Summer Associates are Made in the Winter - Part III

Lawyers Who Launch

Welcome back for the third installment of our mini-series - Summer Associates are Made in the Winter. In part 1 we discussed how to get yourself set up to find the best summer role for you. In part 2 we did a deep dive into the application process and landing that coveted position. Finally, in part 3 we give you tips and strategies to make the most of your summer while you are there.

Whether you are working at a firm, judicial clerkship, or some other position, you will come in contact with many legal professionals. And you will likely come in contact with those same people again in your legal career. This is a great opportunity to network. Get to know the people in your firm, not just the attorneys that you directly report to. Ask questions. Seek out projects to work on.

Plan now to keep track of everyone you meet during the summer. It may be easy to keep track of your direct supervisor or the managing partner. But if you think now about how you want to organize those networking contacts that you meet over the summer then all you have to do is put your plan into motion once you start meeting people. There are a lot of opportunities to gain introductions to a variety of professionals depending on where you are working.

When your summer internship winds to a close don’t just leave like you will never return. If any projects are not able to be completed, leave good notes so the next person can pick up where you left off because nothing will ruin the hard work you did over the summer faster than leaving a mess behind you when you leave.

Once you have everything organized and you have shared that information with whomever needs to know it, thank your employer for the opportunity and specify what, exactly, you enjoyed about working with them and their firm. You never know how or when you may come across someone again. You started the summer with a positive first impression, make sure your last impression this summer is just as positive. Finally, do not forget to get contact information for everyone that you’ve worked with and connect with them on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed your summer work and you feel as though you will have time during the semester you may consider asking if there is an opportunity for your summer clerkship to be extended. Especially in smaller firms that do not have a formal summer internship program you may be invited to stay on through the school year as a clerk. There is no harm in asking if the position may be available.

Law school does not need to be all work for three years. The summer is the perfect opportunity to do some of the things you do not have time for during the semester. Start now and reach out to friends and family and make some plans. Having something fun to look forward too will make the winter that much more manageable.
The pressures in law school can be overwhelming. Networking often falls behind. Let us help you with a strategic plan for networking that is simple to execute and will help you build your professional network now for a long and successful career.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.