In 2025, the legal industry remains highly competitive, with top law firms offering lucrative compensation packages to attract the best talent. One of the most sought-after positions for law students is the summer associate role, particularly at prestigious firms like Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, commonly known as Bradley. If you’re considering a summer associate position in the Tampa, Florida office, understanding the salary trends and job market is key.
Average Salary for Bradley Tampa Summer Associates in 2025
As of 2025, the average salary for a summer associate at Bradley’s Tampa office is approximately $3,700 to $4,300 per week, translating to $14,800 to $17,200 per month for a standard 4-week month.
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Weekly Rate: $3,700 – $4,300
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Monthly Rate (4 weeks): $14,800 – $17,200
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Total for 10-week program: $37,000 – $43,000
These figures are aligned with market-leading firms and reflect the value placed on attracting high-performing law students from top-tier law schools.
Factors That Influence Summer Associate Salaries
Several factors determine the salary range and take-home pay for summer associates at Bradley in Tampa:
1. Geographic Location
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Tampa, FL salaries are slightly lower than NYC or DC due to cost-of-living adjustments but remain highly competitive for the Southeastern region.
2. Law School Tier
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Students from T14 law schools may receive higher offers or more favorable bonuses.
3. Prior Experience
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Candidates with clerkships, legal internships, or moot court achievements may receive higher compensation or preference in hiring.
4. Duration of Internship
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Full 10-week commitments may lead to bonus eligibility or priority consideration for post-graduation employment.
5. Performance-Based Bonuses
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Exceptional performance can sometimes lead to end-of-summer bonuses or early offers for full-time roles.
Take-Home Pay From a $103K Equivalent Salary
While summer associates are paid weekly and not on an annualized basis, many law students calculate the annual equivalent salary. A summer associate earning $4,100/week would equate to:
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Annualized Salary: $4,100 × 52 = $213,200
For a full-time associate starting at $103,000/year:
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Federal Taxes (~22-24%): ~$22,000 – $25,000
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State Taxes (Florida): $0 (no income tax)
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Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$78,000 – $81,000 annually
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Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,500 – $6,750
Note: Summer associates do not receive full benefits, so their take-home is closer to gross pay during their internship.
Salary by Experience: Intern to Senior Roles
While summer associates are typically law students, here’s how salaries grow with experience:
Role | Avg. Annual Salary (Tampa) |
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Summer Associate | $37,000 – $43,000 (10 weeks) |
First-Year Associate | $103,000 – $120,000 |
Third-Year Associate | $135,000 – $150,000 |
Senior Associate | $160,000 – $200,000+ |
Partner | $300,000 – $1M+ |
Job Market Trends in 2025
The legal job market in 2025 is experiencing significant shifts:
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AI & Tech Law Growth: Increasing demand for associates with tech-savvy legal knowledge.
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Hybrid Work Culture: Firms offer flexibility, making Tampa attractive for out-of-state applicants.
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Lateral Hiring Boom: High turnover rates mean firms are increasingly recruiting summer associates for long-term retention.
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Diversity Emphasis: Inclusive hiring practices continue to shape recruitment priorities.
Benefits of a Summer Associate Role at Bradley
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Hands-on Legal Training: Work directly with partners on real cases.
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Networking Opportunities: Build lasting professional relationships.
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Path to Full-Time Employment: Many summer associates receive return offers.
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Prestige: Bradley is a nationally recognized AmLaw 200 firm.
Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
To maximize salary potential and hiring chances, consider the following:
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J.D. from an ABA-Accredited School
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Top 25% Class Ranking
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Law Review or Moot Court Participation
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Legal Writing Certifications
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Clerkship Experience (State or Federal Courts)
Conclusion
Securing a summer associate role at Bradley in Tampa is not just about earning a competitive salary—it’s a strategic career move. With weekly pay rates reaching upwards of $4,300 and strong potential for long-term employment, it’s a top-tier opportunity for aspiring lawyers in 2025. By understanding salary influencers, market trends, and growth potential, law students can make informed decisions and position themselves for success in a dynamic legal landscape.
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