Your position as a summer associate, as small as it may seem, is a crucial stepping stone in your legal career. This is your opportunity to get experience under your belt, build connections, and strengthen some skills that you may not be able to work on while simply studying in law school. By reading the list below, we hope that you will find useful advice for making the most of your summer position, so that you may turn this summer into a learning experience on which to look back for years to come.
Look at the Big Picture
Before going in for your first day on the job, the first matter of importance is doing a bit of research on the firm that has hired you. Reviewing the website of the firm, its key clients, and its recent cases will help you prove yourself adequately prepared to work there. You want to understand the environment and law firm culture into which you are walking, so that you may adjust your work style accordingly. Make sure you also know what the firm values most, and which areas of law it frequently practices. In addition, understand what the firm expects from you as a summer associate—typically this will entail professionalism, curiosity, and timeliness, but could include more, depending on the firm.
Work Excellently
Delivering work that you are proud of and passionate about is a good rule of thumb to follow as a summer associate. You should focus on the quality of your work, not its quantity. Your boss or supervisor would rather receive well-reasoned, thorough work than assignments that you have clearly rushed through in order to get the job done. Proofread everything to eliminate any typos or sloppy writing; you do not want to make a poor impression with the work you do. Ask clarifying questions about your assignments as you receive them, proving that you have an interest in providing excellent work, and that you have a proactive approach to doing so.
Be a Team Player
As a summer associate, you will likely be assigned to a group of supervisors with whom you are meant to work. However, when you can, you should volunteer to help others outside of this group to show that you are willing and eager to do as much work as possible. Even when you are asked to perform small or mundane tasks, do not refuse or act like you are above them, because small tasks can often lead to bigger, grander opportunities.
Use Your Time Wisely
Time management is an important skill in most every job, but it is especially important to strengthen during your time as a summer associate in order to set you up for the rest of your career. The trick here is to stay organized. Have some sort of system (a planner, a spreadsheet, etc.) to track your assignments and deadlines for the whole summer. It is crucial that you do not skip this step; it will help you communicate your workload to your supervisors, as well as help you know if you are in a position to take on more work.
Build Relationships
A major part of this summer will be building connections with others in the legal world in order to further your own career. To do this, you should be friendly and approachable. Get to know everyone: the attorneys, receptionists, junior and senior lawyers, paralegals, and any other staff present. You never know how or when one of these connections might help you later. Also, go to social events that your firm hosts or attends. Participating in these, while remaining professional, is important for learning and understanding how to network in a way that adds names to your list of people to call and gets your own name out there.
Display Genuine Interest
You should always show interest in the assignments and tasks assigned to you this summer. Displaying a natural curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and participating enthusiastically will show your supervisors that you are genuinely interested in legal work and furthering your career. Do not only stick to one particular area of practice—dipping your toes into multiple areas of law and trying new types of work will demonstrate your flexibility to the higher-ups while also expanding your own experience.
Pay Attention to Your Reputation
Because this is likely your first true experience working in the legal world, you want to be extra careful about keeping your reputation pristine. A common suggestion is to treat your position as a summer associate as if it is a very long interview. Remain punctual and professional throughout the summer. Avoid gossip with—or about—co-workers and firm politics. Keep your mannerisms and overall mindset positive and respectful at all times. You do not want to do anything that may intrude on your ability to get jobs in the future.
Seek Feedback
Regularly requesting feedback will show your supervisors that you are willing to take initiative and have a desire to improve. However, asking for the feedback is not the most important part of this process. In order to truly strengthen your skills, you must incorporate the suggestions you receive into your work. Displaying the ability to apply feedback appropriately and take constructive criticism gracefully is the key to growing over the course of your summer position.
If this is your first legal job, your position as a summer associate is likely daunting and stress-inducing. Do not take this advice as a list of things in which you cannot err and must perform without flaws. Instead, simply reflect on them to leave a good impression and maximize success. You do not have to be perfect. A little stumbling is okay. Everyone around you understands that you are just starting out and still have a lot of learning to do. If you can show up to work respectful, willing, and engaged, then you are on the right track.
