019
Open Positions
If you are looking for a challenging work environment that will give you the opportunity to develop professionally while working in a dynamic environment, KMK is the place for you. KMK is seeking first-year law students for its 2025 Summer Associate Program. The Summer Associate Program offers law students the opportunity to experience the real-world practice of law. Summer associates are exposed to the same type of work that is assigned to a junior associate. KMK seeks to hire candidates who are highly motivated with strong academic achievements. We also assess candidates based on the overall contribution the candidate will bring to the firm including diverse backgrounds, sound judgement, a demonstrated willingness to work hard, loyalty, leadership, communication skills and the overall willingness to contribute to a common goal. Interested candidates should apply here.
Eligibility Requirements
Any first-year law student from an ABA-accredited law school who comes from a background that would add to the cause of diversity at KMK. The Diversity Fellowship is open to all underrepresented students, including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and other students that would contribute to the cause of diversity at KMK, regardless of race or ethnicity, including without limitation women in law, military veterans and persons with a disability. Applicants must be committed to practicing law in Cincinnati, Ohio upon graduation.Application Process
Current resume and law school transcript. A personal statement that includes an explanation how you would add to the diversity at KMK Law. OPTIONAL: A cover letter may be submitted to highlight any connection or interest in KMK Law.
