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Career Center: Summer Associate Caveat Emptor - What Are Associates Really Thinking?

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Summer is almost here, which means summer associates will begin working at major law firms around the world. Will you be summering at one of the law firms profiled below? If you are a Biglaw summer associate and want to know what firm associates really think about the firm you are clerking at, check out the Career Center for great insight on all the leading firms.

  • Formal training and mentoring are big at this firm, but some associates still feel ill-prepared to handle the actual work they are assigned. As one of the first U.S.-based firms to expand internationally, it can be “sink or swim,” according to Lateral Link members, and there is virtually no chance at becoming partner here. Still, the firm is considered a market leader with respect to family leave and has one of the highest average percentages of new female partners.
  • Associates at this top-tier firm, known for its intellectual property practice, enjoy the collaborative work environment as well as the manageable work hours. It is a free-market system when it comes to work assignments, but associates in the firm’s satellite offices warn that work may be hard to come by relative to the associates in the main office. With a five- to six-year partnership track and a minimum billable requirement of 1,750, becoming partner is a realistic goal for most associates here.

More profiles, after the jump.

  • If becoming a Biglaw partner is your lifelong goal, you might want to avoid working at this firm, where there is a slim chance at making partner even if you are willing to give up your life to the firm. For associates who do not make partner and end up leaving, however, the pedigree of the firm alone will open doors. Aside from its reputation and prestige, this firm is known as a market leader for associate compensation and was one of the first firms to announce spring bonuses in 2011.
  • Associate compensation is somewhat lower at this firm relative to many other Biglaw firms, but Lateral Link Members consider the “humane work environment” a fair tradeoff. In addition to the “laid back atmosphere,” associates get a lot of responsibility early on in their careers without having to put in excessive face time. Pro bono is also encouraged, with almost every associate at the firm conducting some form of pro bono work last year.

Summer associates should check back next week for additional career tips and advice. In the meantime, peruse additional law firm profiles on the Career Center website. If you have questions about any of the law firms profiled on the Career Center, feel free to contact any of the recruiting professionals at Lateral Link.

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