Summer Associate Program
Q: How can I apply for a summer associate position?
A: We are always looking for bright, enthusiastic students to join our summer program. Currently, we interview on campus at several schools and at Cook County Bar Association Minority Job Fair, the Heartland Diversity and St. Louis Diversity Job Fairs. If we do not interview on campus at your school and you would like to apply for a summer associate position, please submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript and writing sample to Jennifer Northcutt () for the St. Louis office or Kelly Green () for all other offices.
Q: Where do you offer summer associate positions?
A: We currently hire summer associates in Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Denver and Phoenix.
Q: How does the interview process work?
A: If you interview on campus or apply in writing and are selected for a callback interview, we will arrange for you to visit your preferred office location for approximately a half-day interview. You will meet several attorneys from varying practice groups, both shareholders and associates, for interviews in their respective offices. Callback interviews generally include a lunch or dinner with several of our attorneys.
Q: What kind of work can I expect?
A: You should expect a variety of projects in varying practice areas. Research and writing, however, does play a heavy role in summer associate work. We need to form a clear picture of your writing and analytical skills. We monitor your workload to ensure that every summer associate completes an adequate number of projects without getting overloaded with work. We also want to be sure that every summer associate gets to work with attorneys in a number of practice areas, particularly those areas of interest to the summer associate.
We also encourage you to attend hearings, depositions, closings, certain client meetings and other people-oriented events.
Q: What if I am undecided on a practice area?
A: The summer is an ideal time to gain exposure to different areas of the law. All summer associates are encouraged to complete projects from a variety of practice areas.
Q: What kind of feedback will I get?
A: You will have two formal evaluations - one at midsummer and one at the end of the summer. In addition, you will receive feedback on each individual project from the supervising attorney. We pride ourselves on the congenial atmosphere of the firm. Everyone has an "open door" policy. If you have questions or concerns about a project, you should not hesitate contacting the supervising attorney.
You will also have a partner and associate mentor assigned to you. They will give you informal feedback throughout the summer.
Q: What kind of training will I receive?
A: All summer associates participate in a two-day orientation program at the beginning of the summer. In addition, you will participate in a professional development program designed specifically for summer associates. Past sessions have included writing, negotiation, etiquette, associate life and community involvement. The firm also holds regular training sessions for its attorneys. Summer associates are encouraged to attend any of the summer sessions.
A: While we don't expect that summer associate work will resemble that of a seasoned attorney, we do look for quality work product, attention to detail, and superior analytical and writing skills. You will need to complete your assignments on time and if you are unable to do so, inform the assigning attorney well in advance of the project's due date. Quality matters, but so does writing style and the appearance of your work product.
It is important that summer associates make an effort to get to know as many people as possible at the firm and treat everyone with respect. We offer many opportunities throughout the summer, both formal and informal, to socialize with others at the firm.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code is business casual. Obviously, however, there are times that formal business attire is required.