Law Students
Our Summer Associate Program is an important part of our hiring and growth strategy. Each year, we hire law students in or near the top of their class for our 12-week program. Our goal is to give our summer associates insight into the workings of an established firm and expose them to a wide range of practice areas, attorneys, and assignments. Our summer associates are paired with mentors who guide them through the program and monitor their workload and tasks. The program provides exposure to all facets of litigation. Summer associates receive hands-on training with actual assignments for real client matters and are invited to attend our firm’s regular CLE programs, lunches with firm associates and partners, as well as firm social events.
How Do the Rotations Work?
Our practice groups are comprised of teams of partners and associates with varying years of experience. Throughout the program, summer associates rotate through and among the teams to gain exposure to different practice groups and attorneys. In each rotation, summer associates are treated as full members of their assigned team, and they are invited to attend meetings, participate in conference calls, and are given assignments to assist on real cases.
Will I Have a Mentor?
Every summer associate is paired with a mentor from the outset of the program who will guide their professional development and assist them as they navigate through the program. Mentors specifically are responsible for monitoring and facilitating their summer associate’s workflow and assignments, and they act as a liaison between the summer associates and assigning attorneys.
What is the Evaluation Process?
Evaluations and feedback are crucial components of our Summer Associate Program. Assigning attorneys complete evaluation forms for all assignments performed by summer associates and the mentors and other program coordinators hold mid-summer evaluations and end-of-summer evaluations to provide feedback and advice to the summer associates. In addition, assigning attorneys are encouraged to provide individual follow-up and feedback throughout the summer. Our summer associates also present a research presentation near the conclusion of the program to demonstrate their oral advocacy skills as well as their command of an assigned topic relevant to the cases on which they are working.
Is the Program All Work and No Play?
The Program is a reflection of the firm. Everyone works hard and is dedicated to being excellent practitioners while striking a balance with other facets of life. Participants attend firm happy hours and outings, including Phillies Games and other events.
To apply for our Summer Associate Program, please send a resume, cover letter, and transcript to Monica M. Lavin, SPHR at careers@cohenseglias.com.*
