Events range from the standard cocktail hour to more luxurious fare. One of the firm's standout events this year was a sailing trip on the San Francisco Bay followed by a reception at a yacht club. Weekend retreats are popular. Cooley Godward sponsored a weekend at the Seascape resort near San Jose, where summer associates from all the firm's offices take part in training as well as relax on the beach. Pillsbury summer associates were more vigorous during their retreat to Lake Tahoe, they went water-skiing and gambled the night away.
Firms take full advantage of the natural attributes of the Bay Area.
Outdoor activities include hiking, biking trips, surfing, golf tournaments, sea kayaking, and whitewater rafting. My caloric intake has skyrocketed. Summer associates culinary highlights include being treated at some of San Francisco's finest restaurants, including Boulevard, Postrio, and Hawthorne Lane. Others point out that Northern California simply offers opportunities that New York does not-the chance to appreciate the great outdoors. Many associates chose California firms for lifestyle reasons.