Crowell & Moring

• “The program offered extensive training sessions that were informative and practical. These workshops covered crucial areas such as legal research and writing. Assignment-wise, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in multiple practice areas. Importantly, the projects were real billable projects akin to what I would get as a first-year associate. So I got to see what it would be like as a first-year associate.”
• “There were research and writing trainings monthly. The assignments were substantive and were similar to assignments given to first-year associates.”
• “The firm provided substantive assignments that were actually used by attorneys in their matters. The training was great, though the best training was doing the projects and getting feedback, which the firm encouraged for each project.”
• “Assignment system was open, could take assignments from any practice group. This allowed me to try out things from a broad array of areas I didn’t expect to work in. ... Assignments were substantive and dynamic, and even clued me in to new areas of the law that I wanted to pursue after graduation.”

• “I also appreciated that the non-HQ summers were all flown into DC for a summer associate retreat/boot camp; I think Crowell is exceptional with this kind of training and community-building.”
• “There was a social event every week, and they tried to get different attorneys to attend each one, in addition to the regularly scheduled social events, so it was very easy to meet all of the different attorneys. I felt like I knew most of the office (and many from other offices) before I even started full-time.”
• “We have smaller class sizes which leads to close-knit bonding and opportunities to get to know firm attorneys well.”
• “Absolutely great. Went to great restaurants, met tons of people at the firm, and had a great sense of camaraderie with the other summers. We got to go to a DC United game, which was personally my favorite and the most fun.”

• “Initially, I anticipated having more flexibility in choosing specific practice areas. While there is some room for exploration, the firm's needs often dictate assignments, which can limit choice. On the positive side, I've been pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility and trust placed in associates early on. The firm encourages taking initiative, which has accelerated my professional development. Additionally, the collaborative culture has exceeded my expectations, fostering a supportive environment for me to grow.”
• “I'm pleasantly surprised by how much responsibility and agency I have. Teams are small, and I feel as though I’ve been getting third- to fifth-year experience as a first and second year.”
• “I thought the social events would end after the summer program. Instead, there was more social events after the program then during the program.”
• “I feel like being full-time attorney at Crowell & Moring was exactly what I expected based off the summer program and hearing from the experiences of attorneys. I connected with the new associates a lot, and them sharing their experiences helped me avoid any big surprises.”

Crowell’s summer associate program is an introduction to what it’s really like to be a lawyer here. The work, training, and social events provide a great idea of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Our program provides opportunities for growth and development, and for summer associates to demonstrate how their talents and perspective will enrich our community. Work is assigned by staffing coordinators based on the practice interests of the summer associate. Each summer associate is also asked to work on at least one pro bono project. Crowell summer associates participate in a robust training program where they are introduced to firm leaders and practice groups, learn about different career paths of firm lawyers, and participate in interactive skill building programs. We have fun too! Activities are designed to introduce summer associates to lawyers and professional staff, build a class community, and get to know the city.