Summer Associates
Our Summer Associate Program is the most important element of our recruitment efforts. Each year we hire a small group of exceptional law students to participate in this program. We hire only the number of summer associates we know we can employ as associates. As a result, our program is competitive externally, but cooperative and friendly in-house because we expect to be able to make an offer to every summer associate who performs well.
We prefer that our summer associates spend their whole summer with us since we feel that is how they will get the best exposure to our practice and our people. Summer associates typically spend ten to twelve weeks with us.
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 assure smooth assimilation, to guide, to coach, and to 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 particular areas 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 are anxious 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 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, and 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 for each student how he or she is progressing and how they can get the most out of the summer experience. Summer associates are encouraged to be very active participants in their evaluations since we value their feedback as well.
Salaries:
Our 2008 Summer Associate salary is $2,400 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 are designed to provide recreation, socializing, and relaxing in such pastimes as hiking, biking, the theater, museums, baseball games, kayaking, comedy clubs, crab feasts, and more. Every summer program is tailored to the interests of the participants and therefore is as unique as the participants themselves.
Additional questions regarding the firm's summer associate program should be directed to Linda Fiscus at lfiscus@bdlaw.com.
