I especially enjoyed the type of work that I was able to perform, and I had more responsibility than I would have expected as a summer associate. Assignments Summer associates in our Boston, Washington and New York offices work with a large number of lawyers during the course of the summer and have the option of choosing work assignments from a variety of the firm's departments or concentrating in a limited number of practice areas. We make an effort to provide summer associates with all types of work, from legal research to drafting memoranda, complaints, and agreements. Summer associates have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of our practice by accompanying lawyers to depositions, hearings, trials, client meetings, negotiations and closings. Through the firm's Greater Boston Legal Services program, summer associates in Boston may become involved in pro bono work.
Summer associates attend a series of weekly training programs.
Partners in each office co-chair the summer program and coordinate the distribution of work assignments. The corporate assignments were particularly valuable in demonstrating what life would be like as a corporate associate. Attending organizational meetings for IPOs, drafting sessions, and performing due diligence reviews showed me how interesting and challenging corporate work can be. I especially appreciated the associates' and even the partners' willingness to bring me into transactions by inviting me to conference calls, drafting sessions, negotiations, closings and even board meetings. The work was challenging and because the attorneys were so conscientious about putting it into context and providing support and guidance it was also very interesting and satisfying.