Legal Summer Associate Positions Explained
What does a legal summer associate do?
They’re typically law students who serve as temporary employees at a law firm for a period of time during their summer break. The standard summer "program" is usually 10 to 12 weeks, during which law students learn the nitty-gritty of the law practice, interact with senior attorneys and other staff members, and receive on-the-job training.
Are summer associate positions required?
Although attending law school is required to practice law, participating in this type of position is not. While some law firms may also require participation in a program like this in addition to earning your degree, otherwise there are no mandates for these types of positions .
How do I find a summer associate position?
The best way to find a position of any kind is through networking. This means developing a network of law students, licensed attorneys and other legal professionals, mentors, professors and even professionals from other industries, which can help you land the right positions. Additional ways to connect with these types of opportunities include targeting firms you’re interested in and staying active with the American Bar Association, local bar or county associations and any pro bono work you’ve done.
Summer Associate Applications
Those who wish to obtain the coveted summer associate positions must fulfill several requirements to apply. From determining where you want to work, to making sure you are on target for law school graduation, each of these factors will coalesce into your overall application process.
TIMELINE
Each large law firm will have their own specific timeline for applications; however, for the most part, nothing will be finalized until the beginning of the summer season. A good rule of thumb to remember is that most offers will be made before the end of September and that each program will require an application and interview. You need to have your resume polished, and your transcript at the ready to help speed along this process. Another actionable item to help make the application process more seamless is to network with alumni at the firm and get a résumé review.
For the most part, there are three ways to apply for these positions: Many law firms will require you to use "BLIND" copy resumes that are not easily readable by computer systems. In some cases, law firms will accept "General" copies of your resume.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
The requisite application materials generally required to be submitted with your summer associate application include: Once accepted, you will go through a series of interviews in order to obtain the position. The overall process takes quite a bit of time and is very competitive. For that reason, make sure to start preparing in advance for these interviews by hiring a coach. Practice interviewing with them can help you gain an objective perspective.
Qualities of an Effective Legal Summer Associate
Aside from legal prowess, what exactly do law firms look for when hiring their summer associates? Most firms are willing to overlook a slight dip in grades. So what else do you need to be a successful legal summer associate?
Analytical Skills
Many of the tasks assigned to summer associates rely on strong analytical skills. You might be tasked with reviewing a contract or a piece of legislation and providing a summary of the most important points. You’ll likely find yourself focusing on the main argument, then drawing up bullet points or an outline for easier digestion and presentation. The better your analytical skills, the more easy it is to pick out the "need-to-know" information.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is often key to the success or failure of summer associate projects. For example, if you’re tasked with reviewing contracts or preparing a presentation, you need to look at every single word. Even missing one word could change the interpretation of an entire statute, court decision or contract. In extreme cases, you could leave out an important phrase that opens your firm and client up to litigation. Be diligent and use your keen eye to catch any mistakes when proofreading.
Proactive Spirit
Legal summer associates are generally proactive by nature. If you’re able to tell that the person training you is overloaded, offer to take on some of his or her work. Don’t expect to be handed busywork, though. Learning from a partner is essential, so it’s best to offer help, but never take on more than your working hours allow.
Practice Teamwork
The best legal summer associates are able to work in a team setting. You might be asked to work in conjunction with a mentor or partner, effectively splitting the tasks into manageable chunks. In addition, you may be asked to work with multiple summer associates on a project. Stay open-minded to constructive criticism in terms of style—what matters is that you get the job done.
Keep in mind that even the hardest workers are sometimes unable to make major accomplishments in the short time period. Your interview ability, or work ethic, go a long way towards helping you land a full-time position. Most importantly, make sure to follow clues and ask questions before starting a new assignment. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your mentor.
Selecting a Law Firm
In addition to that, you will be able to learn about various areas of the law and experienced attorneys in different fields. You will be able to attend client meetings, court cases and participate in conferences. You will also get to know the firm’s culture, which helps you decide if you will fit in for the next few years or if you will work well long-term with specific attorneys you meet at the firm. If you enjoy the work and are invited to return, it may open doors for future opportunities at that firm after you graduate. If the firm is splitting into different offices or is getting bought out, it may affect your ability to get re-hired.
Consider what types of practice areas you are interested in and what interests you have outside of practicing law that could help you in deciding where you’d like to apply. Consider what types of companies you’d like to work for, what types of clients interest you, and what types of industries you’d like to be a part of. Not all law firms align closely with corporate giants or Wall Street clients, and that’s an important distinction worth noting.
You should also consider your personal goals and development in regards to your professional career. Do you want to continue at a corporate law firm for the next couple of decades and presumably make a lot of money? Or are you an aspiring public interest lawyer at heart? Are you willing to relocate? What type of work environment do you thrive in? Consider location as well, including whether you would be willing to split time between an office and the firm’s international or national headquarters. Do you prefer an office close to home or are you ethically okay with harboring a long commute?
