2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE PREMIUM SPONSOR Mayer Brown LLP

• “There was a lot of opportunity for training and work assignments. Partners and associates alike were very open to summers asking for assignments in areas of our interests. Junior associates were very kind and patient in explaining tasks. Partners and associates were also generally happy to provide feedback on more significant assignments.”
• “The work was substantive, and attorneys took the time to explain how my work contributed to the end work product. They gave me thorough feedback and trained me when I didn't know how to complete an assignment. There were consistent check-ins to ensure that my workload was fulfilling without being overwhelming and that it matched my subject area interests.”
• “There were incredible opportunities to work on substantive, high-stakes matters as even as a summer associate. Trainings offered valuable skills and prepared you to excel at the firm without being excessive or redundant.”
• “Worked on real assignments to contribute to the deal. We received training throughout the summer, including expectations, daily tasks, and fundamentals of the practice areas.”

• “The firm planned a very enjoyable summer full of events. Some events were with particular practice groups: mini golf with the bankruptcy group, darts with the finance group, etc. Other events were outside of the office and included a Beyonce concert, a Drake concert, and a White Sox baseball game. I thought these events were a ton of fun and were a good mix of outside-the-office activities and networking opportunities.”
• “There were two to three events per week, including playing pickleball, going to the zoo, attending an Astros game, and doing karaoke with associates. We also got to travel to Chicago and meet the summer associates from other offices. The attorneys were very approachable, and you were given a Starbucks gift card to take them out to coffee.”
• “The firm's summer associate program was exceptional in terms of its social events, interaction with firm attorneys, and camaraderie among summer associates. My fellow associates are now good personal as well as professional friends, our interests and values are highly aligned, and we are all team players. Firm attorneys are open, friendly, and welcoming, and they trust that you provide value to the team. My favorite social event was the boat trip in Maryland.”
• “Every week, the firm hosted a new social event, many of which were well-attended by firm attorneys. I struggle to choose a favorite summer event and am stuck between a winery trip, Go-Karting dressed as Mario characters, the [Summer Associate Academy] in Chicago where I got to meet all the other summer associates, and the Giants game.”

• “Navigating a free market system has its challenges in knowing how to manage workflows from different subgroups, but I appreciate the freedom in experiencing different groups and deal teams.”
• “I was told that the rush of cases starts on day one. It is actually a rather balanced slope to climb. Yes, the workload is getting more important every day, but it is not oppressive or sudden, contrary to what we were led to expect. It is rather nice!”
• “More flexibility to choose practice areas and work with certain partners than I expected.”

• “I have been pleasantly surprised by how understanding the senior attorneys are at Mayer Brown. They genuinely care about the younger associates and do not want to burden them with mindless and pointless fire drills. They value communicating about expectations, capabilities, and bandwidth.”

Our summer associate program is specially designed to aid summer associates in shaping the future direction of their careers in the practice of law by exposing them to day-to-day activities of practicing lawyers. We don’t use a rotation system or assign summer associates to particular lawyers. Instead, they receive assignments based on their preferences. Summer projects involve actual client matters, which provide invaluable hands-on experience, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe or participate in closings, document drafting, client conferences, and negotiation sessions. This multifaceted approach leaves room for summer associates to explore our practice areas, as well as to work with a variety of lawyers. Summer associates are paired with mentors who provide one-on-one guidance and help navigate the ins and outs of law firm life. In addition, summer associates are provided with training and development programs throughout the summer program and attend a Summer Associate Academy together in one of our offices.