Reed Smith LLP

• “Summer associates are given real assignments with real deadlines. Assignments include reviewing discovery, drafting meet-and-confer letters, legal research, and drafting portion of a motion. Summer associates are given lots of substantive training, including training on legal research, brief writing, project management skills, legal ethics, among many others.”
• “The firm provided real work assignments that were shared with clients and provided the opportunity to work on long-term projects that I rejoined when I joined the firm full time.”
• “We received research and writing assignments and were given a writing coach who reviewed all of our assignments after we submitted them. I also was partnered with a firm client to do a research project for them and present my findings.”
• “I got to do a wide array of assignments across different practice groups, which was really enjoyable. A lot of the training for these was learn-as-you-go, but in general, the assigning attorneys were happy to meet and discuss the projects when they began.”

• “Reed Smith had lots of great events throughout the summer. Attorneys took summer associates out to lunches; there were happy hours; and many firm-sponsored activities, such as a Broadway show, Yankee game, bowling, Central Park tour, casino night, self-defense class, etc. The events were a great way to get to know attorneys and have fun! We also had a ‘summers' choice’ event where the summer associates got to plan our own event to bond. We chose a boat cruise around the statue of liberty and karaoke.”
• “The social events were very fun and relaxed, and lots of people attended! My summer associate class was very close and [most] of us are still with the firm. My favorite summer event was actually a firmwide virtual contest where we competed against other offices to complete tasks.”
• “My favorite summer event was called ‘dine around.’ The firm split us into groups of people that spanned practice groups. Each ground went to a different restaurant around the city. It was a great way to get to know attorneys that I have not worked with and learn more about them.”
• “Summer activities include cooking classes, associates’ night out, sporting events, golf tournament, sailing event, bowling, pottery, etc.”

• “I think the difference is just the ability to get staffed on matters when you first start. We come in at an awkward time of the year, so most people are already deeply into their matters. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the willingness of people to train and mentor us throughout the first few months. Everyone was willing to take the time to talk me through things that I was uncertain of.”
• “The summer program has a central assignment coordinator. Our actual system is free market.”
• “I think that the teams are a lot more egalitarian than I originally thought. And the partners are all willing to mentor and be involved in your development.”
• “There's a lot more trial-by-fire, which I think is a good thing. Older attorneys are readily available and willing to give feedback, but they often give you the time to figure it out yourself first.”

We value collegiality and diversity among our lawyers and seek to make the practice both professionally and personally rewarding. Our program is designed to provide summer associates with a realistic snapshot of associate life within our firm. Reed Smith summer associates will have an opportunity to take on client projects in all of the practice areas that interest them. They will 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. Reed Smith’s Learning & Development Summer Academy courses will supplement on-the-job training by covering development topics like cost-effective research methods and the business structure of today's law firm. A myriad of social activities will serve as another terrific avenue to get to know future colleagues and summer associate classmates. Reed Smith offers a competitive salary and benefits. Reed Smith is an equal opportunity employer.