2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

• “Work was available as each summer associate wanted. This was excellent and allowed each person to explore the firm at their own pace.”
• “They assigned us just enough work to get exposure to whatever we were interested in, but with plenty of time for social events.”
• “Almost all assignments were substantive and worked directly with associates on work that would be included in the final product—very little busy work.”
• “Highly substantive and a good mix of work settings. I was able to work in large teams, to work one on one with partners, and to experience a variety of work. Unlike in many summer programs, I was able to do work across offices."

• “There were many opportunities to interact with attorneys, including both partner and associate mentors, lunches with attorneys, and social events. The camaraderie was high among my summer associate class.”
• “Great summer events well-attended by both associates and partners; healthy balance of encouraging summer associates to attend lots of events but not pressuring summer associates to attend if there was a day that did not work in the summer associate's schedule.”
• “The summer associate program had regular opportunities to interact with firm attorneys and other summer associates with a generous budget to supplement such opportunities. Such opportunities ranged from a lunch at various restaurants of the associate’s choice or organized classes or workshops put on by various local businesses.”
• “There were plenty of social events for us to get to know other firm attorneys and other summer associates. Some were big events, but there were also many smaller ones (cooking classes, painting classes, walking tours, etc.). I had a great time and think very highly of those events.”

• “I was surprised that the friendly and open culture I experienced as a summer associate remained true as I started working. Davis Polk is truly a friendly and happy place to work, despite the work being primary and significant.”
• “Life at the firm is simply a higher volume of work with less of the social schedule of the summer associate. However, the friendliness of team members and fellow lawyers has sustained.”
• “Obviously, busier and a lot more actual work. I have been pleasantly surprised that, as a first year, I have received actual responsibility on deals and am valued as someone who can help the deal move forward.”
• “The hours are obviously longer, and there are fewer opportunities as a junior to interact with partners. That said, I also think I'm developing closer relationships with counsel and senior associates and other juniors.”

• “The partner welcome dinner at the Rainbow Room.”
• “Party at the Central Park Zoo.”
• “My favorite summer event was attending a cheese-tasting event hosted by Murray's and learning about and sampling so many delicious cheeses!”
• “Seeing Company on Broadway.”

The Davis Polk summer program is primarily for students who have completed at least two years of law school and are interested in post-law school employment at the firm. The firm also hires a limited number of first-year students. Summer associates are encouraged to work on matters in the practice areas of interest to them. Two associates coordinate the distribution of work assignments. These coordinators meet with each summer associate on a regular basis throughout the program to discuss areas of interest and they design a realistic and exciting work experience for each summer associate.

Some summer associates have the opportunity to spend four weeks working in an overseas office or split their summer between the New York, Northern California or Washington DC offices. Davis Polk’s summer program offers over 20 formal training and practice area programs. Additionally, the program includes a wide range of cultural and social events.