Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

• “DPW had a great system where we were able to meet with designated summer coordinators to express our interests in the types of assignments and practice areas we wanted to experience. For all of the assignments I worked on, I felt that I had adequate training and guidance to successfully complete the work required.”
• “The training was plentiful, and the work assignments were interesting. The summer coordinators (associates who are taken off their matters for the duration of the summer associate program to handle staffing summers) were enthusiastic, helpful, and so great! They really made sure to try and match people with opportunities that they were interested in. The tax and corporate immersion programs were super fun opportunities to get a couple days-in-the-life chances to do the work that an associate in different practices would do. They even continued that for our training as first-year associates/law clerks.”
• “The firm provided meaningful opportunities over the summer. The program allowed students to learn more and get assignments on the areas of law that they were interested in. If you asked for an assignment in a particular area, you were likely to get it. Additionally, the assignments that we worked on were real assignments rather than busy work.”
• “Work assignments are to be expected as a summer associate (i.e., not too substantive, pro bono is the best use of time, and assignments don't scare you away). Trainings were super helpful, especially the corporate immersion, which had a great amount of partner exposure.”

• “DPW went above and beyond on its summer program. We had events every week where we could try new things while meeting our fellow summer associates and other attorneys that attended. They were bonding experiences in and of themselves. My favorite summer event was at the Morgan Library, which was a partner event. One of the partners took the time to listen to my interests and thoughts on which practice area to join, and he gave me great advice. It was a beautiful venue with even greater company, making for an overall fantastic event.”
• “The numerous social events throughout the summer fostered a positive environment amongst the summer associate class. All of the firm attorneys that I interacted with were all very kind and wanted to make sure that we were getting the most out of the summer program.”
• “The summer class is big, so there are multiple events each week that you can sign up for and rank in terms of preference. There's a variety of types of events (trapeze class, perfume making, cooking class, cake decorating, and many more), so everyone is really able to find something interesting to them. Most of the events are broken into smaller groups, which provides a nice opportunity to meet other summers.”
• “Incredible summer events. Kendrick Lamar/SZA concert. …Cal Academy of Sciences Museum at night. Winery. High tea. Great interaction with associates. Junior associates especially came out to almost daily coffee and boba chats/lunches/events.”

• “I chose a specialized group, and my expectations have been met regarding the range of deals I work on. One of the things I have been pleasantly surprised by is the amount of training we receive and the willingness of seniors (associates, counsel, and partners) to explain new concepts and issues to me. We have a minimum of three hours of training every week. I have also been pleasantly surprised by the amount of contact I have with clients. My expectation was not to have any client exposure until two or three years in, but I started interacting with clients within three months of starting at the firm.”
• “I expected summer associates to have the lowest level of tasks on the scale of administrative work to legal analysis, so while I knew that first-year associates worked much harder than summer associates, I expected them to be doing tasks that reflected the fact that they are an attorney with more years of experience with the law. I was surprised to find out that first-year associates actually do many administrative tasks that the firm does not make the summer associates do, like scheduling calls or saving and organizing client documents on the firm's record system. I don't think this is unique to Davis Polk, but it was a sobering reality when I first started.”
• “Surprised with how fast I was given substantive work and how early I was able to contribute to the team. Thought there would be more of a ramp-up period. Work is all good, doing awesome things compared to my peers at other firms.”
• “Areas that have been the same: The friendly people and teamwork-driven environment (truly, truly cannot exaggerate how friendly and supportive people have continued to be on every team). The intelligence and impressive work product. The snacks and amenities (and pay). The conversational office environment. Areas that have changed: The workload has (expectedly) risen. The sense of responsibility has dramatically increased from almost nothing during your summer to being really responsible for every case you're on. The socializing has decreased given the uptick in work—less time to grab coffee and chat.”

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.