Career Center: The 2009 Summer Associate Survey Results

The Vault survey rankings may have created buzz last week, but we’re going to kick off the buzz this week by unveiling our first annual review of the summer associate experience at the major law firms. With information based on surveys conducted by Lateral Link and tips we’ve gathered at ATL, the summer program snapshots give you an insiders perspective on each firm. So if you are heading into OCI and want the scoop on what 2009 summer associate class felt about their experience, check out the ATL Career Center, powered by Lateral Link.
The Summer Associate Program review is located within each firm snapshot. Surf over there to find out:

  • Which firm received high marks for being “open and honest” with summer associates “at every juncture of the law firm strategy in this economic climate?” Click here.
  • Which firm gives summers an $85 dinner budget and does a two day retreat for all summers at Catalina Island? Click here.
  • Which firm’s summers report that the firm is “fantastic” when it comes to summer salaries and offers “job security” that is hard to find elsewhere? Click here.
  • Which firm had summer associates go head to head in a “Roc the Guac” guacamole-cooking contest? Click here.
    More after the jump.

  • Which firm’s summers report that they “are encouraged to take the time to produce good work product and are not rushed on…assignments?” Click here.
  • Which powerhouse firm has their summers working 10-hour days (but rewards them with a $150 dinner budget)? Click here.
  • Sponsored

  • Which firm gives summer associates the opportunity to spend part of the summer in its offices in Amsterdam , Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, São Paulo, and Shanghai? Click here.
  • Which firm offers to pay the salary for summer associates who work with a public interest organization during the second half of the summer? Click here.
  • Which firm offers a Patent Fellowship for summer associates with a technical background, including a $10,000 bonus? Click here.
  • Which firm’s summers report that the summer program is “not a fun-and-games summer,” and most summer associates “work from home for at least a few hours on weekends?” Click here.
    Thank you to all ATL Career Center Users and Lateral Link Members who participated in the survey. If you participated in a 2009 summer associate program and want to share your thoughts, email us at careercenter@abovethelaw.com.
    Career Center [official website]
  • Sponsored