Summer Associates
Your Legal Career Starts Here.
Build Your Legal Career With Experience That Matters.
Gain hands-on experience, learn from seasoned attorneys, and discover what it means to build a successful legal career through a summer experience with MacDonald Illig in Erie, Pennsylvania.
At MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP, we believe the best legal careers begin with meaningful opportunities, supportive mentorship, and diverse exposure.
Our in-person Summer Associate Program offers first-year (1L) and second-year (2L) law students the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys, explore diverse practice areas, and develop the professional skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.
More than a traditional summer law clerkship, our program provides an inside look at life as an attorney at MacDonald Illig. You'll gain practical experience, build lasting professional relationships, and become part of a collaborative team committed to helping you grow.
Many of our associates began their careers through our Summer Associate Program, making it an important part of how we develop our next generation of legal professionals.
What Makes MacDonald Illig's Summer Associate Program Different?
Real Legal Work. Meaningful Experience.
As a summer associate, you won't just observe the practice of law. You'll actively contribute to legal matters while working with attorneys across multiple practice areas.
Assignments may include:
- Conducting legal research and analysis
- Drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, and briefs
- Assisting with transactional documents
- Exploring litigation and business law matters
- Collaborating with attorneys on client-related projects
Our goal is to provide a broad range of experiences that help you to identify your interests, strengthen your skills, and understand the everyday responsibilities of practicing attorneys.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond the Assignment.
We typically welcome four to six first-year and second-year law students each summer, allowing us to provide individualized attention and professional guidance.
The program is coordinated by two attorneys who meet weekly with summer associates to answer questions, discuss assignments, and support their development.
You'll also have opportunities to work with attorneys throughout the firm, gaining exposure to different legal perspectives, professional experiences, and career paths.
At MacDonald Illig, mentorship is about more than improving your legal skillset. It's about helping you build the confidence, judgment, and professional relationships that support a successful legal career.
Experience the Practice of Law Firsthand.
One of the most valuable parts of our Summer Associate Program is the opportunity to see our attorneys in action.
Throughout each week, summer associates have the opportunity to step away from their desks and accompany an attorney to a real-world, practice of law exposure which may include:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court hearings and oral arguments
- Trials
- Real estate and business closings
- Other professional and client-related activities
These experiences provide insight into how attorneys advise clients, solve problems, communicate with the court and opposing counsel, and navigate legal challenges beyond the classroom and office settings.
Life at MacDonald Illig: More Than Legal Experience
We believe building relationships is an important part of developing a successful legal career.
Throughout the summer, our associates are invited to participate in social, networking, and volunteer opportunities with fellow summer associates, attorneys, firm personnel, and other Erie County Bar Association members.
From lunches and dinners to exploring local attractions and enjoying everything Erie, Pennsylvania, has to offer, our summer program provides opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of the office.
Our collaborative culture encourages you to ask questions, share ideas, and get to know the people who make MacDonald Illig a rewarding place to work.
Hear From Our Summer Associates
Learning From Experienced Attorneys.
"The best part has been shadowing the firm’s municipal attorneys and learning directly from partners, gaining hands-on insight into real-world legal practice while working on a diverse range of matters alongside a genuinely supportive team."
- Spencer Cadden | Third Year at University of Dayton | 2026 Summer Extern
Gaining New Perspectives Through Meaningful Work.
"I had the privilege of working on a variety of assignments across different practice areas. These experiences opened my eyes to new areas of law and broadened my understanding of the legal profession."
- Anna Foust | Second Year at Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University | 2026 Summer Associate
Exploring Different Areas of Law.
"I had the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of legal matters, from medical malpractice to commercial litigation. It was fascinating to see how attorneys approached cases across diverse practice areas and developed strategies tailored to each client's needs."
- Joseph Pfleger | First Year at the University of Akron School of Law | 2026 Summer Associate
Discovering Professional Interests.
"I had the opportunity to work on a variety of legal matters that I had not previously encountered. I enjoyed gaining exposure to different practice areas and discovering which types of legal work interested me most."
- Joel Ploski | Second Year at the American University Washington College of Law | 2026 Summer Associate
Making an Impact Beyond the Office.
"One of the highlights of my summer was seeing the impact attorneys made in their communities beyond practicing law. At MacDonald Illig, many attorneys were actively involved in community organizations and served on boards. It was rewarding to see firsthand how attorneys could make a meaningful difference both inside and outside the firm."
- Dylan Ramey | First Year at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law | 2026 Summer Associate
Professional Development and Feedback
Your professional growth is a priority throughout the summer.
Our attorneys provide individualized feedback on completed assignments, along with formal and informal evaluations designed to help you strengthen your legal and professional skills.
We also value your perspective. At the conclusion of the program, summer associates are encouraged to share feedback about their experiences so we can continue enhancing the program for future participants.
Our goal is for every summer associate to leave with practical legal experience, meaningful professional connections, and a realistic understanding of what a career at MacDonald Illig could look like.
Apply to MacDonald Illig's Summer Associate Program
Your Legal Career Starts Here.
Ready to take the next step in your legal career?
MacDonald Illig welcomes applications from motivated law students who are eager to learn, collaborate, and gain meaningful experience in a professional and supportive environment.
We accept applications directly and through various law schools. We conduct interviews both in person and virtually.
Application Materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing sample
- Law school and undergraduate transcripts
- List of references
Submit Your Application To:
Jamie Schumacher, Esquire
MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP
100 State Street, Suite 700
Erie, PA 16507
Email: jschumacher@mijb.com with a copy to mijbrecruiting@mijb.com
Phone: (814) 870-7613
Discover your potential. Develop your skills. Build your future at MacDonald Illig.
MacDonald Illig is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Summer Associate Program
Who can apply for MacDonald Illig's Summer Associate Program?
Our program is designed for motivated first-year (1L) and second-year (2L) law students interested in gaining practical legal experience and exploring career opportunities at MacDonald Illig.
Where is the Summer Associate Program located?
The program takes place in-person at MacDonald Illig's office at 100 State Street, Suite 700, in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania.
How many summer associates does MacDonald Illig hire?
We typically hire four to six summer associates each year, allowing us to provide personalized mentorship, diverse assignments, and meaningful professional experiences.
What type of work do summer associates perform?
Summer associates participate in legal research, writing, drafting, and other assignments across multiple practice areas. They also have opportunities to observe attorneys during client meetings, depositions, court proceedings, and business transactions.
Will I receive feedback on my work?
Yes. Summer associates receive individualized assignment feedback and participate in formal and informal evaluations throughout the program.
Does MacDonald Illig hire former summer associates as attorneys?
Many MacDonald Illig associates were recruited through our Summer Associate Program. The program provides law students with an opportunity to explore the firm while developing relationships that may support future career opportunities.
How do I apply for a summer associate position?
Interested law students should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcripts, and list of references to the firm's recruiting contact.