Ballard Spahr Summer Associate Program Ranked in Top 30 by Vault

Ballard Spahr’s summer associate program has been ranked by Vault, a national survey and career counseling organization, as among the 30 best programs in the country.

“Associates gravitate toward Ballard Spahr for excellent real estate and pro bono work, and appreciate the firm’s [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] efforts,” Vault wrote. “Partners employ open-door policies in efforts to mentor and offer guidance to associates, who feel like valued colleagues.”

Vault’s 2025 Annual Associate Survey is based on responses by more than 20,000 junior lawyers, who were asked to reflect on their experience as summer associates at their current firm and evaluate their program. They were asked about attorney interactions, substantive assignments, training and mentoring, preparation for associate life, quality of events, and satisfaction with firm-sponsored social opportunities and social interactions.

“This willingness to answer questions and help associates develop is augmented by robust training options…and a comprehensive process helps laterals onboard effectively,” the Vault evaluation continued. “Associates are given challenging, satisfying work, as well as opportunities to meet with clients and take on additional responsibilities. Lean staffing and an assignment coordinator help ensure that all associates get quality work.”

Feedback from summer associates included:

• "Ballard is an excellent place to learn how to be a lawyer.”
• “There is a feeling of mutual respect between partners, counsel, and associates.”
• “The training was helpful, and the system for assigning work was extremely well organized.”
• “I was able to pick up assignments in practice areas I was interested in, and work with attorneys from other offices.”

Said firm Chair Peter V. Michaud: “Being a destination firm for top talent is a priority at Ballard. That means creating an inclusive and collaborative culture where leadership invests in the growth and professional development of our summer associates. Our summers are given opportunities to develop relationships with clients and do meaningful work on projects that will help them define their passions and grow as lawyers. We are proud of this accolade and will continue to build.”

For further information, please see Vault’s full list of Best Summer Associate Programs and Methodology.

For media inquiries, please contact Will Ashenmacher at 612.371.5792.