The mentor is available to provide guidance and answer questions. Practical training includes a mock trial coached and judged by attorneys and juried by staff members in addition to a mock negotiation sponsored by the corporate department, and specialized research skills required for tax-related work. During the summer, departments hold seminars to introduce their practice and their lawyers. We also arrange opportunities to attend court, client conferences and closings. The social events have included dinners at lawyers' homes, baseball games, an architectural boat tour, bowling, whirlyball and other team builders, a golf outing, as well as many other informal gatherings.
Summer associates receive three formal reviews.
The first review occurs three weeks after arrival, the second takes place mid-summer and the third is on their last day. Prior to departure, summer associates are asked to preference a department from which they would like to receive an employment offer. Offers of employment are extended from a department and are usually communicated to the summer associate on their last day. The 2000 summer program included seven summer associates. The 2001 summer program will include approximately seven summer associates.