What are the class sizes and law schools represented in the Summer Program?
The average summer class size is 15-20 2L and 1L students. Recent summer classes have included students from: Arizona State, Boston University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell Law School, Duke University, George Washington University, Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University, New York University, Notre Dame University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, University of Florida-Levin, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Kansas, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University.
Does Michael Best offer split summer sessions?
For 2Ls we will consider splits on a case-by-case basis.
How will summer associates receive work assignments?
We have no formal "rotation" among our Practice Groups. Summer Associates generally receive work assignments in the same manner as our new attorneys, directly from our attorneys in the summer associates’ area of interest.
What kind of work assignments do summer associates receive?
Summer associates perform necessary, important legal work for our clients, not made-up or “canned” academic assignments. Whenever practicable, we attempt to involve our summer associates directly in client contact, not merely the performance of specific, isolated tasks. We’ll also involve our summer associates in hearings, depositions, trials, pretrial preparation, transactional closings, document preparation, client consultation, and brief and memo writing.
What kind of training will summer associates receive?
Summer associates participate in orientation and training during the first week at the firm, with ongoing training offered throughout the summer. We want summer associates to be involved in learning who the client is and what the client wants, and in selecting the strategy best suited to get the job done. Where appropriate, we provide opportunities for summer associates to become familiar with our clients’ facilities and products.
Will summer associates have help during the summer?
Each summer associate is assigned two sponsors—one a partner and one an associate. The primary responsibility of a sponsor is to acclimate the summer associate to the firm, both socially and professionally. This includes providing assistance in obtaining work assignments, guidance on the work itself, and insights into the intangibles of firm life.
What kind of feedback and evaluations will summer associates receive?
Summer associates receive formal and informal feedback from the attorneys with whom they work throughout the summer. Every summer associate has three performance reviews: after two written projects; at mid-summer; and the end of the summer.
Will there be any kind of social activities?
Weekly social activities are organized throughout the summer. Summer associates are also invited to lunches, dinners, and other informal activities hosted by the attorneys. Social activities are not mandatory, but are offered as a helpful way to introduce our attorneys to summer associates.
Is there an opportunity for community service?
Each year the summer associates are invited to give a day back to the community. Community service not only provides meaningful service and support to not-for-profit organizations, but also allows our summer associates to enjoy the opportunity to work together as a group.
How much are summer associates paid?
Our 2008 summer associate salary will be $2,400 per week in Wisconsin and $2,600 per week in Illinois. Law students who accept an offer to join us upon graduation receive a $2,500 signing bonus and a $2,500 graduation bonus.
Will summer associates be reimbursed for travel expenses?
Summer associates will be reimbursed for the cost of round-trip mileage or round-trip coach airfare from law school to the city in which you are working.
Will housing be provided?
Our Recruitment Coordinator provides summer associates with resources to assist them in obtaining summer housing.
When are offers made to summer associates?
Offers are decided once the summer has ended. The Recruitment Committee meets in mid-August, after all the summer associates have returned to school.
What percentage of summer associates receive offers?
We hire summer associates with the presumption that they will receive an offer.
