Goodwin

• “Good substantive assignments that were discrete enough to see them all the way through. Training from partners all the way down to first years.”
• “I had meaningful interaction with the firm's attorneys and even a client for one of the assignments. The assignments were interesting, and the attorneys took time to provide meaningful feedback.”
• “Substantive work assignments interesting for summer associates are absolutely available. The firm takes these opportunities very seriously and likes to use summers to really get into the weeds on existing and new matters.”
• “We received substantive work in connection with ongoing deals and client work, which was supplemented by training on various practice groups.”

• “The firm offered great social events throughout the summer. We had at least one event each week for summer associates as well as other events hosted by the various practice groups at the firm. These events were well-attended by attorneys and professional staff and were a great early opportunity to build relationships at the firm.”
• “There were a lot of very well run and well attended social events. In addition to firmwide socials, each practice group also held their own socials that were really fun—examples being events at breweries, ping-pong bars, darts club, restaurant with outdoor venue, Red Sox games at Fenway, etc.”
• “The informal interactions with attorneys were wonderful. Invitations to subsidized informal coffee chats and lunches were met with enthusiasm by attorneys at all levels. The formal programming occasionally was half-baked, but a lot of the events (Mets Game, The Weeknd concert) were incredibly fun and well attended by attorneys. There was great camaraderie amongst the summer class.”
• “Our summer associate class was incredibly close, and we worked very well with each other. I think because we were so close, sometimes we didn't prioritize getting to know firm attorneys quite enough. That being said, I am very content with the amount of contact that I had with all of the attorneys at the firm.”

• “No material difference because I knew the summer program was designed to make everyone happy and excited about joining the firm, and the life of a full-time associate would be much less enjoyable. This applies to all big firms, and law students should just enjoy their summer programs and come back with more realistic expectations.”
• “The structure just feels different—not in a good or bad way. I think, as a summer, I interacted with senior attorneys directly a lot more. As a junior, I find that most of my hands-on training comes from mid-level attorneys. It's kind of nice having a go-between. Also tends to lower the pressure a bit, as a mid-level associate is less far-removed from the junior associate's position—knows what we don't understand, etc.”
• “I think more interaction with junior associates who could speak candidly about their first/second years at the firm, what to expect as a junior, how to stand out, would have been nice. There is a steep learning curve, and I think it's hard to portray that to summers who are still adjusting to the firm's culture.”
• “I think my expectations were pretty realistic. I knew that this job was going to be a slog, a lot of work, and would not always be fun. I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the work has been so far and how much I like my coworkers.”

• “The Weeknd concert; lobster boat cruise; karaoke night; smaller group events—the Edge and happy hour at Tiffany's.”
• “Taking a ferry to the Converse store to make shoes.”
• “Topgolf, wine tasting, or build your own terrarium.”
• “Orientation in HQ (Boston), Topgolf, Winery event, practice group luncheons or dinners in Silicon Valley or San Francisco.”

Boston; Los Angeles; New York; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Santa Monica; Silicon Valley; or Washington, DC. Gaining real-world experience is critical as you begin your journey as a lawyer. At Goodwin, we provide summer associates with the resources and tools necessary to provide best-in-class client service from day one. We provide you with a robust training and professional development program, while also giving you the opportunity to explore your personal career aspirations. Through various work assignments, pro bono projects and client interactions, Goodwin gives you the guidance necessary to bridge the gap between law school and the start of your legal career. 

What sets Goodwin apart is our people. Summer associates have the opportunity to witness our unique culture firsthand through mentorship programs, social events, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In addition to helping you chart your course, we provide summer associates with the opportunity to network and collaborate with lawyers, as well as our Global Operations (GO!) Team, who work diligently to help you succeed both personally and professionally.