We are excited by the range and challenge of the work we do, and we want summer associates to receive substantial exposure to it.
According to the Vault Guide to the Top 100 Law Firms (2023 Edition):
“Summers are given real assignments to draft such as sections of briefs or motions. These actually get filed (after attorney revisions). If asked to draft a memorandum, these are used by partners or sent to the client.”
“My summer was incredibly substantive, [spanned] a wide variety of practice areas, and I was able to work with a wide range of associates and partners.”
“The partners also care about our staff members, not just our attorneys! Throughout the pandemic, the firm paid full salaries and benefits to all staff members (no layoffs), including those who could not do their jobs remotely (e.g., kitchen and mail room staff). I wish more people knew about that decision—I think it reflects how much the firm actually cares.”
We host weekly lunch programs in which groups of attorneys give informal presentations about their practice areas and cases. We also encourage opportunities for summer associates to get to know our lawyers through informal meetings - in the dining room at lunch, and through a number of optional events outside the office. A few examples of past summer events include:
- Washington Nationals and DC United Games
- Weekly softball games
- Performances at the Kennedy Center and The Anthem
- Outings on the Potomac
- Cocktail receptions
The social events enable our summer associates to get to know our attorneys in a relaxed environment. This allows them to understand one of the firm's greatest assets - our people. Many of our summer associates have developed close friendships with each other and with our lawyers as a result of the professional and social activities they participated in throughout the summer.