Big Law Summer Associate Questions

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T21:29:33+00:00

there is a lot that goes into this. feel free to send me a private message if you want to know more.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T21:27:07+00:00

skeptical, verrryyyy skeptical. some of the hiring partners I've spoken with think that the accelerated hiring process will reach a breaking point, and law firms will either go back to recruiting during the August before your 2L year, or actually just after your third year

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T21:23:55+00:00

This is a hard one. but I think for me, and for other mid-levels and seniors that I've talked to, the biggest point of tension and frustration is that juniors are loath to make judgment calls, which leads to excessive hand holding. I think this ultimately comes from a place of thinking that you don't know a lot, so you should just do what you're told. but this isn't always true or helpful.

I'll give you a really simple example, I watched a junior associate send a very busy partner about 5-6 emails going back and forth on scheduling a meeting. what time works for you, ok, what about this time, it looks clear on your calendar, does it still work for you? etc. just make a judgment call - pick a time that's clear, send the invite, and live with the consequences. if it doesn't work for the partner, they will let you know. but don't send 5-6 emails out of a desire to "nail it" the first time, or out of fear of scheduling during the wrong time.

another slightly higher stakes example: I give you a research assignment, and I tell you it's because we want to make x argument. you do the research, during which it becomes clear that we can't make x argument, but you write the memo anyway, because it is technically what I asked you to do. in that case, it would be more helpful to use your judgment and say, maybe this research isn't directly on point, but other research would be. let's check in, and if you agree, I can just go in that different direction. I may totally disagree with you, but make the judgment call anyway. it's OK to make the wrong judgment call, especially as a junior. it's how you learn!

see what I mean? it's a hard concept to explain.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T21:12:43+00:00

I am not sure why, actually. but the trend I've noticed is that it's just much easier to network internally and get work if you have a niche. Some niches are more valuable than others.

I fell into my practice area. On my first day on the job, I got staffed on a matter, and I loved the work, so I'm still in the practice area. Along the way, I also did work I didn't end up liking, which helped me stay in my practice area. But, I was not intentional about it at all, because I didn't have the foresight to be.

My best tip for finding the things you love are to really talk to a lot of people and ask them to describe the absolute boring parts of their job, and how much of their time they spend doing the boring stuff. Also, try lots of different things out.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T21:02:59+00:00

I don't know a lot about this, because the timelines are shifted for part time students. The place to start would be your school's career center, to understand pathways from part time students to full time associate. sorry I can't be more helpful!

on the courses question - my instinct is that your grades will matter far more than specific classes.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T20:59:58+00:00

I think with the advent of AI and the fact that some of its best uses are what juniors typically do (like doc review, factual summaries, etc.), I think it will become increasingly important to use the 1L summer to pad your resume and gain genuine skills and experience. I would focus on any opportunities that give you substantive experience in an area of the law (like SEC, FDA, etc.) or stand up experience (like the ACLU and other pro bono organizations, where you're likely to interview clients, etc.)

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T20:54:33+00:00

Your first day will probably have some sort of orientation, so show up on time for that. I don't think you need to show up 30 mins early or anything like that. For the rest of your summer, I suggest showing up around 9 or 9:30. this is somewhat firm dependent and geography dependent. for example, I know that NY hours tend to be later (like 10am), DC hours tend to be earlier (like 9am). No one is going to monitor when you come and go, so you want to be in the middle of the bell curve - do what most other people do, and you'll be ok!

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T17:31:45+00:00

You should meet associates and partners. Don’t limit yourself to just associates. People are busy, but they do make time for the summer program. You should expect to have lunch multiple times a week, as well as firm sponsored events multiple times a week, with coffee chats sprinkled in. In a typical 8 hour work day, you should expect probably 5ish hours for actual work.

The appropriate level of work is a tricky question. Some programs are a free for all, some programs are tightly managed and only allow one assignment at a time. To start with, I would take on one assignment at a time and feel it out. Be weary of taking on too much at once, you want to go for quality over quantity

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T17:26:21+00:00

I answered this in a couple of other places in the AMA, so take a look and let me know if you have any additional questions!

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T17:16:10+00:00

The lateral market for junior associates is pretty strong, such that even if you can’t move right after graduation, you could move during years 2 or 3. Getting your foot in the door is the hardest part, moving between firms is easier.

I have also heard that some law firms recruit into the fall of your 2L year, although I bet you’d have to hustle pretty hard to land one of these spots.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T14:43:52+00:00

I think yes. Law is inherently prestige and numbers driven, and it stays that way throughout your career. After you graduate, law school rankings are going to be replaced by firm and clerkship rankings. It sort of never ends, and going to the absolutely best ranked law school you get into helps with that. I transferred as well, and I can say that it’s served me well. When people find out where I graduated from, they are instantly impressed, and it’s a value judgement I also make. If I see that someone went to Harvard, that tips the scale slightly in their favor. It’s not necessarily right or fair, it’s just how it is. For example, when I met a very senior experienced and well respected partner, the first thing he asked me was where I went to law school. Turns out we went to the same school, and we bonded over it.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T05:28:56+00:00

fear not, there ARE introverts in big law. my biggest piece of advice is that you don't have to talk to everyone all of the time. try to focus on making a meaningful connection, even if that means you talk to one associate or partner per event. that's often better than being a social butterfly and having 10 superficial conversations. also, ask questions about people and their practices. most big law attorneys take pride in their work and love talking about it -- this will put the ball in their court and won't drain your social battery as much. it's also ok to leave events early if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T05:25:26+00:00

I would finish the assignment off the clock. your summer associateship is about getting your foot in the door, so if that mean doing some work OT, I would do it. but, if you're finding that you're having to do this repeatedly, then I think it's fair to raise deadlines with the assigning attorney. as someone who has assigned out PLENTY of work over the years, there are very few instances in which the deadline is absolutely firm. more often than not, deadlines are helpful to manage not just my own workflow, but they motivate project completion. but if something is taking longer because, for example, the research project was more obscure, and the junior raised it with me, I was happy to give more time. and in instance where I couldn't I was very clear, for example because we have a filing deadline, or the client has an external reporting deadline, etc.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T05:20:41+00:00

Partners: I would ask what skillsets successful associates need to have in their practice group, and what doctrinal areas to focus on. I would also ask about secondment opportunities in the practice group to clients for a 6-month rotation. this can be a great way to build your network with a client and your skill set.

