Perkins Coie LLP

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Perkins Coie LLP Mentors

• “The summer associate program was very substantive. The work assignments were real, albeit with deadlines that allowed me to take my time and undergo many levels of review. There was training on research, writing, and other firm tools and resources available.”
• “Summer associates are given substantive assignments that give them insight into what working at the firm may feel like. As a summer associate, I was allowed direct contact with a client and was able to work on meaningful research and write legal arguments.”
• “A mix of substantive work and state law surveys. The work was an opportunity to learn from talented associates and partners. I contributed to briefs and developed resources that are still in use at the firm.”
• “I received hands-on training from high-level partners at the firm and always felt that I could go to anyone to ask questions or interact socially. I had a great experience. The work was challenging and fulfilling, and I felt like I was part of a team.”

• “Good class size, smaller than average but not too small; it was the right size for the firm to focus on you and for you to get more interaction/engagement. Good balance of sporting events, networking, and fun events like a cooking class.”
• “The social events were not as fancy as other law firms, but they were still fun. In fact, I liked not having to spend all my time over the summer at the firm doing social events. Football games, baseball games, and art and cooking classes were all great. It wasn't overbearing. The summer associates all got along well, and attorneys took time to get to know us.”
• “We had several events. Sporting events or game nights were great fun. Firm turnout to the events was lackluster, but there were enough events to make up for it.”
• “The social aspects were great, and I am still close to the class I summered with. The events helped me meet attorneys at the firm and get a sense of the culture. Everyone was friendly, open, and helpful.”

• “I think I was prepared for the difference since I knew the summer experience is mainly an introduction to a firm. As an associate, what can be a challenge is constantly reaching out to find work. It's a juggling act, but I was told multiple times that first years usually don't meet the hours requirement, so I feel okay knowing that there isn't a looming punishment unlike some other firms. I am thankful that first and second years are able to do unlimited pro bono work that counts towards our billable requirement.”
• “I expected that I would be shoe-horned into work [in my practice area], but the model of the firm really does let you choose your own work and build your own practice.”
• “The reality of finding billable work was a bit of a surprise to me. Not the inability to find it but the need to manage my time by not taking on too much so I can do my best work. It's a constant juggling game, but I think that's the situation most attorneys find themselves in. I have been surprised that I've been able to immediately work with one of the top attorneys in our firm nationwide. It has been an incredible mentoring experience. I feel like I am surrounded by geniuses and am baffled by how I ended up here sometimes. It's very cool.”

Perkins Coie's summer associate program provides varied work and training opportunities as well as social events designed to promote interaction among summer associates, attorneys, and business professionals. Our summer associate program is our primary source of junior associate hires. Summer associates work on a wide range of challenging legal assignments similar to those given to new associates, which typically include legal research, analysis, and drafting. Summer associates are commonly invited to attend depositions, mediations, deal closings, client meetings, trials, and other professional activities and events. They are welcome and encouraged to work on pro bono projects.