Sidley Austin LLP

• “There was sufficient training provided for different practice groups that we expressed in. We received real assignments, not just mock.”
• “We had an assignment waiting for us when we arrived, and then it was a free market system.”
• “The senior attorneys in the practice group gave presentations to teach the banking and financial services summer associates about their respective client work and substantive areas of the law.”
• “I was immediately put on substantive assignments, received constructive and helpful feedback, and felt that both partners and other associates were making substantial contributions to my training.”

• “Plenty of planned social activities, both in the office and outside the office; associates and partners were always willing to make time to grab lunch or coffee; camaraderie was emphasized and encouraged with randomized summer associate-only weekly lunches.”
• “Events were consistently planned that touched upon various interests. Attorneys were usually willing and eager to mentor, converse, and help. The entire summer class was collegial and kind. We had fun and grew together.”
• “Many social events! Summer events were well-attended by the summer associates and by attorneys at the firm. Great way to get to know people.”
• “The camaraderie among summer associates was very strong. I enjoyed the events and thought they were well-organized and attended. There were a good number of events—two or three every week.”

• “I was pleasantly surprised to find out my practice group has a very effective workload distribution system for first- and second-year associates. While I can’t specialize or choose to work with certain partners, I am getting a well-rounded experience. I also don’t have to deal with the stress of finding work on my own, and I don’t feel a sense of competition amongst other first-year associates.”
• “Truthfully, my experience as a full-time attorney have been just as pleasant as my summer experience. Of course, as a full-timer, deadlines are more real and the work carries more import, but the supervising attorneys and peers are just as cordial and polite as they were when I was a summer. The emphasis on teaching and mentorship that I felt as a summer is still very much present, though it comes in different forms given the volume of work.”
• “Sidley was very open and honest about how working as a full-time associate would be—there were no big surprises.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly they are teaching us and allowing us to get hands-on experience working on deals.”

• “Seeing Six, the musical, at the CIBC Theater.”
• “Attending a Cubs game!”
• “Disneyland, Magic Castle, Crypto Arena basketball game.”
• “Pickleball tournaments, curling, many of the dinners; it was all great.”

When you are at the top of your game, you have options. The challenge is choosing a law firm that will provide you with the resources and critical work experience that will help take your career to the next level. Sidley does just that. Our summer program offers students the best of both worlds: the prestige of working at an elite AmLaw firm with $3.1 billion in revenue coupled with the cultural heritage that comes with 158 years of legal experience. Summer associates will work on a variety of assignments — billable and pro bono — while collaborating with elite lawyers from many different nationalities and backgrounds, and who speak more than 80 languages. You will be given a comprehensive view of the firm’s 50+ practice areas, working on substantive matters for high-caliber clients, including the 68 Fortune 100 companies we served in 2023. Through a robust professional-development curriculum, you will have access to comprehensive continuing education, skills training, career-development, and well-being resources.