Reed Smith LLP

• “I helped write various memos that went to clients; I performed research tasks that were critical for client deliverables; I sat through many law firm trainings to ensure I understood law firm economics.”
• “We handled extremely relevant work as summer associates and were actually given an idea of what life as a first year would be like, so I felt very prepared going in. Training and feedback were great and scheduled regularly to ensure we knew where we stood and how to grow.”
• “Summer associates have the opportunity to complete real, substantive assignments. Summer associates are also paired with a writing coach throughout the summer (which I found helpful).”
• “They have a portal for getting assignments, which is extremely helpful in facilitating relationships with partners very early on. I got to do substantive work and, in turn, received substantive feedback.”

• “The social events were well-attended by both partners and associates. We have a wide variety of events each week so there is something that everyone will enjoy.”
• “Social aspects of the summer associate program were phenomenal. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and enjoyable to spend time with. All associates and staff were very friendly, and everyone was happy to help with anything we asked about.”
• “We attended concerts, happy hours, and sporting events. I had lunch with an attorney almost every day of the program. Summer associates had the flexibility of sharing a collaborative working space while, at the same time, having our own office space in case we needed privacy for a matter. This was conducive to bonding with other summers.”
• “The summer class is small, which creates a great feeling of camaraderie, and I consider a lot of my cohort to be friends as well as colleagues. Attorneys and partners are easy to approach and willing to talk about their work and share insight.”

• “Life as an associate has comported with what everyone told me as an associate. It is much busier, but that makes sense and is what everyone told me. If anything, it has been easier adjusting to the first-year rhythm than I initially anticipated.”
• “I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and intentionally we were placed into teams that gave us steady and meaningful work. I thought I was going to have to flounder for a lot longer before I fit into a team and got steady work, especially because my summer was mostly remote, but we were integrated intentionally and efficiently.
• “The summer program had a pool of assignments. It is much harder looking for work in the office as a full time associate.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised at the substantive responsibility I was able to take on early in my career. Furthermore, it surprised me that a lot of partners make time to get to know me as a person. Before we start talking about a matter, we'll just chat person-to-person. I like the work-from-home policy, which offers a lot of flexibility.”

• “My favorite summer events were the progressive dinner, cocktail-making class, and karaoke night.”
• “The legendary Quizzo/trivia night was my favorite. Each summer associate 'drafted' their own six-player trivia team from the attorneys in the office. It was all business as soon as that first question was asked, and the turnout was great!”
• “My favorite summer event was the mini golf event that the summer associates were able to plan and attend with each other. It gave us the opportunity to spend time together without the pressure of being under the microscope of the firm and other attorneys.”
• “We had a dinner at our managing partner's home.”

We seek to offer a professionally rewarding and personally meaningful experience for our summer associates. Our program provides them with a realistic snapshot of associate life at Reed Smith and offers them an experience that reflects our core values, including innovation, excellence and impact. Reed Smith summer associates get to take on client projects in all of the practice areas that interest them. They have the support of partner and associate mentors, as well as the guidance of writing instructors who will help them hone their analytical and persuasive writing skills. Our Summer Academy courses supplement on-the-job training by covering development topics like legal writing, presentation skills, litigation life cycle and transactions training, and the business structure of today's law firm. Social activities serve as another terrific avenue to get to know future colleagues and summer associate classmates. Reed Smith offers a competitive salary and benefits as well as award-winning commitments to DE&I and innovation.