Deferral Stipend, Start Dates, Summer Associates

Ropes & Gray: Defers Current Summers to 2011

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If the class of 2009 is like the main cast on Lost, then the class of 2010 is starting to look like the Tailies. Ropes & Gray has decided to defer its current summer class until “Sometime, 2011.”
Here is the firm-wide memo that all Ropes & Gray associates received last week:

As we recently communicated to summer associates, we will be making offers to them according to the usual standards and in the same numbers as in the past. We have not set a definite start date for them, but it will be no earlier than January 2011. We are encouraging current summer associates to consider pursuing a clerkship or NAP fellowship.

Just like Cravath Skadden, Ropes is promising that its summer offer rate will be commensurate with past years. However, just like Cravath Skadden, Ropes makes no mention of any kind of incoming first-year deferral stipend that it intends to offer to the class of 2010.
UPDATE: We now know what kind of stipend Ropes will be giving to the class of 2010. See here.
In March, Ropes announced its New Alternatives plan, which deferred the class of 2009 to January 2010. Now the firm is encouraging its current summers (class of 2010) to seek a public interest fellowship between law school graduation and the new start date at the firm.
At least current Ropes summer associates should come out of this summer with offers in hand. There are a lot of Biglaw summers that would sign up for that, regardless of when they can actually start after graduation.
Read the full Ropes & Gray memo, after the jump.


ROPES & GRAY — MEMORANDUM — SUMMER ASSOCIATES
Our summer associates have recently passed the midpoint of their time with us, and their feedback suggests that they have been finding the summer experience very productive. I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts on the crucial role that you, our associates, have played in creating a positive experience for our summers.
You are vital to the firm’s ability to recruit and retain emerging talent; and you are vital to their forging appropriate connections with the firm. You model the world-class service orientation and results-driven work that our clients value. Perhaps most importantly, you serve as mentors and colleagues to our summer associates in ways that help us engage these talented young professionals more deeply, and develop their legal and interpersonal skills and drive. I want to thank all of you for the part you play in the overall success of the summer program.
As we recently communicated to summer associates, we will be making offers to them according to the usual standards and in the same numbers as in the past. We have not set a definite start date for them, but it will be no earlier than January 2011. We are encouraging current summer associates to consider pursuing a clerkship or NAP fellowship.
As you know, Ropes & Gray views summer associates as future lawyers and colleagues. We ask that you help us end their summer on a high note, and do what you can to help convince these talented professionals to accept their offers.
Thank you again for all of your help and dedication, and for the time you devote to our recruiting activities.
Earlier: Ropes & Gray: Defers Start Dates, Offers ‘New Alternatives’ For All Associates
Cravath Offers Voluntary Deferral to Class of 2009 — and Delays Class of 2010 a Full Year

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