Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

• “The summer is the only time there is a formal assignment system at Quinn. Even during the summer, we were encouraged to get work organically (through attorney interactions). The assignments were research-heavy but substantive, and attorneys would almost always take the time to explain where your work fit into the litigation process/strategy.”
• “Quinn provided significant substantive assignments. I drafted complaints and sections of appellate briefs, conducted meaningful legal research, and assisted with fact review for a case heading to trial. Training was incorporated into the assignments and felt like an accurate reflection of actual firm work.”
• “Unlike most summer associateships, you actually work during a QE summer. But that also means you get to learn and grow, rather than just enjoy the firm-sponsored events.”
• “Quinn Emanuel has less formal training than other firms, as I gleaned based on speaking to friends at other firms, but overall, I think I got more substantive experience and more direct mentorship.”

• “The summer program includes numerous opportunities to meet attorneys in a variety of events. The firm hike was the highlight of the summer experience as we traveled out of the country to spend a day hiking alongside attorneys from across the firm.”
• “There was a good variety of social events, including movie night, karaoke, baseball game, and wine tasting. Camaraderie among summer associates was excellent.”
• “I liked the level of socializing from the firm. We had at least one event each week, and the events usually included a rotating mix of associates and partners. Our summer class was very collegial, and we generally remain friends.”
• “There were frequent and thoughtfully planned events, including go-karting, a wine tasting, a cooking class, a sailing outing, and a San Francisco Giants game, as well as regular mixers hosted on the office's back patio. We frequently had lunches with the partners in the office as well. The summer associate class in particular was very close-knit. I formed genuine friendships. I often forgot we were coworkers. The combination of strong camaraderie among summers and meaningful, approachable interaction with firm attorneys made the program both memorable and uniquely enjoyable.”

• “I work in the same practice area as I did when I was a summer and have appreciated the level of mentorship and independent work I have been able to take on. Some partners/older associates are maybe a little less physically present in the office year-round than they were during the summer, but I assumed as much with QE’s work-from-anywhere policy.”
• “Way more work than as a summer, and way fewer social interactions.”
• “I was pleasantly unsurprised to find that the autonomy, responsibility, and direct partner interaction I experienced as a summer associate continued seamlessly into my role as an associate, including early opportunities to second-chair depositions and take ownership of substantive work.”
• “The free market system also means that you have to be proactive about work. As a new lawyer, it can be difficult to predict your workflow at first.”

The goal of our summer program is to provide a unique and personalized experience for a small group of top, litigation-focused students. Our exclusive program provides our summer associates with a realistic and thorough perspective of life as an associate at our firm. With partner mentors tailoring assignments to the summer’s preferences and associate mentors providing guidance and friendship, summer associates are fully integrated into case teams from day one and encouraged to share ideas, thoughts, and work product. All summer associates have the opportunity to go to court, attend depositions, and get face time with clients. In addition to receiving exciting professional experience, summer associates are invited to participate in all firm social activities, such as the annual summer party, weekly firm happy hours, and our traditional firm hike.