Summer Associates
Our Summer Associate Program is one of the most important elements of our recruitment efforts. We hire a group of exceptional law students to participate in our summer program. Our program is competitive externally, but cooperative and supportive in-house.
Mentors
Every summer associate is assigned two mentors — a Principal and an Associate. The Principal mentor has the “seasoning” to give advice in any circumstance, while the Associate is not too far removed from his/her own experience as a summer associate and will understand even the most basic concerns. They both work to integrate the summer associates quickly and thoroughly into our culture. Mentors meet with summer associates as often as necessary to ensure smooth assimilation and to guide, coach, and listen. These mentor relationships are often the beginnings of lasting friendships.
Work Assignments
Summer associates work on real assignments for real clients. All assignments are made centrally to ensure that everybody gets challenging, substantive legal work similar to projects we give our junior associates. We make an effort to assign projects in the areas of interest for those summer associates who express a particular interest, or to provide a well-rounded experience for those who want a broader experience. Summer associates frequently develop an interest in practice areas that they had not previously considered, and we endeavor to promote their exposure to new areas.
Once an assignment has been made, summer associates meet with assigning attorneys, initially for detailed instructions, then as often as necessary for questions, follow-up, and feedback. We also include summer associates in client meetings, teleconferences, depositions, and court appearances whenever possible so that they can experience for themselves the full extent of our service to our clients.
Training
Summer associates participate in a comprehensive training program, including courses offered through B&D University, that is designed to acclimate students to our work environment quickly and thoroughly. In addition, throughout the course of the program, summer associates attend local bar courses and training lectures by practice group leaders and distinguished guests.
Evaluations and Feedback
Summer associates are evaluated on every assignment. Assigning attorneys consider legal reasoning, analysis, judgment, written and oral communication skills, timeliness, and interpersonal skills. Every summer associate receives two formal evaluations. The first is held during the midpoint of the summer, and the second at the end of the summer. These evaluation meetings are intended to detail how each summer associate is progressing and how each can get the most out of the summer experience. Because we value their feedback, summer associates are encouraged to be very active participants in their evaluations.
Salaries
Summer associates are paid the weekly equivalent of our salary for entry-level associates, currently $3,400 per week.
Beyond Work
We want our summer associates to enjoy themselves in the company of co-workers and take advantage of the exciting, culture-rich cities in which we are located. Our informal social events have included hiking, biking, theater, museums, baseball games, kayaking, comedy clubs, crab feasts, and more. Every summer program is tailored to the interests of the participants and is as unique as the participants themselves.
Questions?
Additional questions regarding the firm's Summer Associate Program should be directed to Lindy Resh.
