Dentons Davis Brown Summer Associate Program
Summer Law Internships in Des Moines, Iowa
The Dentons Davis Brown Summer Associate Program is a 10-week paid internship for law students interested in private practice. Based primarily in Des Moines, Iowa, the program offers hands-on legal experience, mentorship, and direct client exposure – all combined with access to Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm.
About Dentons Davis Brown
Deeply Local, Uniquely Global
Founded in 1929, Dentons Davis Brown is a full-service Iowa law firm with offices in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Ames.
Clients today expect three things from their legal counsel: deep experience, industry knowledge, and an understanding of local markets. In 2021, we combined with Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, to deliver on all three. This combination allows us to support clients wherever they do business: in Iowa, throughout the Midwest, across the U.S., and around the world.
Importantly, our combination with Dentons was not a traditional merger, acquisition, or joint venture. We continue to operate as Dentons Davis Brown PC, maintaining our local leadership, culture, decision-making, and compensation system, while gaining access to the global platform, reach, and resources of Dentons.
With more than 175 locations in over 85 countries, Dentons brings unmatched global capabilities. At the same time, our Iowa roots ensure we remain deeply connected to the communities we serve, delivering the personalized service and practical market insight our clients expect.
About Dentons Davis Brown Summer Associate Program in Des Moines, Iowa
As a summer associate, you will work primarily in our Des Moines office, with opportunities to visit our other Iowa locations and connect virtually with Dentons summer associates across the United States through the Dentons Roadmap Professional Development Program. This experience offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit culture of a leading local firm combined with the global reach and resources of the world’s largest law firm.
The program is overseen by the Associate Development Committee and led by our Executive Assistant and two associate attorneys. Each summer associate is paired with a mentor and encouraged to explore practice areas that align with their interests.
Over the course of the 10-week program, you will:
- Perform real work, with real clients, early in your legal career
- Take part in a mentoring program with formal and informal support
- Participate in professional skills training
- Build relationships with attorneys, staff, and Firm leadership
- Engage in social and community activities
- Experience a culture with global resources
Many of our summer associates return as full-time associates, building long-term careers with our firm.
Practice and Sectors
You will have the opportunity to explore both litigation and transactional practices including:
| Arbitration Agribusiness Banking & Finance Capital Markets Corporate & Corporate Governance Data Privacy & Security Employment & Labor Energy Family Law Franchising & Distribution | Government Relations Health Care Higher Education Hotels & Leisure Immigration Insurance Intellectual Property & Technology Life Sciences Litigation & Dispute Resolution Manufacturing | Mergers & Acquisitions Multi-Family Housing Pensions, Benefits, & Executive Compensation Professional Liability Public Finance Public International Law Public Policy & Regulation Real Estate Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy | Securities & Corporate Finance Senior Living Tax Trade Trusts, Estates, & Wealth Preservation Venture Technology & Emerging Growth Companies White Collar & Government Investigations |
Summer Associate Qualifications
We are seeking collaborative, motivated law students who are interested in private practice.
Successful candidates demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Clear and effective communication abilities
- Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
- Engagement in extracurricular and leadership activities
What you will gain as a summer associate:
Real Legal Experience
- Perform legal research
- Draft transactional documents and motions
- Contribute toward pro bono projects
- Attending court proceedings, depositions, mediations, and closings
Professional Development
- Ethics training
- Corporate and transactional law sessions
- Litigation skills development
- Wellness and work-life balance sessions
Mentorship & Networking
- Formal and informal mentorship opportunities
- Regular lunches with attorneys across practice areas
- Exposure to firm leadership and practice groups
Social & Firm Culture
- Golf lessons, outings, and in-office yoga
- Iowa Cubs cookout at Principal Park (families/partners welcome)
- Social events with attorneys and staff
Community Engagement
- Iowa State Bar Association luncheon
- Greater Des Moines Partnership activities
- Pro Bono opportunities
- Tours of the Iowa Capitol and multiple courthouses
How to apply:
To be considered for the Dentons Davis Brown Summer Associate Program, please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Law school transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted initially)
Application deadlines:
- 1L students: January 2027
- Rising 2L students: July 2027
Please submit materials to:
Katie Eagan, Executive Assistant, Dentons Davis Brown PC