Foley Hoag LLP

• “I completed a memo to summarize changes in SEC rules, sat in on calls related to deals, and even had a chance to talk on a client call in an area of my expertise.” 
• “Robust training during the first week. Substantive work assignments ranging from research to writing memos.” 
• “I handled substantive assignments related to the closing of certain transactional deals that were similar to tasks assigned to first-year associates. I felt like a valuable member of the team and saw my work included in the final deal deliverables.” 
• “I received a number of assignments across multiple practice areas throughout the summer. The best part was the mini internships within the summer internship, which allowed us to spend a few weeks closely following a partner to see their day-to-day work. I also was able to observe a summary judgment hearing and do legal research and other drafting tasks so that the summer felt well rounded.” 

• “I loved it. Tons of socializing with other junior associates and partners. Got to learn a ton about the different departments and practice groups.”
• “We had so many summer events! For an introvert, the frequency can be a bit overwhelming or tiring. However, don't feel pressured to go. It's all fun.”
• “The attorneys are wonderful and so were my fellow summers. In general, there is a very friendly atmosphere, and the social events were well-attended. People were well-integrated, and the firm made sure to provide equal opportunities to summers across offices.”
• “Summer associates were welcomed with open arms to the firm, and I became very close with my summer associate class through the different social events planned by the firm. Organized and informal events played a big part in making the firm seem like a great place to work, and the buddy associate system (where first- and second-year associates get billable credit to spend time mentoring and training summer associates) was a big success.”

• “My experience practicing has been consistent with what I was told during my summer. I (and as far as I know, everyone else) got my first choice of department. Within the department, I have been able to choose which practice areas I want to work in to the extent practicable. You are given the freedom to choose what you want your practice to be and carve your own niche within the firm.”
• “It was harder to get work in my desired practice area than I expected despite letting the firm know my interest, but the firm does live up to its ‘entrepreneurial’ reputation (i.e., I did manage to find my way to the work I was interested in on my own).”
• “The impressions given during the summer mesh well with my first few months of work. Life is different as an associate than as a summer, but I feel the firm was honest and fair in setting expectations for life as an associate.”
• “The flexibility of an ‘assignment board’ where you can pick and choose assignments no longer exists, although that structure hardly exists anywhere in BigLaw. However, almost everything that I was told about the firm as a summer associate has been carried through to my associate experience. Attorneys are valued and treated like human beings, work-life balance is about as good as it gets in market-scale BigLaw, and the work continues to be intellectually stimulating and substantive. First years are given a lot of immediate responsibility and have the freedom to carve out their own careers with the guidance of partners and business development, who all care deeply about the success of everyone at the firm.”

• “The trivia night is always fun. Last year, we went to a mini golf bar near the office (called Puttshack) that I also enjoyed.”
• “Dumpling-making class; sailing in the evening.”
• “Visiting a chocolate factory.”
• “Joining the softball team!”

Our summer program is designed to allow associates to work on matters of immediate importance to the firm’s clients. We have no rigid work assignment or rotation system. Summer associates can choose their own assignments from a wide range of departments and practice groups. Summer associates receive valuable training from working closely on a day-to-day basis with their supervising lawyers and from prompt feedback on all assignments. We have designed formal training and orientation programs to supplement this hands-on training, and lawyers take primary responsibility for each summer associate—serving as mentors and “buddies”—to offer guidance and counsel. Our summer associates have opportunities to observe experienced lawyers in action, attending depositions, trials, and other court appearances, as well as conferences with clients and opposing counsel. There is also ample opportunity to become acquainted with our lawyers on a more personal level at lunches and informal social events.