Dechert

• “The assignment system was great since it allowed me to try various assignments across the practice groups I was interested in. It also allowed an equal share of work across the summers, so no one’s plate was disproportionately heavy or light. Throughout the summer, there were substantive trainings to help with completing assignments as well as general professional development training.”
• “Summer associates receive substantive work assignments in financial services and litigation, as well as multiple pro bono matters. Attorneys are willing to explain assignments and technology hurdles in detail to expedite the learning curve. Dechert invests significantly in training for junior associates. We feel more comfortable taking on assignments compared to juniors at peer firms who go in blind and figure it out for themselves.”
• “There were many work assignments that were substantive with both centralized training and on-project training.”
• “Training and assignments were well-organized. The firm took our interests into account when making assignments, and associates and partners were available to answer questions.”

• “They organized a great array of social programming, which helped connect the summer class and the attorneys at the firm. Generally, most were casual and involved an interactive/engaging activity (casino night, ping-pong competition, cocktail-making class), but there were a few more formal affairs (sit-down dinners, house gatherings). I felt like I left with great connections and relationships to set me up for success when I returned.”
• “Dechert holds events at their U.S. offices for all incoming summer associates and first-year associates. I made strong connections with several colleagues at these events, and I continue to work on matters across offices. It bears emphasizing that everyone at Dechert is kind compared to attorneys in general. I'm not sure how this culture came about, but it is tangible.”
• “The social events were great. We had about two or three per week, and attorneys would show up to each event. It was a good way to network and to learn more about the firm. The events also fostered camaraderie amongst the summers.”
• “The firm did a great job of planning weekly social events and including summer associates in the social events of the firm.”

• “In many ways the summer program extended into the first year in that we have been placed in pools. We are able to choose work based on various practice groups and learn more broadly.”
• “In between my summer associateship and starting at the firm as a fall associate, the firm changed from assigning first years to practice groups right away to a broader pool system where new associates are assigned to either the litigation pool or the transactional pool for the first two years. I was apprehensive when that was announced, but in practice, it hasn't affected my ability to get work in my preferred practice area, and I can see where the centralized system has saved me from getting added to matters that I don't have capacity for.”
• “It hasn’t changed much. Partners are just as approachable, there are frequent trainings and social events, and many of the associates that I worked with are still at the firm. Even though there has been some turnover, it’s clear that attorneys [want to stay] at the firm.”
• “More training and support than I anticipated.”

As a summer associate at Dechert, you will discover what it’s like to work at one of the world’s most respected and dynamic firms. From day one of the program, you will build your network when you join us in New York to meet your summer associate colleagues from around the United States. When you return to your home office, we will offer you challenging assignments working on the most sophisticated matters in the legal market. You will have the opportunity to take real responsibility on substantive work for clients and will be introduced to our award-winning pro bono program. Our collaborative culture and busy social calendar will help integrate you into our community, and our dedication to mentoring and industry-leading training programs will ensure your success. Most of all, you will get a realistic view of practicing law in a leading global firm and see what makes us Dechert.