The firm also invites summer associates to observe and participate in client meetings, real estate closings, contract negotiations, depositions, court hearings and trials. By taking part in these practice activities, summer associates can better see what is involved in a particular area. Our Pro Bono Committee meets with summer associates to describe the many pro bono opportunities that are available. Chicago summer associates have drafted criminal appeal briefs as part of a program to assist the Cook County Appellate Defenders office. Summer associates receive extensive feedback during the summer.
Feedback occurs in three stages.
The first is the reader program. It pairs the summer associate with two readers, either senior associates or partners, chosen for their ability to critically review and improve written work product. They meet with their assigned summer associates regularly during the summer and provide constructive input. The second stage is a mid-summer meeting between each summer associate and the Summer Program Coordinators. This meeting helps the summer associate evaluate the first half of the summer program and set goals for the second half.