Sheppard

• “Training is well-managed and pretty standard by this point. The Summer Associate Academy prepared the summer associates well for the general structure of the work and the firm. It was fun to travel and meet the other people at our level across the country. The partner and associate mentors are very available and have their own training preferences for group- and office-specific work. Work assignments were primarily research and drafting with guidance.”
• “I received assignments from about an equal number of partners and associates who I worked with directly. Assignments were varied in nature and included research, discovery, motion drafting, document review, case management, blog writing, and more. I routinely received helpful and constructive feedback from the attorneys I worked with, both formally and informally, and was able to improve upon their suggestions as the summer progressed.”
• “Training was extensive, from formalities (e.g., harassment) to best practices as a summer associate. My work assignments varied, from less substantive assignments such as summarizing depositions to more substantive assignments such as drafting a response to a demand letter. The assignments were not overwhelming, but I felt like I was gaining appropriate experience throughout and not simply here to enjoy social activities, and I appreciate that!”
• “Multiple trainings completed in the first few weeks of the program, including a ‘bootcamp’ in LA in the first week. Given real substantive work that allowed for an understanding of what different practice areas did, but summer workflow coordinators ensured that we were not feeling overwhelmed with work.”

• “The summer events were diverse, ranging from Nationals games to mini-golf to a chocolate-making class. Many of the attorneys participated in the summer events, which was appreciated. My favorite event was the Nationals game and trip to the O Street Museum in DC.”
• “Summer retreat with all the summers was a blast and very well-organized. Houston's office is small…, but people showed up always, along with lunches being set up with every partner and associate in the office.”
• “The summer associate program was a lot of fun and super social. We had events nearly every week, and it really helped me get to know my fellow summers and the attorneys in the office. Every attorney took us out to lunch at least once. My favorite events were paint and sip night and hanging out in box seats at the Giants game; both were great ways to relax and connect with everyone.”
• “My favorite social event was the Eataly cooking class. The summer program consistently had us going to lunch with attorneys who were so nice, approachable, and were really generous with their time. One thing I appreciate about our summer events was how there was never any pressure to drink, and the events never went into the wee hours of the morning. They were fun, but they weren't over the top, and it felt like there was a space for everyone.”

• “They really let you explore your work and grow your practice by allowing you to get your own work from the partners you want to work with.”
• “The work is very different than when I was a summer associate (e.g., more substantive assignments), and the expectation is that you are ready to provide value as soon as possible. Deadlines are also very quick turnarounds.”
• “I thought it was going to be more cutthroat.”
• “More substantive work, but all in line with expectations as I came into the practice group I summered with. Have done a combination of research, drafting, doc review, working with the entire team and am just able to balance my time so far even in such a demanding and high-caliber team. Pleasantly surprised with the trust level partners and senior associates have in a first year like me to use my work for actual drafts of client letters and motions and assign me that in the first place.”

Our summer associate program reflects our commitment to attracting high-achieving law students from a wide array of backgrounds. The program kicks off with the Summer Associate Academy in California, offering a blend of training and networking opportunities before summer associates return to their home offices. 

Summer associates work alongside partners and associates on real client matters and meaningful pro bono work, gaining hands-on experience and enhancing their legal skills. We also provide additional formal training opportunities throughout the summer to further enrich their knowledge. Social events encourage bonding among summer associates as well as with lawyers and the broader firm, promoting our unique community. 

Summer associates return to law school having gained an in-depth understanding of the breadth and caliber of the firm’s work, structure, and culture, and most importantly, realistic insight into life as a first-year associate.