2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Shearman & Sterling LLP

Training & Assignments

• “Looking back now with some experience, I can recognize that I was given substantive assignments typical of that of a first- or second-year associate during my summer program. The experiences I had during my summer program effectively prepared me for a smooth transition to life as a first-year associate.”
• “There was at least one training per week, and the assignments were similar to the tasks that I am asked to do as a junior associate.”
• “It was a great experience. I was able to work on substantive matters and meet partners/associates.”
• “The firm gave me substantive work, and my mentors were always amenable to answering any questions I had and took time to thoroughly explain assignments.”

Social Opportunities

• “I had a virtual summer program in 2020, but the firm tried very hard to have many virtual events, mixers, and meetings, as well as sending us gift packages.”
• “Good camaraderie, everyone seemed to enjoy being together, and all the summer associates got along and stayed in touch.”
• “Despite being fully remote, I appreciate the recruiting team's efforts to put on regular sessions to help the summer associates get to know each other. I recognize that it was a new terrain for them to navigate and applaud their efforts.”
• “We were the COVID class, but the firm managed to create fun social experiences for first years to connect. We even attended a magic show remotely.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “I was given the practice group that I had requested. I also have been able to work with partners with whom I enjoy working, and [I] am given a wide variety of different assignments based on my preferences. I appreciate the personal touch that my partners and counsel give to ensuring that I am working toward the best work-life balance possible.”
• “The work was on par with the things I am doing as a junior associate. As a summer associate, the volume of work is obviously much less, but this was communicated to us. People were just as collegial as they appeared during our interactions when I was a summer associate.”
• “The team I worked with over the summer was the team that hired me full time. The work is substantively the same, and the expectations are the same as well.”
• “No one misled me as a summer associate at Shearman; your summer is for you to skim the surface of different kinds of work, and for the firm to audition you as much as you are auditioning to the firm. There is much more work to be done once you come back full-time, but that was carefully telegraphed.”

Favorite Summer Events

• “The magic show was by far my favorite.”
• “Bingo game where the bingo consists of past experiences of the summer class. It was a great way to get to know my peers, and acknowledge and appreciate our past accomplishments.”
• “Various happy hours and activities to get to know the attorneys outside the office.”
• “The terrarium building event.”

We seek candidates who are bright, confident, and enthusiastic about the practice of law and bring with them life, work, and educational experiences that will be highly valued by clients and colleagues alike. We also remain strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and overall excellence in our hiring. Finally, we expect that our associates will view collegiality, teamwork, and commitment to client service as important personal and firm values.