Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

• “I got to do real, substantive work and received useful feedback on my writing and research. Training was a mix of seminar instruction (much of it virtual because I was not based in the NYC HQ office) and learning-by-doing; both forms of training were worthwhile, and I did feel like I learned a decent amount. I even got to join meetings with clients.”
• “Assignments were given through a variety of ways, including an online portal and an attorney development manager. This meant we were always busy and given work we specifically wanted. There were trainings most days with everything from practice area overviews to how to handle specific assignments and career development as well.”
• “The work assignments are very similar to the work I have received so far as a first year, so summers will receive an accurate picture of life as an associate. There was frequent training for summers, enough that those who are unsure of their practice group choice will have a good idea of what they will do in each practice group.”
• “Training was significant and included a thorough orientation of the firm, tech and HR trainings, and practice area-specific trainings. Throughout the summer, I was able to try out a variety of assignments from different practice groups, which allowed me to narrow in on which group I'd want to pursue as a career. These assignments included legal research assignments, drafting interview outlines, and running a blackline.”

• “There was a social event almost every night with some highlights including club level at the Nationals game, a golf simulator, and a paint-and-sip. The attorneys are all very social and want to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Doors are always open, and people love helping summers learn and feel comfortable. This applies from partners down to second years.”
• “The social programs were really high-quality. Attorneys were very welcoming at these events, and they served as a backdrop to both grow professional relationships among attorneys and friendships among the summer class.”
• “Social events were well-planned and well-attended by lawyers at the firm, so I felt like I received a fair depiction of life at the firm. As a summer, I was able to talk to many partners and associates and received new projects as a result. Camaraderie among the summer associates was very high. I left the summer feeling like I had made several close friends, many of whom I have continued relationships with even as work has begun to pick up.”

• “The nature of the work was identical to that of a first-year associate. I was also surprised by the amount of contact with partners.”
• “I feel the firm has exceeded my expectations and largely dissuaded some of my fears. Everyone has maintained a positive, warm, and welcoming attitude showing that it is truly who they are and not a show for first years. Work continues to be interesting and engaging, and people continue to take the time to teach and explain when new things come up. We do not use the summer associate portal for actual practice, but we continue to have attorney development managers guide us alongside being reached out to directly by partners.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised that my current experience has been very similar to my summer associate experience. I have the opportunity to work with almost any attorney in litigation, and I have gotten to do interesting work.”
• “The summer experience aligned with my experience so far at the firm: I get to work with a variety of partners. I can seek out the type of work I want to do. The people are great to work with and great mentors in abundance.”

Cadwalader’s summer program offers an opportunity to experience life as an associate. Our summer classes comprise students from various backgrounds and different law schools across the country. There is no formal rotation system for summer associates, and they are encouraged to take assignments from any of our practice groups through our assignment database or directly from attorneys. Dedicated assignment liaisons help filter work to the summer associates and ensure they are receiving assignments from the practice areas of their interest. Each summer is also assigned one partner mentor and one junior associate mentor. We offer a variety of trainings, both from firm attorneys and outside consultants. Numerous social events are planned throughout the summer to encourage summer associates to get to know each other and the attorneys in a setting outside the office.