Benesch

• “All of the work I was given as a summer associate was real, meaningful client work. I also regularly received good instruction and feedback.”
• “Benesch offers a robust summer associate program where students work on projects across practice areas, submitted through a formal portal or attorney connections. Assignments include substantive work comparable to that of junior associates, shadowing opportunities, and a capstone project focused on negotiating a deal and preparing for a deposition.”
• “Work assignments while I was in the summer associate program at Benesch were substantive and tied directly to some of the biggest cases at the firm. Notably, I was able to complete assignments for attorneys in various practice areas and in multiple practice groups, which allowed me to home in on my interest in litigation.”
• “We were encouraged to try every practice area that was of interest to us. Training continued throughout the summer with work assignments delegated through an online portal. We were also encouraged to take partners and associates out to coffee and lunch to learn more about their work, ask for assignments, and create relationships.”

• “The social events far exceeded my expectations. We were given many formal opportunities to connect with members of the firm throughout the summer, and the career development team provided us resources to optimize our networking opportunities. The firm also encouraged less formal structured interactions, such as getting lunches with smaller groups of attorneys.”
• “The program features multiple weekly social events with strong attorney participation, offering an informal setting for students and attorneys to connect. These include activities such as cooking classes, kickball games, and dinners.”
• “All of the programming through the summer program was engaging and attended by a variety of attorneys at the firm. Some of my favorite events included an evening of ping-pong, an evening baseball game at Wrigley Field, a murder mystery dinner, and a cooking class. Each was well-organized and well-attended.”
• “The social events were truly so varied and inclusive. There was definitely something for everyone, and each practice group made a genuine effort to get to know the summers and help them find the group that might be for them. The summer class had great bonds and continues to be friends into our first year, beyond our practice groups. My favorite summer events included the litigation department regatta and Catalina wine mixer (with karaoke to follow), as well as any visits to a local private club, the Shoreby Club.”

• “I am now firmly entrenched in completing work in a single department, but the variety of work in that department remains high. I was pleasantly surprised by how receptive partners are to new ideas on projects and the amount of creative flexibility associates are given on projects. Everyone works hard and is kind and very willing to help.”
• “... With [the firm] growing so quickly, there have been certain growing pains and adjustment of culture. Therefore, I would say the biggest change has been the approach to work-life balance. Aside from that, I have been pleasantly surprised by the kindness, warmth, and willingness to teach from all the partners and associates I have worked with thus far.”
• “Benesch has given me several opportunities to work on assignments that would usually be done by third- or fourth-year associates (with the proper supervision). This, along with the traditional first-year tasks, has helped me continue to push to do more challenging work and progress my career.”
• “I have no negative surprises. I was, however, very surprised by how partners genuinely interacted with my summer work. ... Because I had a strong performance as a summer associate, I was trusted with tasks beyond those of a typical first year in the first few months on the job, which has led to incredible opportunities and expedited learning. It has been challenging but rewarding, and I know I would not have been trusted in such a strong way at most other firms so early in my career.”

Benesch’s 10-week summer associate and 1L programs offer a true glimpse into life at the firm, with opportunities across our Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, New York, Wilmington, and San Francisco offices. Summer associates work directly with attorneys on meaningful matters across our 10 core practice areas and pro bono, gaining early responsibility and exposure to lawyers across the firm. Our program provides substantive work alongside real-time feedback, a structured evaluation process, and comprehensive training. Through our “summer foundations” series, mock depositions and negotiations, and a multilevel mentoring program, you will build the skills and relationships that support long-term success. Summers may also immerse themselves in firm culture initiatives, including our Associate Development Committee and Employee Resource Groups. At Benesch, you will find a collaborative, growth-oriented culture that extends well beyond the summer. Whether you are starting your career or joining as a lateral, we invest in your development at every stage.