2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

• “During the summer, summer associates are able to explore the full range of work available at the firm—from litigation, to transactional, to more specialist groups.”
• “Assignments were centrally staffed but determined by your stated preferences. The firm thoughtfully matched summers with their areas of interest while encouraging [them] to try something new. I had frequent check-ins and mentoring throughout the drafting of my assignments.”
• “There were trainings almost every day on all areas of law the firm practices, which were extremely helpful. The assignments I received were typical first-year assignments, and I felt that I had clear instructions and guidance on how to complete them.”
• “We had lots of substantive work. Some people might not want to work at a place that gives the summers a lot of work, since they might want to just have fun, but we did a lot of work, and it was emphasized. It seemed like most summers worked at least three to four hours a day.”

• “More than enough social events, with other summer associates as well as current attorneys and partners. High levels of camaraderie among summer associates, including meaningful friendships. Favorite summer event was either the partner dinner or the farewell event at the Central Park Boathouse.”
• “The firm cultivated a strong sense of belonging and culture. Attorneys were always lined up ready to take a summer associate to lunch or dinner, and most associates and partners were actively involved in the summer social programming.”
• “There were more social events than I could attend. We went to baseball games, Broadway shows, dinners, game nights, and more. Our summer class was large, yet I still felt integrated into the firm and was able to make meaningful connections with my fellow summers and associates.”
• “… Our free time was spent in the associate's lounge or each other's office or just going to grab coffee/tea. The events planned by the recruitment team were always exciting and fun. I only ever had amazing experiences. My interactions with firm attorneys were genuine, and I felt like they truly cared about my career goals.”

• “I came into BigLaw with the expectations that it will be very competitive and you will work with scary people, so you can't trust anyone or make any friends (which is what people usually tell you when you work in a high-stress and high-achieving space). But, like I said, that is 100% not the case here. Work can be stressful and intense (which is expected and, in a way, amazing because you are constantly learning and improving), but you are always surrounded by people who are encouraging you and supporting you.”
• “Impressions comport with my experience so far. I am, of course, entrusted with more substantive work now. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of training provided and the helpfulness of my associate mentor who has supported my transition wonderfully.”
• “I was not expecting to get the variety of assignments I have so early on, which has been a wonderful learning process.”
• “Almost everyone I know was placed in a favorably-ranked practice area (we rank our top three), but some departments can be more competitive depending on market conditions. I immediately started working with partners directly, but that seems to vary by practice group. ...”

Our 10-week summer associate program is an authentic introduction to associate life — with real work, real people, real impact. Summer associates will work on client and pro bono matters while gaining exposure across a variety of practices and receiving structured learning through our Summer Associate Academy. Every summer associate is paired with partner and associate mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the program. We offer competitive compensation, including judicial clerk bonuses.

Our summer associates regularly attend court appearances, client meetings, drafting and negotiation sessions, closings, and departmental lunches and seminars. A full calendar of social events helps you build connections with lawyers across the firm while enjoying some of the best venues near our New York and Washington, DC, offices.

We look for energetic, motivated candidates who demonstrate a high level of intellectual ability and creativity, as well as a strong interest in working in a collegial setting.