Weil

• “I was assigned a mid-level/senior associate as an assignment coordinator who was responsible for finding assignments within each department that aligned with my interests. In addition to the assignments my coordinator found for me, I also observed a deposition and a virtual hearing—giving me great exposure to what life would be like as an associate at Weil.”
• “I was included on transactions as if I were a member of the deal team and given work assignments similar to what would be given to a first-year associate. There were also weekly trainings held between different practice groups that we were encouraged to attend.”
• “We were able to take on work that we were most interested in. I felt that I was able to get a good sense of the work for each team I rotated through. The work was substantive but not overwhelming. We were given clear instructions and guided when necessary: It was seen as a learning experience in addition to showing off what we could do. The assignment coordinator structure works perfectly in my opinion.”
• “Partners and associates take the time to bring the summer associate up to speed, giving them the context for their work assignments. This not only teaches them about the assignments but also gives summer associates a chance to actually learn what the practice groups do so that they can make informed decisions. Summer associates are also oftentimes invited to sit in on calls, including those with clients.”

• “The summer associate social program was great: There are social coordinators who make sure you are going to lunches and coffees with associates and partners from all over the firm. I am very close friends with people I met through the summer program.”
• “There were weekly social events outside of work hours as well as many informal and formal social opportunities during the work day. Events outside of work included playing in a charity soccer game, going to a Red Sox game, going bowling, doing a duck boat tour, doing a wine-and-painting night, and others. During the work day, there were ample lunch or coffee runs with associates and partners and a structured competition to find the best coffee and smoothie place nearby. I really enjoyed the Red Sox game and the dinners with partners, which allowed more opportunities to get to know the more-senior members of the firm and hear more about their stories.”
• “The summer program was excellent, and the perfect mix of work and social events. I had enough work to do that I got a feel for the practice groups I was rotating through but not so much that I felt compelled to skip out on social events. My favorite event was the Mets game! It was a fun, different place to chat with my peers.”
• “The social aspects were top-notch. There were optional evening events multiple nights throughout the week. The summer class was divided into smaller groups to get to know partners and each other in more intimate settings. Additionally, there were frequent lunches for summers and other events during the day so that everyone could be involved and make meaningful connections.”

• “I've been pleasantly surprised by the support that first years receive. The M&A group isn’t a sink-or-swim environment; they pair us with a mid-level for a few months to help us acclimate. My mid-level has been kind, understanding, and generous with guidance, making it easy to ask questions without stress.”
• “My experience has matched my expectations. The attorneys were clear about the expectations of a junior associate during the summer. It has even exceeded my expectations in terms of the amount of substantive, varied work that I've been able to do so far.”  
• “Nothing has differed from my expectations as a summer associate. I feel like everyone was transparent and honest about what life would look like, something I appreciated. I am surprised that, as a first year, I am trusted to work with our big clients just in the first few months. There has also been more training and check-ins from partners than I expected—those have really helped in the adjustment.”
• “I have done more restructuring work as a litigation associate than I expected, and the group I am in is not as social as I thought it would be, but otherwise my expectations have been met. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people remembered not just me but my interests and background when I came back as an associate.”

Weil’s Summer Associate Program is packed with opportunities to learn and develop. Our commitment to your career begins early and is supported by assignment coordinators, associate mentors, social coordinators, and Summer Program Committee partners. Summers are staffed on active client and pro bono matters and attend client meetings, negotiations, depositions, and court hearings to gain an in-depth view of what it is like to practice law at the firm. The firm offers trainings in depositions, negotiations, and writing, as well as talks with prominent clients, alumni, and firm leaders. Weil also provides numerous opportunities to socialize with partners, associates, and each other.