Ballard Spahr

• “Trainings were relevant to a first-year associate and spread out throughout the summer.”
• “We had a portal of assignments that was consistently updated. We also had multiple trainings per week, which permitted us to meet many associates and partners.”
• “The summer associate program had structured, formal trainings throughout the summer. We also received individual, informal training on how to complete an assignment from the assigning attorney. Each assignment was substantive, billable work. I also had the opportunity to work on pro bono matters. Lastly, we had the freedom and opportunity to seek out work from any department or team.”
• “The summer associate program allowed us to try a wide range of matters, which was really helpful for those of us who were still deciding which practice group we wanted to join. Not only did I work on assignments that were genuinely substantive but I also had shadowing opportunities and even met clients during my summer. The assigning attorneys took a lot of time and care to answer questions and provide feedback.”

• “Acceptable number of social activities without being overwhelming. The number of structured activities left enough time for informal networking and substantive work.”
• “The other summer associates and I had lunch or coffee with a different attorney almost daily. The office hosted various social events such as group dinners and happy hours throughout the summer.”
• “There is clearly a strong selection process for the associates and partners who are involved in the summer program. Every attorney we talked to, from second years to senior partners, were all genuinely interested in us, helpful, and engaging."
• “The program is full of fun and creative social events, both during the work day and after work. The events had great attendance from both the summers and the firm attorneys. The summers in my class got along very well and bonded quickly.”

• “I would say the biggest difference is that the work I have now is more substantive than the work I had as a summer associate. I expected this difference in work and have enjoyed doing more substantive assignments.”
• “I have even more responsibility than I thought I would.”
• “Summer program was honest insofar as it gave an accurate picture of firm life.”
• “My experience as a first year has been pretty much exactly what I was expecting based on my summer experience (which I'm happy about). Everyone made clear over the summer that the workload would fluctuate, with some demanding periods, but overall, there is still more than enough room for good work-life balance, and everyone is willing to offer advice and feedback.”

• “All the events were great, but the ‘prediction run,’ where everyone picks a distance to walk/run and guesses how much time it will take them, was my favorite. It was one of the first events of the summer, and the barbecue after was the first time the firm really felt like a big group of friends rather than just colleagues.”
• “Juggling instruction.”
• “The Phillies game! It was a great opportunity to connect with Ballard attorneys and other summer associates in an open, relaxed environment.”
• “Ballard on Broadway.”

The Summer Associate Program is the primary source for recruiting first-year associates at Ballard Spahr. The program provides a strong foundation of key skills, experiences, and relationships that will allow our summer associates to launch successful careers at the firm. Summer associates receive significant on-the-job training. They do meaningful work, participate in pro bono projects, develop mentor relationships with associates and partners, interface with clients, and have at their disposal a range of innovative training programs and valuable networking opportunities. They work side-by-side with attorneys and attend department and practice group meetings throughout the summer. A highlight of our program is the annual firmwide Summer Associate Retreat, when summer associates from every office travel to Philadelphia for training, networking, and social events. This experience promotes the development of relationships with colleagues across all practices and office locations.