Polsinelli

• “Firm had a robust summer associate training program—both broadly and within different departments. Specialized docket system just for summer associates streamlined the work and comment process for feedback and growth. Associates and shareholders provided assignments through the specialized summer associate docket, giving an opportunity to work with lots of associates and shareholders and on a variety of assignments.”
• “The summer associate program provided meaningful, hands-on work across both corporate and litigation matters. Assignments were substantive and closely mirrored the work of junior associates, with clear guidance and feedback. Training sessions were well-organized and helpful in building practical skills while also giving insight into different practice areas.”
• “Work assigned was substantive. I work in a complicated practice group and had a lot to learn, but I felt like I was adequately trained and guided.”
• “Great assignment system that kept a flow of work. Lots of attorneys to check in with and ask questions. Good diversity of work.”

• “The summer associate program was great. We spent time with key partners in the firm at social events, as well as a variety of associates. The summer associate class is still close. We toured Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs), including the locker room and the field, which was a very neat experience.”
• “Great social events, awesome in-office events and lunches, lots of opportunities to mingle with other partners and associates in a social setting.”
• “Social events were frequent, but not too frequent as to be overwhelming. The attorneys were fantastic, and my co-summers are still some of my closest friends at the firm.”
• “We had tons of events that were on the smaller side and gave us real opportunities to get to know the partners. And they weren't sitting there with their laptops. They were present and enjoying the moment, which showed a good side of the firm.”

• “Practicing has been better than my summer experience in the sense that I am getting more substantive work and more responsibility and am learning more about the job itself. There are tons of social and networking events to attend. However, it has been difficult to ramp up and get work. The firm could do a better job of reminding attorneys/partners to coordinate and reach out to first years and help them start getting work.”
• “It's taken several months to build up my hours. As a summer associate, there was an efficient workload allocation system with work coming in from across the firm. Now, I secure work by reaching out to shareholders and associates. It would be nice if there were a more uniform system.”
• “My experience has mostly matched my expectation. I would say the biggest change is how work assignments are done. Most of my work so far has been at random and unpredictable, [with] less instruction than I received as a summer and less time to complete the work.”
• “Way less to do at start of associate time than when a summer associate. Way more face time with the people in my group though. Was lacking a little as a summer, but lots of face time now.”

Summer associates at Polsinelli participate in a ten-week program designed to provide meaningful exposure to substantive legal work across a range of practice areas. Summer associates work alongside associates and partners, contributing to client matters and gaining insight into the firm’s approach to legal problem-solving and client service.

In addition to client work, the program includes structured training, professional development programming, and a robust schedule of networking and social events that support connection and integration across the firm. The summer associate program emphasizes initiative, collaboration, and real-world experience, offering participants a realistic and engaging introduction to law firm practice. Polsinelli also maintains a strong track record of extending full-time offers to summer associates.