Akerman

• “I was given meaningful assignments that helped me learn not only the law but also how to specifically address client concerns. I was invited to sit in on client meetings and even meet them in person.”
• “I received most of my training and work assignments from senior associates, although I did receive a number of interesting and substantive work assignments from partners.”
• “Substantial on-the-job practical training, I was given the opportunity to work on meaningful cases and pro bono work. I had weekly check-ins with associates and partners and was able to get work from attorneys from other practice groups.”

• “Akerman's attorneys and staff were all kind, welcoming, and humble. I never had a bad experience with anyone. The firm assigned summer associates mentors—one associate and one partner—ensuring that I always had a person to turn to when I needed advice. My favorite summer event was the summer associate retreat. The firm flew out all the summer associates to visit its Miami office, hosting practical seminars and a game night.”
• “The firm sponsored a retreat to the firm's HQ in Miami for the summer associates, with fun events, including mini golfing and a cocktail hour, but also substantive interactions with existing attorneys, a pro bono event, and a discussion on law school and associate life.”
• “The office did a fantastic job providing social interaction within my practice group and throughout the office. I spent one-on-one time with virtually every attorney and participated in team-building exercises with both the whole office and the summer associates.”

• “It has been very consistent with my summer experience.”
• “The reality of my experience has been largely consistent with my expectations as a summer associate. I am working within the practice group identified in my offer letter and receiving assignments from that group. As expected, my workload increased upon becoming an associate. I also collaborate on projects with attorneys from different practice groups, which has exposed me to a variety of legal issues, laws, regulations, and approaches to addressing client concerns. One aspect I did not anticipate was having direct conversations with clients less than two months into my career. Although I was initially nervous, the trust placed in me by my leadership helped build my confidence and made me feel valued.”

Our summer associate program is designed to provide first- and second-year law students with exposure to many facets of the practice of law. Work assignments are interesting, varied, and parallel the type of assignments handled by our entry-level and junior associates. Summer associates work directly with partners and other attorneys and are exposed to a broad spectrum of substantive practice areas. In addition, summer associates interact with each other across offices and get to know our firm, people, and culture through a unique program of events, pro bono, and substantive training programs, including personal meetings with the firm’s Chairman and CEO and other senior firm leaders. Each summer associate is assigned both a dedicated partner and associate who provide meaningful mentoring and guidance throughout the program and help the summer associate acclimate to the firm. Substantive feedback is provided on a project-by-project basis and on a formal basis at the end of the program.