Keep in mind that a summer associate rotation is a two-way street. Each firm in your options likely has a wide array of openings available. It is in your hands to choose wisely.
Preparing for Interviews as a Summer Associate
The question that typically arises at this stage of the game – when a law firm interview is imminent – is "What can I do to prepare for the interview and make a strong impression, so that I will be invited back a second time?" Here are some tips on how you can succeed in impressing your potential employers.
The first step is to anticipate what questions may be asked during the interview so that you can come up with the best responses. There are many sources available on the Internet that give examples of interview questions and answers. In addition, Better Know a Law Firm does a good job of summarizing many of the firms’ interview questions, here. Some typical interview questions include, "What type of law do you want to practice? Why?"; "When did you become interested in becoming an attorney? What influenced you?"; "How do you think you will perform in a law firm environment?" and "What experience do you have that sets you apart from the other candidates we have interviewed?" In addition to preparing for those questions, you should also prepare a list of questions that you will ask of your potential colleagues . Potential interview questions should include, "How do you enjoy working here?"; "What is the culture like at this firm?"; "What types of cases do you work on?"; and "Does the firm provide support systems for young attorneys? Mentors? Resources?" These questions will not only help you gauge how well you will fit into your potential employers’ firm, but they will also show that you have done your homework in learning about the firm. Other notes on preparing for interviews: You don’t have to have the best answers to the interviewers’ questions, but think about how your experiences, whether work, school or otherwise, make you unique. It is those experiences that will set you apart in the interviewer’s eyes when it comes time to making hiring decisions. Do not belabor the point or go into long explanations of your experiences. Your answers should be succinct but thoughtful. Do not think that you need to have all of the answers, but only responses that demonstrate your skills and how you will fit in.
Making the Most of a Summer Associate Position
An opportunity to spend the summer as a law firm’s summer associate brings more than social obligations and professional training. It ushers the prospective attorney into the reality of practicing law within the firm’s culture. Success in fulfilling this role is an indicator of the attorney’s future with the firm.
Meticulousness and social skills are required of all summer associates. But how do the "gold stars" earn more attention and accolades? By making connections and taking advantage of every opportunity.
The summer associate’s primary duty is to cultivate a professional relationship with the firm’s attorneys in order to earn an employment offer. This can be accomplished through regular, yes, but always pleasant and engaging interactions. If you golf, see who wants to play a round. Not into golf, no worries, drop by the drink cart if you haven’t seen your fellow associates in a while. Hang out in the break room after lunch or take a coffee break to meet up with the attorneys who comment on the same news articles.
Asking questions and accepting guidance from the firm’s mentors is another way to ensure summer associate status is not taken for granted. No one expects a summer associate to know the ropes but they should strive to be "spongelike" in their ability to absorb information and advice. While not necessarily golden secrets, mentoring attorneys can pass on invaluable lessons. Examples include the best legal research websites and West Law shortcuts or tips for who to contact in order to get responses in a timely manner.
Further summer associates should sign up for any training sessions that are available, including legal writing workshops. Many firms also conduct mock interviews for summer associates and law school interviews for fall hires. Signing up for and attending these events shows a vested interest in performing as a valuable summer associate. Speaking of value, sometimes the best things come in small packages. Sending a thank you after some oversight (legal writing sessions, lunches or outings) is a good opportunity to secure image points and professional pointers. (This also counts as a networking opportunity. See above.) Finally, according to Vault.com, nothing will make an impression like showing up to the first day of summer associate training equipped with a notepad for notes.
The summer associate program represents the crème de la crème of the legal industry. It is where Harvard grads, semen from the Ohio State University and disgruntled UCLA former class presidents mingle for just a few months to determine whether they should all fit into the same mosaic. This precious space on the summer associate roster is hard-earned and it comes coupled with expectations. There is a balance between letting your identity shine through and being exactly what the firm wants you to be.
Opportunities After a Summer Associate Position
Typically, summer associates receive priority for offers for permanent, full-time positions with the same firm. Some law firms offer permanent positions for all summer associates, whereas others only extend permanent offers to some of their summer associates. The average offer rate from 2001 through 2010 varies by firm type. 82% of summer associates at large law firms received offers. 50% of summer associates at small law firms received offers. 25% of summer associates at midsize law firms received offers.
Law firms typically extend permanent, full-time offers in August and September following summer associate positions. In 2011 through 2012 , more than 90% of summer associates at large law firms accepted full-time positions. The acceptance rate at midsize law firms was 88%, and it was 83% at small law firms. Because acceptance rates have historically been high, it’s most common for a summer associate to receive an offer for a permanent position.
Following a summer associate position, you may also have an opportunity to advance in your firm’s ranks, provided your firm has an in-house partnership track. Some firms allow their summer associates to join their ranks upon graduation without seeking post-graduation employment elsewhere.