Summer associates' work assignments are varied to ensure exposure to many areas of the firm. We attempt, however, to assign a summer associate to as many projects as possible in one area of practice if he or she so desires. Projects are distributed from a central assignment desk to facilitate the matching of summer associates with appropriate work and to make sure that no one is overwhelmed with one project. Each summer associate has a Bell, Boyd adviser. Advisers work with summer associates on at least one significant project and generally oversee their summer experience, ensuring that it is properly directed and balanced.
Advisers also participate extensively in work evaluations.
Additionally, our attorneys act as writing mentors to assist summer associates by critiquing their writing assignments. We are strongly committed to attorney training and development. Using both outside consultants and our own lawyers as instructors, Bell, Boyd conducts an extensive training program for summer associates. Each practice group conducts weekly training sessions throughout the summer. Bell, Boyd attorneys offer seminars on mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, business organization, arbitration, real estate, intellectual property, e-commerce and FDA issues.