Sheppard

• “We were able to work on substantive projects with our assigned practice groups, which helped tremendously in learning what our practice group does day-to-day and how partners and associates expect work product to be and getting an overall sense of what is going to be asked of us as lawyers at the firm. We also received training on specific programs, importantly, the timekeeping software and document storage system.”
• “The work goes through coordinators who make sure that everything is appropriately leveled for summer associates. As such, nothing I was assigned was non-substantive or super dull or monotonous. Similarly, nothing was too challenging, and there was a strong support system on the one or two projects that did go beyond my knowledge and comfort level.”
• “Robust opportunity to do real legal work of the same caliber a first-year associate would be assigned. Each and every one of the associates immediately above me in seniority on these assignments was extremely generous with their time to train and advise me on the specific nuances of a given assignment.”
• “I felt like I was working on real, substantive assignments that moved our cases forward. Associates and partners both would take the time to explain where in the case we were at, why I was doing what I was doing, and the importance of each assignment.”

• “The firm had plenty of summer associate programs, but what I enjoyed best was the breadth of programs. Some social activities were with all practice groups, while some were with only my practice group. Additionally, we had social activities with the Downtown LA office, and the summer program started with a summer associate academy where we had the chance to meet all summer associates across the various Sheppard Mullin offices. Through all of these programs I got the chance to meet a wide variety of my peers, which allowed me to greater understand and appreciate the firm as a whole.”
• “The recruiting team dedicates so much time and effort to the summer associate program, ensuring that the social events are varied to account for different personalities and preferences. I met so many different people at the firm during our summer events, and it was impressive to me that partners and associates alike would take time out of their schedules for social events with summers. It sends a message that summer associates are part of the firm. Also, the summer class is very small, which means that the group became very close knit.”
• “The firm did a great job balancing social events and substantive work for summer associates. Summer events were widely attended by firm attorneys. Our summer associate class also meshed very well; everyone is super friendly and supportive of one another. My favorite summer event was the escape room.”
• “Both the associates and partners were gracious with their time. They took the time to engage with us not only about their work, the firm, etc., but also about ourselves and who we were as people. The summer associates and myself are very close, and it is nice to have a sense of comfort and camaraderie between us.”

• “The biggest difference between my expectations and realities of practice is the range of projects I have been able to work on as a first year. I have worked on matters that I did not expect to work on, including white collar defense, government investigations, SEC filings, and so on. There is great opportunity to work on a variety of projects in the firm, and with the support of other attorneys, I have been able to supplement my main practice area with work from others.”
• “Overall, my experience has aligned closely with my expectations as a summer associate. The firm delivered on its promises regarding substantive work, mentorship, and professional development. While some aspects, such as immediate access to certain practice areas or partners, required more time to develop than anticipated, the firm has provided ample opportunities for growth. A pleasant surprise has been the level of support from senior attorneys and the firm’s commitment to work-life balance, which exceeded my initial expectations.”
• “My experience has exceeded expectations. I am working directly with senior associates and partners on matters and get to work on really thought-provoking assignments. The mentorship is incredible, and everyone works as a team. Also, our paralegals are absolutely amazing. That seriously makes a difference.”
• “Practicing has been different in that the firm is overall a very free market firm when it comes to finding assignments, so it has been a bit of a transition from a summer associate where many assignments are filtered down to you as opposed to you having to seek them out.”

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 will 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 will 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.