Foley & Lardner LLP

• “I was entrusted with substantive work relating to a whole manner of cases. Foley did an excellent job of making me feel like part of the team. I was able to be on phone calls with clients and was entrusted with important legal research questions, as well as drafting significant portions of motions and pleadings before the court.”
• “I received interesting substantive assignments and helpful feedback throughout the summer. There were also great training opportunities on substantive law and legal writing.”
• “Very in-depth national training program, plenty of resources and training on how to use them, and substantive work that wasn't completely over my head but was still challenging.”

Social Opportunities

• “Foley was very active in offering social events and group activities involving summer associates, as well as attorneys of all levels at the firm. The attorneys encouraged participation (and participated), and it was a great way to not only meet and interact with others in our summer class, but also attorneys or varying levels in a variety of disciplines.”
• “My firm went above and beyond here. I received many gifts in the mail, such as fresh cookies and a Yeti mug with the firm logo. A number of events were organized that involved the summer associate and mentors only, the attorneys in my office only, and even attorneys in my practice group (that were in different offices) only. I was able to get a feel for the different dynamics, which was very helpful.”
• “I had a great experience with the social aspects during my summer even though it was fully remote due to the pandemic (2020). Foley was well prepared to handle the remote setting and planned lots of great online experiences like a collaborative escape room and various team games that we all enjoyed.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “My experience working as a first-year associate is very similar to my experience as a summer associate, except I feel like people are busier and are less inclined to preemptively sit down and give feedback unless you ask. Whenever I ask for feedback or ask questions about my work though, people are happy to explain and never make it seem like a burden.”
• “No real differences or unexpected surprises. The summer associate position provided a good opportunity to see what was coming down the pipeline as a first year at the firm.”
• “Everything has exceeded expectations—I have found that partners are a lot more accessible than I was expecting, and the training and support I have received since starting was much more than I thought I would be receiving.”

Favorite Summer Events

• “I enjoyed the scavenger hunt the most. During the national retreat, the firm broke the summers into groups of folks from different offices and we had to collaborate on a Chicago history-themed scavenger hunt. It was fun and informative, and served as an excellent icebreaker.”
• “I loved our end of summer all-firm event. We rented out Nightshift Brewing and had multiple food trucks on site. I also enjoyed being a part of the firm's softball team.”
• “Virtual wine tasting. The firm shipped us five bottles of wine and we had a virtual tasting with the winery owner in Napa Valley.”

For more than 175 years, we have deeply committed ourselves to offering law students an environment rooted in integrity, camaraderie, thought leadership, innovation, diversity, stewardship, and professional satisfaction. Our summer associate program strikes a balance between substantive work experience, opportunities for professional development, and social activities in and around the cities where we host summer programs. Our popular Foley Academy training program is designed to provide practical pointers not necessarily covered in law school curriculum, aimed at positioning our summer associates for a successful and rewarding career. The summer program features a summer associate retreat, bringing together the summer associate class from around the country for an interactive, three-day program. At the retreat, our summer associates are introduced to firm leadership and learn more about the firm’s vision and strategy, as well as associate life, pro bono initiatives, our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and much more. Social events have included a rooftop Cubs game, interactive cooking events, scavenger hunts, and a ping- pong tournament.