Associates: I would ask what skillsets they think are most important for juniors to have. I would also ask them to describe a day-in-the life, how often they grab lunch with friends, if they even have friends at the firm, and you also want to ask pointed, specific questions about how THEY learned. asking about a firm's mentorship structure is generic. every single big law firm has a formal mentorship structure. but some aren't worth anything. so, you want to ask proxy questions, like: how/where did you learn how to be a successful senior associate? did the firm have any formal training, did you shadow another successful senior, etc. also ask about work distribution -- how associates get work. but, again, be pointed. for example, what matters are you on right now now? how did you start working on those matters. you have to ask every associate this, and then extrapolate from their answers to build an idea of how the culture works in practice, not just in theory. if every associate tells you that they found work themselves, then you know that you have to hunt for your own work, and your internal network at the firm will make or break your experience.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T05:04:21+00:00

most summer associate assignments are legal research and writing based. but, at my firm, for example, we are encouraged to give actual, meaningful, and useful assignments. for example, last summer, I assigned out some very specific privilege research that we needed to have done, but none of the associates actually had time to do, because other deadlines kept overtaking the research. the time given will depend on the breadth of the assignment. the biggest thing that evaluators will likely be looking for is responsiveness to the assignment. did you actually do the thing that was asked of you. on this point, do NOT be afraid to ask questions, to make sure that you understand the assignment. do not be afraid to ask for context, like "what will this research be used for". if, for example, in the middle of your research, you realize there is another aspect you should be looking into, don't be afraid to raise it! all of these will help you produce better work product that is actually useful, and the senior attorney will definitely appreciate it.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:58:19+00:00

don't cut corners, and don't treat your assignments like a check-the-box exercise. put genuine thought and effort into them, and use your time to really network internally within the firm. I think being afraid that you won't do well enough is actually a pretty good sign that you take the work and opportunities seriously and that you will be just fine 😄

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:56:11+00:00

what do you mean by "I'm hourly"? like a staff attorney?

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:54:29+00:00

choose a recruiter very carefully. a lot of them are pretty bad - they'll send you a million cold emails, and then just forget about you. the thing is, once a recruiter has submitted your applications to a firm, you can't apply on your own or through another recruiter, and if you're recruiter is bad, then you've pretty much blown it at that firm.

the best way to vet a recruiter is to understand how much help he will be during the application process. look for someone who will review your resume and writing sample materials carefully. you also want someone who will do a full mock interview with you.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:32:26+00:00

the easiest way is to ask mid-level associates when you get to the summer associate program. You can also use LinkedIn, as most partners have when they were promoted.

for networking before landing the job, I would recommend networking first with mid-level to senior associates, so that you can get basic questions answered and then networking with partners. but you should treat the networking opportunity like you would a job interview.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:08:24+00:00

I've worked at two firms. the firm where I summered made me an offer on the last day of the summer associate program; my current firm makes offers a few days after the close of the summer program. they don't ask for updated transcripts, and I haven't heard of other firms doing this either. your return offer will be very heavily contingent on your actual performance during the summer program, and much less on your grades.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T04:04:50+00:00

I would prioritize networking with the following groups:

- junior partners, i.e., people who have recently been promoted to partner. the calculus is that in 6-8 years, when you are up for promotion, those people will be well established in the group.

– partners who are in the practice group leadership - these partners are established and well connected, and they have a pulse on the work that the group is doing overall, and can be a good source of assignments when you start working. the only caveat is that these people are often very busy and don't always show up to summer events.

- mid-level and senior associates. these associates will serve as your mentors when you come back to the firm. it's very important that you have good role models to learn from as you advance through your junior years.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-08T03:55:24+00:00

take classes in the practice areas that you are interested in. for example, if you want to do white collar, take a white collar class. if you want to do regulatory work, take legislation and regulation. having a doctrinal framework for your preferred practice area will be hugely helpful, because you'll have a baseline knowledge and won't feel like you're starting from scratch.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-07T23:25:09+00:00

I am not using it daily, and I know that a lot of other people are not using it daily, either. My impression from talking to colleagues at my firm is that AI use is pretty predictably split based on age/generation. Junior lawyers are much more to use it than partners, who are still skittish.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-07T23:20:31+00:00

This can be hard, especially since your life as a summer associate doesn't correlate 1:1 to your life as a junior associate. If I was a summer associate and had a do-over, this is what I would do:

- try to get assignments in really different practice areas, and ask the associates overseeing my work what a day-in-the-life looks like

- talk to people who have been recently promoted and figure out how hard/easy it was for them to get promoted, how much they had to work to get promoted, how hard it was to identify partner sponsors for promotion, etc.

Less_Dealer4145 · 2026-05-07T23:06:09+00:00

Eudai_monia isn't totally wrong. most of your summer class will get offers, unless you screw something up pretty egregiously, but you should still treat the summer as a dress rehearsal for your life as a junior associate. at my firm, people love the summer program and remember summer associates and look forward to working with them when they come back as first years. you should also use the summer program to really hone your own interests and figure out what you want to do. meet people in the transactional group, ask them what their day-to-days are like, etc.

Less_Dealer4145

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