Summer Program

Downey Brand's summer associate program is designed to assess the summer associate's potential to become a successful lawyer with the firm upon graduation from law school. This program, the main source from which we recruit new associates, is structured so that the firm can evaluate summer associates' abilities while providing them with an educational work experience as well as the opportunity to get to know the firm's attorneys and staff.

Work Assignments

Summer associates receive their work assignments from all areas of the firm. While the mentors secure the first two or three assignments, subsequent assignments come directly from the attorneys. Summer associates who have expressed specific areas of interest are encouraged to seek work from partners and associates in those practice areas. While many of the assignments are research related, we want the summer associate to experience the wide range of our attorneys' activities. Assignments can include drafting documents, pleadings, discovery requests and client letters. When appropriate, our attorneys include the summer associates in trials, hearings, arbitrations, depositions, closings, negotiations, site visits and client meetings.

Each summer associate is required to keep a log of all projects assigned. That way, the mentors are always aware of the summer associate's workload, project deadlines and variety of completed projects.

Each assigning attorney is required to complete an evaluation for each completed task and then discuss it with the summer associate. Mentors also meet frequently with the summer associates to discuss assignments. Summer associates have two formal review sessions: one at mid-summer and one at the end of the program. They meet with the firm's hiring partner to discuss the quality of work, performance during the summer and prospects for future employment with the firm.

The Mentor Program

Each summer associate is assigned two mentors – a partner and an associate. Mentors advise the summer associate about firm practices and expectations, provide guidance in the handling of assignments and workload, answer questions about specific assignments and ensure that the summer associate works on matters of interest to him or her.

Our summer associates receive assignments from all practice areas. We encourage them to work with as many different attorneys in as many different practice areas as possible – but to also seek assignments from attorneys whose practice area is of interest to them. The mentors oversee the assignments to ensure the summer associate is afforded the opportunity to receive the widest variety of assignments possible.

Mentors are also responsible for making sure the summer associate receives crucial feedback from assigning attorneys. Mentors make themselves available to provide helpful advice on everything from general work-related issues to where to have lunch.

Evaluations

At mid-summer and again at the end of the summer, the firm's Hiring Partner will meet with the summer associate to review his or her performance. The summer associate will be advised as to how the firm views the quality of work, performance during the summer, and prospects for future employment with the firm.

Social Activities

Social activities such as firm parties, baseball games, and the firm's annual summer associate golf tournament provide everyone with an opportunity to get to know each other on a personal level.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation for summer associates is $1,700 per week. Summer associates are not eligible for benefits or vacation. Requests for time off are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Extension of Offers

The firm is prepared to make as many offers as there are summer associates following the conclusion of the summer program. In other words, our summer associates do not compete with one another for a limited number of offers. Whether or not an offer is made depends upon the individual summer associate's performance in the program.

Hiring Criteria

Downey Brand hires summer associates who have demonstrated academic excellence and a desire to excel in the practice of law. Involvement in law review, moot court or other law school activities as well as previous work experience all figure in our selection process. Go to On-Campus Recruiting for information on applying to our summer associate program.

NALP FORM

Workplace Questionnaire

Pro Bono Policy

Expense Policies

• RECRUITING

• Associates • Summer Program • On-Campus Recruiting

• EMPLOYMENT

• Attorney • Paralegal • Staff

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