You made it! You landed a summer associate role at your firm of choice. While you deserve a “well done” moment, you can’t take your foot off the gas pedal just yet. This is but one of the many accomplishments ahead of you. A summer job with a firm you hope will become your permanent employer offers opportunities, but also presents risks that need to be managed. Summer associates can lay a foundation that will smooth their transition to full-time associates. However, there is also the potential to cause firms to question their choices.
Law firms welcome curious minds and motivated learners. They use summer programs to introduce students to work, culture and clients in hopes of finding the next class of stellar lawyers. Most law firms approach summer programs believing students have an offer of employment that is theirs to lose. The National Association for Law Placement reports that offer rates for summer associates in 2018 hit a high of 97%. So while it doesn’t happen often, it’s worth considering how to get the best outcome.
