2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Simpson Thacher

• “I was staffed on real deal teams and worked on deliverables that ultimately went to the client.”
• “The training was very solid, and work assignments allowed us to practice what we learned.”
• “The firm does a great job allowing summers to receive a substantive project or assignment in any practice area that they are interested in in order to best expose them to life at the firm and also help them decide which area of law they would most like to practice.”
• “Deal and matter assignments were well thought out and prepared ahead of time, weekly check-ins were had to monitor workloads, plenty of trainings and group introduction meetings.”

• “There were multiple social events per week, and firm attorneys (both associates and partners) were engaged with and incentivized to engage with summer associates, whether it was via firm-sponsored lunches, coffees, or dinners or through the more formal mentorship channels and events.”
• “The firm emphasizes its collegial environment, and that is felt throughout the summer associate program. There is a great balance between events with only the summer class and events with other associates and partners.”
• “We had a variety of amazing events; some were more intimate while others were open to the entire firm. I loved that we had a relatively small summer class (~11 people) because that allowed us to build strong relationships with each other and the associates.”
• “The social events were great and always had a good mix of summers, associates across various levels, and partners. I was able to meet a lot of the people I work with now, which made the transition to working in the fall extremely easy.”

• “The summer flowed into the experience as an actual practitioner well. The summer was a great way to meet people at the firm and establish real connections while also receiving substantive work and opportunities to learn about the work in general. It gave great confidence when coming back as a first-year associate and was easy to ease back into the firm environment.”
• “I believe my expectations were fairly accurate about what to expect—all it takes is for folks to observe the full-time associates to understand what an average work day looks like and what to expect. The firm doesn't make promises or set expectations that are not realistic.”
• “I've been surprised at how kind and thoughtful the associates and partners with whom I work have been. I'm also pleasantly surprised at the amount of substantive work I have been able to handle as a junior associate.”
• “Although not unexpected, it was a sharp difference between the hours and intensity of the work practicing at the firm as a first year and my experience as a summer associate. There have not been unrealistic promises or impressions. I am, in fact, pleasantly surprised by how much training and handholding I receive as I transition from a new grad to an employee, and the hours are actually quite good for BigLaw.”

• “All-expenses-paid Disney trip, night at the Magic Castle in LA, nights out with seniors.”
• “The boat cruise, Yankee game, Shakespeare in the park, and ping-pong night at SPIN were the best events.”
• “Lunches, boat party, happy hours.”
• “Family party at the zoo. Boat cruise.”

Being part of the summer associate program at Simpson Thacher presents an unparalleled professional and social experience. Our summer associates become part of the firm upon arrival and are active team members on our most challenging and complex matters. Summer associates experience firsthand how Simpson attorneys work collaboratively alongside our clients to achieve their goals. The summer is filled with professional development opportunities, including mentoring programs and a comprehensive training curriculum. We are committed to integrating our summer class in every way possible and supporting our summer associates as they begin to immerse themselves in the culture of Simpson. There are too many social events to list, but there is undoubtedly something for everyone—from the Shakespeare lover to the ultimate foodie. Summer associates depart for their third year of law school having sampled various practice areas and knowing what being a Simpson lawyer really means.